Ruger .380

[Osiris]

I am super excited to hopefully be getting a very small Ruger .380 soon. However, I am not that knowledgeable about guns and ammo so I am curious about the difference between a 38 and a .380? I figured this was the best place to ask and my startpage search didn't make anything more understandable....

[Heimdhal]

A .38 (.38 special, Im assuming, as opposed to super) is an older revolver caliber round.

The .380 is basicaly a short 9mm, and in soem circles is still called such. Traditionaly, it is called the 9mm Kurz. It is 2mm shorter than the standard 9mm luger, being 9x17 rather than 9x19.

Its an OK round. Its a good back up round and with modern loads, like bonded Hornady jacketed hollow points can be a nasty little bitter, but its still relativley weak. Mind you, I wouldnt stand in front of one.

At least you made the decision to be armed, and thats a plus. Grab yourself some quality self defence ammunition like Speer Gold Dot, Hornady TAP etc.

Get some practice with it. Youll find on the Ruger LCP (which is what Im assuming you have) there are practicaly no sights. This, and the small grip, will be your biggest hinderance in proper self defence training, but none the less you want to get some range time and it needs a break in period anyways.

They arent fun to shoot, and if you notice yourself having a bad day, getting worse or developing bad habbits (trigger jerking, bucking, heeling, flinching, etc), stop and continue again in a day or two. These little pocket guns are nutorious for that.

[Osiris]

Thank you so much! I currently have a 9mm glock, but when walking my dog in "workout" clothes it does not work for how heavy it is. Therefore, I am really excited to be able to carry while on walks without it pulling my pants down... LOL I was looking into a little 22 but I know it wouldn't do much unless at close range. Although, I think just carrying would make someone think twice about doing something stupid.

Also, thank you for the pointers on shooting. I will need a lot of practice.

[Tumbleweed]

I had to put a cow down about a year ago and used a .380 Keltec. It punched a hole right through her skull at about twenty feet. They will take care of a bad guy if he gets to close. I've got a Ruger LCP too but can't see that one is any better than the other. The Ruger has a smoother finish and feels nice but thats about all. I've got a Bulldog cell phone case I wear on my belt quit often to carry it in. It's handy and no one notices and I suppose just figure it's a cell phone case or for carrying a tool.

[undgrd]

Shot placement, Shot placement, Shot placement.

[SLV^GLD]

Here's an older article (http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/38specialor380acp.htm) that dates itself by the guns mentioned but the the information is still relevant.

.380 is effectively an anemic 9mm.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/380_Auto_vs_9mm_Luger.jpg/220px-380_Auto_vs_9mm_Luger.jpg

I read somewhere that the round was developed so that German military could employ a 9mm round against the Us military but the ammunition would be incompatible with the US weapons when seized. Unfortunately .380 under performs in every single aspect of comparison to 9mm. I prefer to carry .380 for the reduced recoil and the consequent reduced frame size and weight. All .380 pistols I am aware of are blow back operated. I find the reduced felt recoil to greatly increase my follow up shot time and accuracy.

[madfranks]

I carry a Ruger LCP and it's a very comfortable and easy handgun to carry every day. Light and small, and I got it because I wanted something that had more power than a .22 but would be easy to carry around. .380 is not a .45 but it's nothing to sneeze at either. I load mine with Federal .380 90 grain jacketed hollow points.

http://cdn1.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/lgprod/68257.jpg

[solid]

I've got a Bulldog cell phone case I wear on my belt quit often to carry it in. It's handy and no one notices and I suppose just figure it's a cell phone case or for carrying a tool.

That's very clever. I really like this idea.

For CA readers, the Ruger LCP is not available. My next purchase will be a Ruger LCR, a pocket revolver, which is available here.

[Awoke]

Shot placement, Shot placement, Shot placement.

