Ed Note: Seems reasonable to me.
Is your .380 enough gun? Lately, the market has been flooded by compact .380 ACP pistols, from the brand new Diamondback .380 to the Sig P238 there are a ton of options out there for shooters looking for a compact pocket gun. In fact, Cheaper Than Dirt! recently went over some of the more inexpensive pocket .380 pistols available. Having carried a .25 ACP in a pocket for quite some time, it’s safe to say that I’m a firm believer that the .380 you carry is a step above the 9mm or .45 ACP that you leave at home because it’s too heavy.
The current generation of pocket guns have some serious strengths and weakness as well. Starting with the Ruger LCP and Kel-Tec guns, the sights are essentially non-existent. Both the Ruger and the Kel-Tec sport what is commonly called a “gutter sight” which means that instead of the traditional 3-post set up we’re all used to, there is a trough down the middle of the slide. All of these pocket pistols benefit greatly from the addition of Crimson Trace Lasers, but this goes more so for the LCP and the Kel-Tec. By adding the Crimson Trace Laserguard for the LCP to your gun you then greatly improve your ability to hit close targets faster and to hit distant targets period. Using a Crimson Trace equipped Sig P238 (pictured above) I was able to make consistent hits on an IPSC A/C zone target at 25 yards. The Sig P238 doesn’t even need the Crimson Trace as much as the LCP as it has excellent factory night sights; and yet even on this gun it just makes sense to add it.
The next issue that you’ll encounter on these pocket guns is the trigger. I like the Ruger LCP – I think it’s a great defensive firearm. I don’t like the trigger very much. The same can be said for the Kel-Tec, Diamondback, Bersa, and pretty much all the pocket .380s with the exception of the Sig P238 (again) which has an excellent single action trigger. But that’s not without problems of its own, as the Sig P238 must be carried cocked-and-locked with the safety on…in a pocket. That might be an area of concern to some gun owners, in which case a double action gun such as the LCP might be a better bet.
Of course, the most critical issue with the .380 is ammo selection. The debate will
continue to rage whether the .380 is “enough” gun, and whether or not you should use ball ammo to get more penetration or use JHP ammo to get more expansion. The BVAC ammo at the right is a 90 grain JHP at approximately 1000 FPS using a Speer hollow point bullet. I tend to prefer hollow points for .380 ammo not because I think they improve my stopping power but rather because a hollow point bullet is less likely to glance off the hard bones in the rib-cage if used in a dynamic critical incident. FMJ rounds are great for practice and training, but for defensive carry I definitely want the heaviest, fastest hollow points I can get for my .380.
continue to rage whether the .380 is “enough” gun, and whether or not you should use ball ammo to get more penetration or use JHP ammo to get more expansion. The BVAC ammo at the right is a 90 grain JHP at approximately 1000 FPS using a Speer hollow point bullet. I tend to prefer hollow points for .380 ammo not because I think they improve my stopping power but rather because a hollow point bullet is less likely to glance off the hard bones in the rib-cage if used in a dynamic critical incident. FMJ rounds are great for practice and training, but for defensive carry I definitely want the heaviest, fastest hollow points I can get for my .380.
The final thing to consider for your defensive .380 is reliability and learning curve. Your gun must run the ammo that you choose for it reliably. If you carry the BVAC ammo above, it needs to work in your gun. You also need to practice with you gun, and not just standing on the range. A .380 that’s carried as a last ditch defensive weapon needs to be something that you can draw and get quick, accurate hits with. Would you take a defensive shooting class with a Ruger LCP? I honestly don’t know if I would, but it’s something to think about.
When selecting a defensive pocket gun, remember that the first rule of a gunfight is “have a gun”. The .380 you have beats a .44 at home, but if you have the wrong ammo or can’t hit with your .380, it’s not much better than a magic talisman. Carry your guns…but make sure your gear is the best you can get. After all, your life may depend on it.
They’re one of the hottest items in the gun industry today. As more and more states pass laws allowing the concealed carry of a pistol, millions of people have sought out this firearm. Lightweight and easily concealed, they are still powerful enough to stop a determined attacker.
– get a GOOD holster, not some cheap knock-off
– dress around it (yeah, you might need to go a size up in pants. Sorry!)
– CARRY!!!! The more you carry, the more comfortable (and comforting) it becomes.
