Anyone using .380 as primary carry?

[otis24]

Not looking to start a caliber war. Just curious if anyone else feels that the new bullet designs and increased capacity make the .380 sufficient for primary carry.

I'm thinking that my new CCW will be a Ruger LCP Max with Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator or Extreme Defense. Will purchase one with a 12 rd mag or buy a 12 rounder after the fact.

 

[ameridaddy]

Been carrying Sig P238 .380 alternating with its slightly bigger brother P938 9 mm about 10-11 years now. After ~2,000 rds, no problems using good factory hollow point ammo in 7 rd mags with pinky extension, use Buffalo bore flat point in winter for penetration.
I feel modern ammo in 380 is more than adequate in return for a very concealable, shootable package.
I just want to protect myself, not engage in combat, and with such a light, flat package, it's no problem carrying everywhere, all the time without a second thought about too lumpy, too heavy, etc. No excuses, I will and do carry that gun.

 

[hoytx10]

Pocket carrying a 380 is the easiest way to carry, don’t leave home without it!

 

[leadhead2]

With the ammo design they have today, I wouldn't feel under gunned.
I carry my LCPll sometimes when the need arises.
Denny

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

...my new CCW will be a Ruger LCP Max with Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator or Extreme Defense. Will purchase one with a 12 rd mag or buy a 12 rounder after the fact.

I think you picked a great gun/ammo combo if you're going to carry 380. I'm looking for a similar round in 380 since I think deep penetration is more important than expansion in this smaller caliber.

 

[otis24]

I had an LCP2. I like my Kahr K9 and felt that it carried comfortably enough that I didn't need a pocket pistol; so, like a dope, I sold it. After carrying the K9 on vacation for an extended time, I appreciate having a pocket pistol. My lineup now includes a small, medium (K9), and a large (Browning Hi Power). The "small" is currently a new S&W Bodyguard .380. The daughter will get the wife's Ruger LCP, my wife will take the Bodyguard, and I will soon purchase the LCP Max. Once I have practiced with the Max and gotten familiar with it, I may divest myself of the K9 and make the LCP Max my primary CCW.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

I am starting to again. Started pocket carrying in 2009 with an LCP, switched to an LCR in 2012ish. But with my new LCP Max I can increase my capacity by 160% and still pocket carry. I load my 380s with Fiocchi Extrema 90gr XTP.

 

[jimmyj]

The times I go out without a cover garment (coat, jacket, vest, outer shirt) I CCW a Glock Model 42 .380 loaded with FMJ ammo.

 

[Old cop]

My back & hip problems limit me to the smallest, lightest EDC possible so the LCP is my most carried gun, especially during the warm weather. I won’t go lower than .380 but that’s a personal choice based on my 30 years of street experience. Caliber wars are a waste of time. Carry what you shoot best, practice regularly and ignore the keyboard commandos.

 

[sigp220.45]

Oh hell yeah. No need to make excuses for the fine .380 ACP.

I carry the Colt a lot. The homely one in the middle is my wife's. When I'm really lazy the Ruger goes in a pocket.

And then there are the Italians. The bottom one is a .22, but the others are a Model 85 and a Model 84. All great guns.

They all get loaded with whatever .380 ball ammo I have on hand.

 

[Rustyt1953]

For almost eight years I have carried the same setup.

 

[Rustyt1953]

......loaded with FMJ ammo.

Ball ammo is all my two .380's have ever been fed.

 

[Cal44]

I have a Sig P238 HD that I'm considering putting on my CCW license next time I renew.

Now days I'm carrying a 340PD loaded with 38+P most of the time.

I figure the P238 in 380 auto would be just as good -- and has couple three extra rounds (7+1) instead of 5.

But the main reason is I can shoot the P238 better than any handgun I have ever tried and it's reliable.

Mostly, for potential carry ammo, I've been using Hornady XTP rounds.

The XTPs expand moderately and penetrate well.

If I ever carry two guns, the 340PD and the P238 would be a good combo. But I've never felt the need to do that yet.

 

[Speedo2]

Yes; a G42 with FMJ's in Magguts 7-rd mags is my EDC. I also have a S&W Shield 380EZ and a Browning 1910 as possible replacements. I have tried the SIG P230 and Walther PPK, but despite their good looks and panache I've found their recoil to be a bit too snappy. I may try the new LCP Max in a year or so, giving Ruger a chance to work out any bugs (which they usually have to do). -S2

 

[Jessie]

I have no problem with a good .380 but prefer more. Sometimes it’s the best thing you can carry at the time.

 

[rockquarry]

My back & hip problems limit me to the smallest, lightest EDC possible so the LCP is my most carried gun, especially during the warm weather. I won’t go lower than .380 but that’s a personal choice based on my 30 years of street experience. Caliber wars are a waste of time. Carry what you shoot best, practice regularly and ignore the keyboard commandos.

Very good post, Old cop.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I don't have one presently but I wouldn't have any problems with a Sig 230 or 232. Used to have an HK4 380 but somehow it got away.

I seem to be collecting P-239's for some reason now. Probably because 9x19 is the cheapest fodder around.

 

[mrmike7189]

My carry combo depending on the season or my mood. 380/9mm

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have no problems with my Walther CC my Interarms PPK/s or the KIA in .380 ACP.
But I am a revolver guy and my M638, M640-1 in the warm weather is what I feel I can shoot better with.
That being said, I CC a Kimber Pro carry II 45 ACP 1911 or my M696 with a jacket.....

 

[Echo40]

I did, right up until 2019, but I only really switched due to wild animals in my residential area, otherwise I'd probably still be carrying .380 ACP as a primary. Nowadays, .40 S&W is my primary carry.

That being said, my LCP still goes with me everywhere, even when I'm carrying a more powerful pistol, it serves as a BUG.