Which should be preceded with dry fire, dry fire, dry fire. Especially with a DA/SA revolver. (I assume it's DA/SA)

[undgrd]

Which should be preceded with dry fire, dry fire, dry fire. Especially with a DA/SA revolver. (I assume it's DA/SA)

Snap caps are your friend

[mightymanx]

]

I read somewhere that the round was developed so that German military could employ a 9mm round against the Us military but the ammunition would be incompatible with the US weapons when seized. Unfortunately .380 under performs in every single aspect of comparison to 9mm. I prefer to carry .380 for the reduced recoil and the consequent reduced frame size and weight. All .380 pistols I am aware of are blow back operated. I find the reduced felt recoil to greatly increase my follow up shot time and accuracy.

I know that was true of the 9mm Makarov 9x18 which was designed my the Soviets and was the pistol round of choice in countries "behind the Iron curtan".

9mm Mak is almost exactly 1/2 wau between 9mm luger/parabellum/nato and the .308.

[Heimdhal]

You are correct Mightymanx, 9mm mak is 9x18

9mm Luger(parabellum)=9x19
9mm Mak = 9x18
9mm Kurz/Short= 9x17

The 9mm mak in the Makarov Pistol became the cartridge and side arm of choice for the soviet .gov, particularly the KGB and other secret police agencies. They also had the Tokarev, in 7.62x25, which is a mean little facker with some serious penetration qualities, but that wasnt carried as commonly and saw more use in submachine guns in WWII/Korea era.


Now, that doesnt sound like much, but we should keep in mind that a shorter case means less room for powder, which generaly means lower velocity, unless you lower the grain weight of the projectile. So where as 9mm modern JHP's come in everything from 115, 124, 147 et grains with literaly hundreds of loadings, the mak's and kurz (.380's) start to get lighter

[SLV^GLD]

Thanks for clearing that up; it was the Makarov round that was designed for similar ballistics but functionally incompatible to the 9mm Luger. I had assigned such devious minds to the Germans when it rightfully belonged to the Ruskies.

[undgrd]

So Osiris....did you get it!?!?!?

[Osiris]

Unfortunately, no. It is a friend of a friend and I've been having trouble getting a hold of him. I'm even more sad as we are going shooting tomorrow and I won't have it yet.

[SLV^GLD]

You're looking the wrong direction.
You are going shooting tomorrow... why be sad?

[Osiris]

Good point!

[Osiris]

The deal fell through. I was wondering if anyone would recommend something different that is similar in size, power, and price. Since I will likely have to purchase one from a gun store now I guess I have more options and thought I would ask.

[undgrd]

Too bad it fell through. Since you want a .380, I can't be of any help. Don't have one and I've never fired one.

[EE_]

Quit screwing around and just get the Glock 26!
A sub-compact that is much fun on the range.

http://cdn.armslist.com/images/posts/634269965597506032cxhol4af.jpg

[Heimdhal]

go with the glock 19. You get more purchase on the grip, a better sight radius, more capacity and it still conceals REALLY well. Its just about the perfect balance of being concealable while still being a service size handgun.


If you must go with a "pocket" pistol, consider the p11 or ruger LC9, both of which are in 9mm and still very small guns all things considered.


I still stand by the glock though.

[Osiris]

Thanks everyone! I am not set on anything specific, such as a .380, just want something small and lightweight and that was an option through a friend and it was a good deal w/ ammo. Since that fell through I am looking elsewhere. Thanks for the input!

[Awoke]

You can't go wrong with a Glock.
I own a few Glocks. Buy a Glock.

Read this article if you don't believe me: Glock 100,000 round torture test (http://www.volny.cz/glock/html/tested.htm) (That's right. One hundred thousand rounds)

[Tumbleweed]

I've got a Glock 33 "Pocket gun" and I seldom carry it because it's not really easy to conseal. I've done a lot of looking and the Keltec 3AT and Ruger LCP are the smallest and easiest to conseal pocket guns that are worth having. You can carrry them in a shirt pocket, in a boot, there are wallet holsters made for them and they can be fitted with a clip like a pocket knife for carrying. The last new one I bought was $300 and I've paid less for used ones. I carry them for self defense. I carry everywhere and no one ever notices I'm armed and that's important. I'm used to carrying and never notice these little guns but they are always with me and that's probably the most important thing of all. These guns aren't made for target practice but for self defense and they've got all the power you need to knock someone on their ass.

