[texaswoodworker]

Forgot to mention that 9mm can have a problem with over-penetration. I don't know if 380 has this problem though.

[dog2000tj]

Originally Posted by winds-of-change

I have a .380 and still wonder if I shouldn't have gotten a 9 mm. Everyone I ask has their own opinion and I still don't know which is better for self defense.

Have you had a chance to shoot both? or are you wondering about ballistics and such? Either one will stop a bad guy with proper shot placement

[texaswoodworker]

Here ya go.

http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/7866

(thank you Trez for the link)

.22 (short, long and long rifle)

# of people shot - 154
# of hits - 213
% of hits that were fatal - 34%
Average number of rounds until incapacitation - 1.38
% of people who were not incapacitated - 31%
One-shot-stop % - 31%
Accuracy (head and torso hits) - 76%
% actually incapacitated by one shot (torso or head hit) - 60%

.380 ACP

# of people shot - 85
# of hits - 150
% of hits that were fatal - 29%
Average number of rounds until incapacitation - 1.76
% of people who were not incapacitated - 16%
One-shot-stop % - 44%
Accuracy (head and torso hits) - 76%
% actually incapacitated by one shot (torso or head hit) - 62%

.38 Special

# of people shot - 199
# of hits - 373
% of hits that were fatal - 29%
Average number of rounds until incapacitation - 1.87
% of people who were not incapacitated - 17%
One-shot-stop % - 39%
Accuracy (head and torso hits) - 76%
% actually incapacitated by one shot (torso or head hit) - 55%

9mm Luger

# of people shot - 456
# of hits - 1121
% of hits that were fatal - 24%
Average number of rounds until incapacitation - 2.45
% of people who were not incapacitated - 13%
One-shot-stop % - 34%
Accuracy (head and torso hits) - 74%
% actually incapacitated by one shot (torso or head hit) - 47%

.357 (both magnum and Sig)

# of people shot - 105
# of hits - 179
% of hits that were fatal - 34%
Average number of rounds until incapacitation - 1.7
% of people who were not incapacitated - 9%
One-shot-stop % - 44%
Accuracy (head and torso hits) - 81%
% actually incapacitated by one shot (torso or head hit) - 61%

[canebrake]

Originally Posted by winds-of-change

Okay, I know there must be more than one thread on "9mm vs. .380 calibers" but when I use search I can't find any. I would like to review others opinions on these two calibers without starting another thread. Can anyone find a thread that discusses this for me?

9mm vs 380 +P

(Winds, don't tell anyone but you too can have "mad search skillz" by doing this;
...go to goggle and enter this "9mm vs. .380 site:firearmstalk.com"
To find something you posted enter this;
..."winds-of-change Sig P238 site:firearmstalk.com")

Originally Posted by winds-of-change

I have a .380 and still wonder if I shouldn't have gotten a 9 mm. Everyone I ask has their own opinion and I still don't know which is better for self defense.

There is nothing wrong with using the .380 auto for PD as long as you load the right ammo. Take a look at this:

Buffalo Bore - .380 Auto +P Ammo

Buffalo Bore - 380 Auto +P Ammo - 90 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point (1200fps M.E. 288 ft. lbs.)

The typical 9mm Luger ballistics tables for Remington (Federal and Winchester are similar) for the standard 115 grain JHP load show a muzzle velocity (MV) of 1155 fps and a muzzle energy (ME) of 341 ft. lbs.

[winds-of-change]

Originally Posted by dog2000tj

Have you had a chance to shoot both? or are you wondering about ballistics and such? Either one will stop a bad guy with proper shot placement

Yes, I did shoot both. I rented an LC9 and I didn't really like it. It had a little too much kick and I didn't feel like I could control the gun as well as I could control and shoot the .380's. I liked shooting the .380's much better. I shot a Bersa thunder and I didn't like the trigger so much. I didn't like that the LCP didn't have a safety and it was almost too light and the trigger was long, which really doesn't bother me........until I shot the Sig P238. I like the Sig P238 because I liked the feel of the gun......small but with a little weight on it. I think it shoots beautifully, I like the trigger.......it is sweet......and I liked that it had a safety and the night sights are wonderful.

But, I could shoot a 9mm for much less.

I think what it boils down to is I need to buy a new gun.

And thank you everyone for answering this question for me.........for the 5th time, at least. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

[texaswoodworker]

Originally Posted by winds-of-change

I think what it boils down to is I need to buy a new gun.

And thank you everyone for answering this question for me.........for the 5th time, at least. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

lol, I don't think anyone minds you asking questions. Heck, I just asked Ben a TON of questions about ARs, and now I have one planned out. I just need the money

Have you ever tried a 1911? Rock Island makes a GI style one chambered in 9mm (9 rd) for $350-$400.

[winds-of-change]

Originally Posted by texaswoodworker

lol, I don't think anyone minds you asking questions. Heck, I just asked Ben a TON of questions about ARs, and now I have one planned out. I just need the money

Have you ever tried a 1911? Rock Island makes a GI style one chambered in 9mm (9 rd) for $350-$400.

There was a member here by the name of Hunter Joe who graciously hosted me to shoot a large number of his guns. From a .22 all the way up to a full auto Tommy gun. (I can die happy now and I have pictures of me with the Tommy gun to prove it!) I did shoot his Springfield Armory 1911 chambered in .45 ACP. The thing is, I was too new to know what to be looking for in trigger pull, grip, weight, etc. Now I can handle a gun and know what I like and don't like.

[texaswoodworker]

Originally Posted by winds-of-change

There was a member here by the name of Hunter Joe who graciously hosted me to shoot a large number of his guns. From a .22 all the way up to a full auto Tommy gun. (I can die happy now and I have pictures of me with the Tommy gun to prove it!) I did shoot his Springfield Armory 1911 chambered in .45 ACP. The thing is, I was too knew to know what to be looking for in trigger pull, grip, weight, etc. Now I can handle a gun and know what I like and don't like.

I'd try it again then. (possibly rent one. )I have been wanting one for awhile, but probably won't get one this year. (My AR project will probably be the last gun I get this year due to it's cost) but, next year I turn 21, so I will probably buy one (in 45 ACP) for a CCW (I was thinking about a Ruger Security Six, but it is really hard to resist a 1911. )
A lot of people actually compare the Rock Islands to Colts, and Springfields, so they are definitely worth looking into. We may have to get Cane's view on them too.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by winds-of-change

I have a .380 and still wonder if I shouldn't have gotten a 9 mm. Everyone I ask has their own opinion and I still don't know which is better for self defense.

The better handgun is the one you're most proficient with. My wife carries the Bersa Thunder .380, and does most of her practice with the Bersa Thunder .22. Same frame, same controls, size, and weight. As long as recoil is manageable for YOU, and if you can provide decent shot placement with a 9mm, then go for it. Same applies to a .45 ACP. The range offer still stands.

[winds-of-change]

Originally Posted by Jay

The better handgun is the one you're most proficient with. My wife carries the Bersa Thunder .380, and does most of her practice with the Bersa Thunder .22. Same frame, same controls, size, and weight. As long as recoil is manageable for YOU, and if you can provide decent shot placement with a 9mm, then go for it. Same applies to a .45 ACP. The range offer still stands.

I keep forgetting your offer. I should come out some time.

How's this for shot placement with my Sig P238? This is the first time I shot it.