I currently own a S&W 38 special revolver and I am thinking of getting a semi automatic pistol. I'm torn as to whether or not to get a .380 or a .40. I know very little about pistols so that explains my stupidity regarding this question. I know that the 40 has greater knock down power, but that is about it. What say you folks?

There's a big difference between the .380ACP and the .40S&W. The .380ACP is a very compact cartridge that is often chambered in hold-out and pocket pistols. If you're looking for a semi-auto cartridge that is comparable to the .38 Special you're used to, then I suggest you check out the 9mm Luger (aka 9mm Parabellum or 9x19). It actually outperforms the .38 Special by a reasonable margin, has fairly low recoil even in a compact pistol, and with premium JHP's designed for personal defense it is only slightly behind the .40S&W in stopping power. The .40S&W is also a very good pistol cartridge. It is slightly more expensive to shoot than the 9mm, and has just a bit more recoil.

Mike

I have a .380 Makarov. It is fun to shoot, but if you want a self defense weapon, I would look bigger. 9mm or 40 would be a better choice. The .380 is pure terror on soda cans, though.

The advantage of the .380 is that you can carry a much smaller firearm, and are therefore more likely to carry it. Kel-Ted makes a .380 that weighs 7 ounces without the 6 rounds of ammo it can hold. Better to have 6 .380s to fend up the bad guys, than no .40s.

I have a 4" Springfield XD .40 and am actually considering a .380 myself for the reason Slamfire mentioned........sometimes I just don't feel like "Lugging" the .40, and a smaller slimmer more compact gun would be nice especially in the summer months.

I might pick up a Bersa Thunder .380 shortly for slipping in a pair of shorts on hikes etc. A friend has one and it's a nice accurate little thing and fun to shoot. For around $225 you can't beat it.

i have the 380keltec and would buy another. it;s so light you forget your carrying it. i use a desantis "trickster" holster and it;s exactly the same size as my wallet.


if you really want a 380 for carry i like the berretta. it;s a smaller framed gun shoots great is quite comfy to shoot as well. 9mm aint a bad choice either. very cheap to shoot. and if your tryin to save some cash theirs alot of used 9mm's out there.

I learned with a fair amount of horror in the service just how much punishment a human can take before they go down for good. Much depends on the motivation of your target. There is no substitute for follow through and marksmanhip. Carry what you can shoot well with. Take care of yourself and not the gun mag hype. And my all your targets be paper. I have known many detectives that carry old small frame .32's. That's blasphemy in gun mag hype. But they lose no sleep nor do I. I have seen them shoot.

My wife carries a Browning 380 BDA. Fun hand gun and good stopper at close range. The 9mm and 40 S&W have a bit more accuracy and nock down power, but than again, they are also larger hand guns and bullets are a bit more expensive. For self protection and weekend plinking I would go with a quality 380. If you are looking for a target gun, the 9mm and 40 S&W are a better choice.

Banjo,
You said the .40 has greater knock down power. What is it you plan to knock down?
You can do that with your .38.

Rebel Hog, you're absolutly right, the .38 will work as good as anything. However, I want something with a smaller frame and a semi to boot. The .38 stays by the bed for easy access at night.