My advice is if you want a gun for target shooting don't buy a 3AT or an LCP buy something else. If you want a gun for self defense, that's easy to carry, easy to conseal and has the power to stop an attacker buy a 3AT or LCP.

[Osiris]

Thanks! I have a glock 26 but I don't like to carry it, it's heavy and bulky. I am looking for something small for self defense so I will look into those!

[EE_]

The reason I recommended the G26 is because of the short grip and because it shoots like a full size auto. It can fire thousands of rounds on the range.

With so many great pocket 9mm pistols out there, there's no longer a reason for a .380.

Based on CC and little range use, some pistols to look at.

Diamondback DB9 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gASrfejYC6w
Kel-Tec PF-9
Kahr CM9

[Tumbleweed]

I took a look at the DB9, pf-9 and cm9 and I'd like to have one of each. If I had one of each I'd still be packing a 3AT or an LCP for self defense. The others are just alittle to big. The 3AT's and LCP's just fit a shirt pocket, a wallet holster or a Bulldog cell phone case and the others won't. I've killed cattle and deer with the 3AT and Lcp and they are all you need for power or for self defense. They are easily consealed and have all the power you'll need up close and personal and that's where I'd expect to need one.

[Awoke]

Have you seen my thread on the Chiappa Rhino? The snub looks like a good CCW weapon. Revolutionary design too!

http://gold-silver.us/forum/showthread.php?57949-The-Chiappa-quot-Rhino-quot

[Tumbleweed]

Have you seen my thread on the Chiappa Rhino? The snub looks like a good CCW weapon. Revolutionary design too!

http://gold-silver.us/forum/showthread.php?57949-The-Chiappa-quot-Rhino-quot

Awoke how big is it and how easy is it to conseal? That is the top priority for me. I carry all the time and with a 3AT or LCP no one has ever noticed I'm armed. I really like that and it's so easy to be armed when no one can spot it.

[Awoke]

I wish I owned one so I could tell you, Tumbleweed, but even when the day comes that I buy one, it will have to be the model with the 5" barrel. Canadian Law prohibits any handgun with a barrel length less than 4.25" or something like that.
(It's actually a millimeter measurement, with us being slave to the Queen's crown and all...)

However the Rhino was built purposely with CCW in mind.

See the thread for the following quotes:


From post#1


The Chiappa Rhino revolver (http://www.chiappafirearms.com/products/4) is an interesting (and interesting looking) handgun that’s designed specifically for concealed carry (CCW). To this end, it sports a hexagonal, flat-sided cylinder and flattened overall profile.

From post #4

Forget everything you ever thought you knew about magnum revolvers, or snubnose revolvers, or handgun recoil, or concealable stopping power.

It carries almost as lightly as a steel J-frame although it’s a bit chunkier

I do intend to buy one, but my money is called for right now.

[undgrd]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7BirRJ6WFwF8MgBIjB3h8HMPI7qSyP 5AHR2jLYkT6IXRpanSWH7podbB1

I've never fired or held that gun. I see a few things that would turn me off to it for CC.

1. Cylinder release latch in the hammer position. This could snag and rotate the cylinder when not intended.
2. The Rails. The rails have the potential to snag on clothing when being drawn. They could also make the gun uncomfortable to carry or aid in accidental discharge.

[Awoke]

The hammer is smaller and rounded off more than a typical, but yes, you;re right: it's still exposed.