Wow! Really? If writing an article discussing federal laws regarding the carrying of firearms is it too much to ask that you actually read federal law regarding the carrying of firearms? I did love your quote “I conceal carry every single day and carry my small .32 in my front pocket without any added “gun junk.” No, just a junk gun. Anyway, if you are going to write an article about concealed carry in Texas, please state that this probably applies only in Texas.
1. Don’t carry the gun to make you a man. Carry because you are in fact a man.
2. Have more than one concealable gun (i.e., Glock 19, Glock 26, Kimber Ultra Carry, etc.).
3. Practice with all the guns you own often.
4. Carry the gun you can use best regardless of social fashion.
5. Always carry your gun regardless of social pressures.
6. Whenever you carry a gun, also carry a knife…and some spare ammunition.
7. Have several concealed carry options (i.e., ankle holster, inside the waist band holster, high rise outside the waist band holster, off-body holster such as a fanny pack holster, etc.).
8. Dress for success. With multiple concealed carry options, you should have no problem finding the one that works for what you are wearing.
There’s more, but this is a good start.
It is NOT illegal to print or even have it accidentally exposed. It must be intentional.
It it NOT illegal to carry into a city/state building, (courthouses, SECURE areas of police stations, schools, major sporting events, are the exceptions. no carry.)
It is illegal for cities to ban CHL carry on city owned property, with the above exceptions.
It is NOT illegal to carry in a liquor store/beer wine store. Consumption of alcohol is the key factor of whether you can carry or not.
There are some states that even let you carry into bars, so alcohol is not a universally banning factor.
Know your state laws.
Know the laws where you are traveling.
Law enforcement does not always accurately know the laws. If you travel having a copy of the local laws never hurts.
There are some good forums and state websites that will give accurate info. Most states have a dedicated web page that will cite the specific gun laws.
You can get a small car safe for about $30 for keeping in the car if you have to disarm. Secures with a cable, fits under the seat.
A majority of restrictions are for unlicensed carry, but people read the overall laws and get confused, which is easy because laws are written in lawyer speak and are overly complicated.
2. Know exactly when you can use your weapon. 3 criteria must be met:
a. His ABILITY to inflict serious bodily injury
b. His OPPORTUNITY to inflict serious bodily harm
c. His INTENT (hostile actions or words) to inflict serious bodily harm
3. If you can run away safely, run
4. If you display your weapon, you can go to jail
5. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you! Be humble … don’t instigate
I would also recommend practicing (with the weapon unloaded!) drawing the weapon time and time again until you are extremely comfortable drawing the weapon and acquiring your target naturally. this may not sound like a big deal but if you ever need your weapon you want to be able to get to it draw it and if necessary discharge the weapon without having to think about the steps needed to do so. I know people who have carried weapons for 25+ years who still practice drawing and firing their weapons and one who had to shoot back and he said it was the practice that kept him alive not just having the gun.
1. Carry the piece that you have practiced with.
2. Understand fully the “escalation of force” and abide by it.
3. If you practice carrying at home, walking out the door the first time will be easier and less stressful.
4. Try several different holsters- determine which works best for the clothing you will wear. Break them in and make adjustments before wearing them in public to prevent comfort issues. Constantly tugging at a poorly fitting or poorly adjusted holster in public is a no-no. Your selection of a holster should also be determined by WHERE you are going- The beach? The marina? Will you spend most of your time driving? Are you going to walk for hours today?
5. If you are carrying concealed, no one should know that you carry- unless they are your partner, bride, or traveling acquaintance/business associate. Carefully select whom you will advise about your concealed carry.
6. I recommend that if you and your wife both carry, carry the same make/model/caliber weapon while you are together (interchangeability of ammo, magazines, etc).
7. Every concealed weapon carrier should understand and practice weapons retention drills. You must be able to stop another person from taking your weapon and using it against you or others.
A LOT of inaccurate or semi-accurate information is out there, the GOVERNMENT makes and publishes the law and today, with the internet, it’s trivial to get the truth in a few minutes of looking.
