Does the 380 have enough knock down power? Considering for CC for wife and daughter.

Depends on what you are calling knock down power. I have put down downer cows with one. I would think a cow skull is more difficult to penetrate then a bad guys chest.

shooting ability trumps headstamp. With that said ammo options now days give smaller powder capacity cases a broader spectrum of use.


Also if it’s to big of a frame for them to comfortably carry, kind of pointless also.

If you don't get a 380 what are you going to get?

Honestly numbers on paper mean a lot more to us then they do killing deer/hogs/bad guys etc.

There isn't that much difference in a 380 and a 9mm. I'd always rather have a .380 than nothing.

Yes

I carry 380. I knew I’d carry a smal pocket gun before I’d carry a full size handgun. Would I rather have my Glock in a situation of course, but I’m not 300 pounds and I can’t hideit comfortably.

Personally, I think the 380 is too small. With all the extremely small framed 9mm options out there, I don't see the need to drop down to a 380. That said, a 380 that is carried is better than a 9mm or 45 that is left at home.

1. I'm by far no expert in this conversation other than I've had a chl for years. I've highly considered 22mag. I think stopping power can be overrrated in the sense that it makes people lose sight the fact that any gun is better than no gun. As in i don't think the exact caliber is as important as you think.
2. My wife is 5'2" and may be back down to 130lbs. she carries a sig p938, the 9mm version, just fine. shoots it as well as I shoot my carry glock. if anything I always am in favor of 9mm because of ammo price and availability, in this case, vs 380.

I carry a .380 some but really prefer my G19. I’m 5’ 10” and 170 so not a big guy at all and the g19 hides just fine in wranglers and a tucked in shirt.

Yes, go to Luckygunner.com look at their penetration test.

If anyone thinks the .380 is inadequate, let someone shoot you with one, then come see me.

Of course physics are physics, but for a younger, weaker person the .380 or even a .22 WMR is better than a whistle.

My daughter carries her S&W, M&P, EZ, loves it.

have your loved ones shoot both, get their grip and stance correct, let them decide.

My wife and daughter both have a 380 (Sig P238). They train & shoot to maintain proficiency. The gun is just the starter kit.

I don't like being struck by a rubber band gun, so in that aspect, yes a .380 is just fine. My Glock M42 is just too easy to carry and conceal. Accurate. Goes bang everytime. Let them handle and shoot anything they might be interested in. As already mentioned, being comfortable with what you have, means it's with you and not left at home.

A 380 she can shoot well is far better than a 9mm that she struggles with. Something to consider is, can she operate the the slide. My wife struggles operating the slide on some pistols. I got her a Walther CCP 9mm, its gas powered and she can rack the slide. 380 pistols are generally easier to operate the slide than 9mm, not always.

Yes. I have a 380, 38, 40, & 45 that are all carry guns. I carry the 380 more than the others combined. Modern day ammo has made the 380 far more effective. I carry the Barnes self defense rounds in mine. I did my own ballistics test on a big boar hog carcass after I bought it, has been my every day pocket carry ever since. If I'm going somewhere where I think there's a greater threat of something bad happening, I'll grab my 45 or 40 and the 380 stays in my pocket as back up.

Dare I mention that I have and love a .32 Seecamp? I agree the whole "which caliber" thing is mostly in our heads. Pick a reliable pistol that is comfortable to carry, then get plenty of practice.

1) Don't go there unless absolutely compelled or you're a LEO.
2) If compelled, don't screw around: take a rifle or shotgun.

I'm not trying to be a smart you-know-what, since I basically agree with the original sentiment, just pointing out alternatives.

Caliber is way less important than a person being able to actually shoot and hit a target under stress. If she can actually draw and shoot a target while under with a 380, but can't with a 44 mag, than the 380 is the much better choice. The actual time to incapacitate with pistol rounds is not much different between a 380 and a 45. I won't argue that point, if you doubt it go to the FBI website and look for yourself. The bottom line it get what ever gun she can shoot well, and that she will have with her 24/7. Have her shoot the crap out of that gun.

Edit there is no such thing as handgun knockdown power.

Go with sig 938. 9mm

+1 on the sign 938. That is what I carry. My brother in law also carries the p938. There is still enough on the grip for me to get a full fingered grip (with the extended pinkie mag), yet it is small enough that I can carry it even when I'm wearing shorts and a T-shirt that was purchased when I was a few pounds lighter if you know what I mean. The size difference between the p938 (9mm) and p238(380) is almost nothing. You will notice that the slide IS easier on the 380 version. I'm not going to say that the p938 is what she should carry, but I defiantly would recommend that you add it to the list of guns that she try out.

Yes but get a 9mm

Well small frame 9mm would be the second choice, my wife has a 9mm but depending on clothing choice or purse it sometimes gets left home.

The reason why i compared my wife shooting her 938 to me shooting a glock is that I can NOT get the 938 to shoot well for me. I'm 6'0" 205lbs and really like big grips. But she's proof it ain't the firearm, it's the operator.

.380 ? well yes

I guarantee you not one attacker would like to stand there and have .22s ripping through their
thin skin … likewise with .380

Tiny .380 is harder on the hand than a compact 9mm. Big .380 can be a soft shooter, though.

Glock 43...……9mm

I would go Glock 43 or Sig 365

If they aren’t going to carry it on their person , I would go ahead and jump up into a mid size if it fits the bag.

I would pass on a 380 when you can get the same frame in a 9