380 vs. 9mm For Self Defense
These days, many people want to purchase a semi automatic handgun to have near them or on them for self-defense. Two of the most popular calibers used for self-defense are the .380 and 9mm. While both soar with popularity, how do you choose which one to purchase for yourself?
Is one better than the other when it comes to protecting yourself and your family? Does one protect you from one threat better than the other? We will investigate the answers to these questions and more as we delve into the ins and outs of the .380 versus the 9mm.
What Are the Differences Between Them?
Looking at the ammunition side by side, they look nearly the same! The only obvious difference to the untrained eye is the length. Both types of ammo are lethal, and both can protect you. So why is it important to distinguish between the .380 and 9mm? If you are new to the firearm scene, it may be new for you to learn that different calibers are used in different hunting situations due to their potency and power.
One argument between the two calibers would be that the .380 is typically known to fit in smaller weapons. Modern marksmen, though, have created weapons for the 9mm that are smaller than their earlier versions. This makes the choice between the .380 and the 9mm a fairer one to make, since both calibers have weapons that are easily concealed.
One argument between the two calibers would be that the .380 is typically known to fit in smaller weapons. Modern marksmen, though, have created weapons for the 9mm that are smaller than their earlier versions. This makes the choice between the .380 and the 9mm a fairer one to make, since both calibers have weapons that are easily concealed.
How Does .380 Stack Up in Terms of Power?
Another common misconception is that the .380 has only half the potency and power of the 9mm. While the .380 is not as strong as the 9mm, it is not a wimp, either. It is much better than half the power, and it is better than any other smaller caliber.
The answer here is that you will be able to successfully defend yourself with either the .380 or the 9mm, especially against a human attacker. Both have proven to be lethal and will drive off whatever threat is approaching you or your family.
Recoil Is One Thing to Take into Consideration
A major difference between the two calibers is the size and weight. Even if you are shooting a weapon that weighs about the same and is about the same size as the other, the weight of the ammunition will affect your overall speed and accuracy.
With a larger, heavier caliber, such as the 9mm, you will experience more recoil when firing. This can cause you to feel more pain as you shoot, and it can affect how you readjust after each shot fired. If you are afraid of your weapon or feel you will not be able to control the recoil, you are less likely to practice, making you less likely to be able to land a shot in a self-defense situation.
Practice makes perfect, as they say, and if you are not willing to practice, you are less likely to be able to successfully defend yourself when the time comes. Your speed and accuracy will suffer. The recoil will still be there. If you choose to have a weapon that holds .380 rounds, you will experience less recoil and less pain or difficulty when target practicing.
Since the rounds are smaller, there will be less recoil to control, the weapon will weigh less, and the reload time will be quicker. All these things combined help create the best conditions possible for defending yourself.
Think about it; if you are constantly fighting recoil or are continuously waiting for your weapon to reload, you will have less time to neutralize your target. The reload speed will naturally be different between the .380 and 9mm cartridges simply because of their size and weight. If you feel you need assistance in keeping your speed and accuracy controlled, you will be more likely to choose the .380.
With a larger, heavier caliber, such as the 9mm, you will experience more recoil when firing. This can cause you to feel more pain as you shoot, and it can affect how you readjust after each shot fired. If you are afraid of your weapon or feel you will not be able to control the recoil, you are less likely to practice, making you less likely to be able to land a shot in a self-defense situation.
Practice makes perfect, as they say, and if you are not willing to practice, you are less likely to be able to successfully defend yourself when the time comes. Your speed and accuracy will suffer. The recoil will still be there. If you choose to have a weapon that holds .380 rounds, you will experience less recoil and less pain or difficulty when target practicing.
Since the rounds are smaller, there will be less recoil to control, the weapon will weigh less, and the reload time will be quicker. All these things combined help create the best conditions possible for defending yourself.
Think about it; if you are constantly fighting recoil or are continuously waiting for your weapon to reload, you will have less time to neutralize your target. The reload speed will naturally be different between the .380 and 9mm cartridges simply because of their size and weight. If you feel you need assistance in keeping your speed and accuracy controlled, you will be more likely to choose the .380.
Having less recoil and worrying less about your speed and accuracy will allow you to successfully fire more rounds and land more of them in your target. Even if your accuracy is slightly off, having fired more rounds will just as well neutralize your target.
If you are seeking a self-defense weapon to conceal carry, the smaller 9mm options may be enticing. However, you will want to be sure you practice firing them before you commit to the purchase. Even though you may be able to conceal the weapon, it may also be more difficult to control, causing you more pain, less accuracy, and you will have less defense against your enemy.
If you are seeking a self-defense weapon to conceal carry, the smaller 9mm options may be enticing. However, you will want to be sure you practice firing them before you commit to the purchase. Even though you may be able to conceal the weapon, it may also be more difficult to control, causing you more pain, less accuracy, and you will have less defense against your enemy.
It All Depends on You
Looking at all these factors, it seems more like the .380 would be the best choice for self-defense. Traditionally, the 9mm is known to be more powerful, has been more popular among gun enthusiasts, and is the caliber you will hear of most often.
Since it is the one you would think of when thinking of the one you would choose in a self-defense situation, it is easy to assume that the 9mm would be your best option. If you look at all the facts, all the comparisons of statistics, and if you choose to fire each one side by side with a weapon that is about the same size, you will find that common folklore is not always true.
The .380 may not be the most powerful ammunition on the market; however, it is still potent enough to be lethal. Using the .380 may even increase your speed, accuracy, and ability to overcome your attacker. The best thing for you to do when deciding which size ammunition, you would like to have on you in the event of self-defense is to rent a weapon in each bracket and fire them on the range.
This will give you a better understanding of how each caliber will affect your accuracy and will help you determine which you are most comfortable with. Your ultimate choice may not be the same as mine or someone else's, but it could be a choice between life and death.
No matter your preference, the .380 and 9mm will both protect you. There may be a difference in your comfort level with each, but know that no matter what choice you make, you will have a powerful weapon in your grasp.
Since it is the one you would think of when thinking of the one you would choose in a self-defense situation, it is easy to assume that the 9mm would be your best option. If you look at all the facts, all the comparisons of statistics, and if you choose to fire each one side by side with a weapon that is about the same size, you will find that common folklore is not always true.
The .380 may not be the most powerful ammunition on the market; however, it is still potent enough to be lethal. Using the .380 may even increase your speed, accuracy, and ability to overcome your attacker. The best thing for you to do when deciding which size ammunition, you would like to have on you in the event of self-defense is to rent a weapon in each bracket and fire them on the range.
This will give you a better understanding of how each caliber will affect your accuracy and will help you determine which you are most comfortable with. Your ultimate choice may not be the same as mine or someone else's, but it could be a choice between life and death.
No matter your preference, the .380 and 9mm will both protect you. There may be a difference in your comfort level with each, but know that no matter what choice you make, you will have a powerful weapon in your grasp.