YaGunT: .380 vs .38special for ccw

[JEDI]

.380 is for automatics (ie: Ruger LCP with built in laser)
.38special is for revolvers (ie: snub nose)

revolver = 6 shots
LCP = 6+1 in chamber

.38special is longer and more powerful than a .380 round.
LCP is an inch shorter and few oz lighter than a snub nose revolver.

revolvers don't jam. (you move to the next round in the cylinder.)
automatics are easier to reload (but if you're reloading in a self defense situation, something is wrong).

if i'm limited to ~6rounds, I'd pick the revolver.
when I need it in a self defense situation, i want my gun to not jam EVERYTIME!

given the 2 options, which would you choose for ccw?
and WHY?

 

[Fritzo]

Hmmm...I think I would just stay away from areas where I would feel the need to carry a gun for my safety. That's just me though.

 

[smackababy]

Personally, I'd go with a revolver. The reliability is there (even if modern automatics don't jam nearly as much as people would like to believe, at least in my experience) and you are ready. Especially if you're focusing on personal defense. You don't specify a particular revolver, but some can be very small and light. I know someone with a titanium .38 snub nose and it weighs so little, you can barely notice it. I think the sum of the 6 rounds weighs more than the gun itself; it's that light.

 

[schneiderguy]

.38 > .380

Hollowpoints in .380 either don't expand, or don't penetrate to FBI specs.

Most .38 snubnoses nowadays will only be five shots. S&W don't make a K-frame snub anymore.

A revolver can fire through a jacket pocket without jamming.

IMO get a S&W 442 or 642 without the internal lock.

 

[sixone]

My revolver jammed during firing practice. Wouldn't spin after firing, once it got hot.

I was the only one using a revolver. The instructors did everything they could to convince me that I need an automatic, including pointing out that my life might depend on that 7th or 8th or 9th shot - especially if I'm defending myself against someone who is using an automatic. Hard to argue that.

That said, I haven't yet purchased an automatic.

 

[HTFOff]

If I had the choice i'd go 9mm and get a glock. Few things:

- the fbi used to use .38 special, there was even a bullet made to fbi specifications
- the fbi never used .380
- more versatile selection of ammo.
- you can buy a lever gun to match your revolver, lever guns are awesome.
- you'll have a good excuse to buy a .357
- for me, .38 is easier to get my hands on.

I'd go .38 spl.

 

[smackababy]

My revolver jammed during firing practice. Wouldn't spin after firing, once it got hot.

I was the only one using a revolver. The instructors did everything they could to convince me that I need an automatic, including pointing out that my life might depend on that 7th or 8th or 9th shot - especially if I'm defending myself against someone who is using an automatic. Hard to argue that.

That said, I haven't yet purchased an automatic.

I'd wager if your life depends on your 7th, 8th, or 9th shot, chances are those aren't going to help much either. Might as well just buy an M60, just in case you need that 100th, 101st, 102nd shot to count!

 

[sixone]

I'd wager if your life depends on your 7th, 8th, or 9th shot, chances are those aren't going to help much either. Might as well just buy an M60, just in case you need that 100th, 101st, 102nd shot to count!

Is that a wager you would want your life to depend on?

 

[rudeguy]

Sounds like a J frame is what you want.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_885/products_id/56003

LCP's are fine guns but I cannot stand the trigger. Its just....nasty. A J frame .38 spl is a great pocket gun.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You aren't going to hit shit with either of those guns out past 10 yards anyway so I'd recommend the heavier one, that way you can throw it at your assailant once you're out of ammo.

 

[smackababy]

Is that a wager you would want your life to depend on?

Well, my 1911 only has 8 rounds, so I suppose I do wager my life I won't need a 9th. =(

 

[schneiderguy]

My revolver jammed during firing practice. Wouldn't spin after firing, once it got hot.

What brand?

 

[lxskllr]

Is that a wager you would want your life to depend on?

I would. You aren't defending against Chinese hordes crossing the border. It'll be 1v1 or 2v1. If someone can't hit what they're aiming at within 6 rounds, they shouldn't own a firearm.

 

[rudeguy]

Well, my 1911 only has 8 rounds, so I suppose I do wager my life I won't need a 9th. =(

Well, my Glock 19 only holds 15+1 rounds and I only carry 2 spare mags, so I suppose I do wager my life I won't need a 47th :awe:

 

[schneiderguy]

You aren't going to hit shit with either of those guns out past 10 yards anyway so I'd recommend the heavier one, that way you can throw it at your assailant once you're out of ammo.

If you can't make hits in a 5" circle at 25 yards with a snubnose .38 you can't shoot.

That's why 1911s are so popular. The light trigger and heavy weight masks poor trigger control.

 

[boomhower]

I an auto fan but given the scenario the .38 because it's a far superior round. I carry a compact that hold 10+1 and a spare mags on my off days.

 

[Binarycow]

My revolver jammed during firing practice. Wouldn't spin after firing, once it got hot.

I was the only one using a revolver. The instructors did everything they could to convince me that I need an automatic, including pointing out that my life might depend on that 7th or 8th or 9th shot - especially if I'm defending myself against someone who is using an automatic. Hard to argue that.

That said, I haven't yet purchased an automatic.

Just wondering what brand of revolvers it was and also the bullets were they home-loaded?

 

[corwin]

If you can't make hits in a 5" circle at 25 yards with a snubnose .38 you can't shoot.

You trying to claim 5" groups with a snub nose .38 at 25 yards?

 

[Binarycow]

You aren't going to hit shit with either of those guns out past 10 yards anyway so I'd recommend the heavier one, that way you can throw it at your assailant once you're out of ammo.

I rarely heard of an assailant that runs TOWARD a person after he/she has shot a few rounds at him (the assailant).

 

[Binarycow]

You trying to claim 5" groups with a snub nose .38 at 25 yards?

it's the internet, dude. he probably dates a super model and has half a billion in his checking acct

 

[corwin]

I'd take the .380 if it was a Sig P238...would way rather conceal that than my wife's S&W 638

 

[schneiderguy]

You trying to claim 5" groups with a snub nose .38 at 25 yards?

Yes. They're just as accurate as guns with longer barrels. Look at what Hicock45 can do with a snubnose at 80+ yards.

 

[corwin]

it's the internet, dude. he probably dates a super model and has half a billion in his checking acct

Naw, he's an admitted manlet...just calling him on that bullshit, you'd have to be a serious badass to pull a 5" group off a snubby at 25 yards

 

[corwin]

Yes. They're just as accurate as guns with longer barrels. Look at what Hicock45 can do with a snubnose at 80+ yards.

He could probably do it...mere mortals, and you especially, not so much

 

[rudeguy]

He could probably do it...mere mortals, and you especially, not so much

no shit

Did you watch his Glock 27 video? He hits 5" steels at 40+ yards. That guy is awesome.