Longbeardbuster,
I have a Taurus PT-99 in 9mm. When I bought I had shooting buddies turn their noses up at it. "Those things are made of pot metal", "Those things are Saturday Night Specials" and "That thing is going to explode in your hand". Well after its debut at the shooting range, my friends where taking a second look! When their pistols were jamming because their guns only liked certain ammo, I was firing shots as fast as I could pull the trigger! Hollow points, FMJ, light loads and heavy loads. this thing took it all.
Now as far as a .380 acp is concerned, I believe I would just move on up to the 9mm. Of course, their are many varibles to consider such as how much weight you would like to carry, how bulky would a larger gun be.......!?!?!?
Have fun and be safe!!!!