However, regarding the rails, you need to look at the snub version:

http://images.sodahead.com/slideshows/000004549/chiappa_rhino_357_mag-34949400028_xlarge.jpeg

[undgrd]

The hammer is smaller and rounded off more than a typical, but yes, you;re right: it's still exposed.

However, regarding the rails, you need to look at the snub version:

http://images.sodahead.com/slideshows/000004549/chiappa_rhino_357_mag-34949400028_xlarge.jpeg



Better without the rails.

I also have concerns about the octagonal cylinder. Could be an issue with regard to heat dispersion.
I will see if I can find an example to try out.

[Awoke]

Yeah, let me know if you get to try one! Every review I have read so far has been positive. I haven't seen any negative reviews, but I haven't necessarily been looking FOR negative reviews either.

I have my heart set on one, I know that much.

[Heimdhal]

heat dispersion? How many rounds exactly do you intend on firing?!

The Rhino design is a good one if you like revolvers. It has a much lower bore axis than traditional revolvers, which means more accurate and natural pointing and faster follow up shots due to less barrel flip.

[undgrd]

heat dispersion? How many rounds exactly do you intend on firing?!

The Rhino design is a good one if you like revolvers. It has a much lower bore axis than traditional revolvers, which means more accurate and natural pointing and faster follow up shots due to less barrel flip.

It's the same reason I'd never own a Remington 700 with the triangular VTR barrel. It's a solution looking for a problem. The most efficient design is a cylinder.

I think the position of the barrel is a great idea to reduce perceived recoil.

[Black Blade]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/jhwarner1/SheridanGuns/Ammo-Nine2a.jpg

left to right 9x17, 9x18, 9x19 and 9x23

http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/70616e15af261d379e31187f71a9a3e480998ace.pjpg

An LCP is what a carry when at the gym late at night.

[Awoke]

You don't post here often enough, Blackblade.

[Osiris]

I went to the range today and shot the Ruger. I called and they said they didn't have it to rent but the guy that answered owns one so he offered to shoot his. I loved it! I'm going to purchase it tomorrow. He repeated what I heard here about it not being very much fun to shoot. I guess it may be a good thing that I am not that experienced or maybe I was just so excited because I have been waiting so long but, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to get my own tomorrow!

[SLV^GLD]

I suppose it depends on how much you shoot. Don't get me wrong I love my LCP.

50 rounds on the LCP and I'm sick of it and hurting in some new places. 200 on my BDA 380 and I'm wishing I could keep going but feeling the sting of burning up 4 boxes of ammo.
500 rounds on my 10/22 and I'm thinking I'll have to clean it along with everything else tonight.

Such as it is, I practice draw fires and hitting multiple targets with my LCP since round count is going to be limited and it is the one I carry so I best be able to use it well and without taking all the time I want to aim it. Not recommended behavior for an indoor range, however.

[Osiris]

I suppose it depends on how much you shoot. Don't get me wrong I love my LCP.

50 rounds on the LCP and I'm sick of it and hurting in some new places. 200 on my BDA 380 and I'm wishing I could keep going but feeling the sting of burning up 4 boxes of ammo.
500 rounds on my 10/22 and I'm thinking I'll have to clean it along with everything else tonight.

Such as it is, I practice draw fires and hitting multiple targets with my LCP since round count is going to be limited and it is the one I carry so I best be able to use it well and without taking all the time I want to aim it. Not recommended behavior for an indoor range, however.

I can see that. I only shot 50 rounds and am still a tad bit tender if I hit the right spot. I can see how others would be a lot more fun to shoot. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Can't wait to practice more with it, in draw fires like you say. The cheapest and closest place that sells it won't have it until Thursday so I will have to wait a few more days but I am sooooo happy! Thanks to everyone here for their input!

[Osiris]

Picked her up Thursday! Super happy!!! I absolutely love it and am very comfortable with it. Maybe one of the greatest purchases I have ever made. Was shocked at the amount of stories the girl at the store had about people shooting themselves in their parking lot!