Second rule of concealed or open carry, if you cannot say “Yes, I have zero problem blowing someone’s insides outside of their body” or something similar and irrevocable, DO NOT CARRY. If you hesitate, that weapon WILL be used on you, then on others. I’ve talked rape victims out of carrying a firearm, with that very argument and the gun shop was very happy, rather than risk learning about a new victim in the news being a former customer of his. He sold her some high potency pepper spray and a stun gun, which she would have zero hesitation over using.
Third rule, DO KNOW AND PRACTICE with whatever you carry. I do. My two carries are a light weight .38 snub and a M1911. The .38 is in an inside pants holster or gunny sack. The M1911 is most comfortable with a clipdraw inside the pants OR in that gunny sack. What is carried is largely seasonal, as that M1911 is a bit difficult to conceal in the summer.
I’m proficient with both and can rapidly draw to point of fire.
Fourth law, learn what the use of lethal force law REALLY IS for your state, see the first rule about accurate-inaccurate sources. MANY states have the reasonable person hypothesis, ALWAYS consider that “reasonable person” totally unreasonable! That puts the ducks in a row to NOT get charged with a felony. The use of lethal force SHOULD e the LAST option employed, always. That said, I’m not one to run away, as my back is no more bullet proof than my front is and front first is a far better way to fire than over the shoulder or something. But, be really, really, really sure, without hesitating.
Yes, that sounds silly about being sure, but, let’s face it, usually, it’s black and white. Someone’s getting or has a gun out (if theirs is out, it’s really late to try to get yours out unless you are The Flash). A knife is out and intent is obvious.
Forth law, part A: Find a weapon you will be comfortable with, both in concealed carry AND firing. If you can’t comfortably carry that M1911, don’t bother with it. If you can’t comfortably fire that magnum, don’t bother with it, scale down. Remember, though people knock it, Reagan nearly died from a single .22 round that ricocheted into his limo, which left the round even weaker than normal when it hit him.
Fifth law, every poster here’s personal preference for carry method and carry weapon is valid for them, but may well not be valid for you. That is for you to decide, so try going to quality gun shops and see what they offer for concealed carry for your desired weapon.
And remember, a firearm doesn’t make you bulletproof.
The Code of Federal Regulations 39 C.F. R. 232.1 Conduct on Postal property prohibits a prvate citizen from carrying fire arms on postal property. But, it also states nothing in the rules abrogates any other federal, state or local laws,regulations. So,the CFR cannot trumpthe U.S.C., which allows concealed carry in a federal facility. This infornmation was found in the Law Enforcement Guide to Firearms Law, 13th Edition.
Don’t misunderstand me; I agree with your comments in general and have enough brains to realize (on my own) without being told to check for myself laws for my state and prohibited places.
If you carry a gun put it in holster. Don’t let anyone else know about it.
Practice with your gear before you employ it with live ammo.
relocate here and FFL dealers Etc. Me teach and cert Gun Smith .but I will not Spam no need ,, i can’t keep up with my classes.and i send out to other gunny’s.
Nevada is a traditional open carry state with complete state preemption of firearms laws.(Open in all of NV) However, Clark County is grandfathered so as to continue a “Deadly Weapons” registration scheme. Fortunately, Nevada law exempts travelers to and through Nevada from these registration requirements for 60 days.So say hello and goodbye with middle finger!
no permit required why do i need to have an CCW??? (AZ now A Choice for travel purposes in and out of AZ.
I was trained by professional law enforcement officers while attending a law enforcement acadamy in ’05. We had three “target response” areas on our firearms targets: A response(chest) B response(head) C response(groin). Through 1700 rounds each we practised double taps to all three, as well as triple taps; two to the a response, one to the b response. Your arguement that LE officials do not train this way is absolutely invalid. The first thing we were taught is “shoot till hes down.” If he drops after two shots, good. If he drops after a third to the head, better. If it takes all fifteen to put him down, then fifteen it will take. If it requires a reload and fifteen more, that is what will happen. The point is, once he is down, he is no longer a threat. How you bring him down depends on your training and skill, not what the prosecutor thinks you did. Most states have a law that protects civilians in situations like this. A good phrase to memorize is “I was in fear of my life and/or those around me.” End of story.
I bought a M&P shield 9. Nice and small and I did forget I had it.
My first carry was to a movie with my wife. I scanned the theatre for possible escape routes should anything happen as I know the weapon is last resort.
The average LEO hits about 9% of the time in his first 3 shots.
Thanks