WB
Is a modern .380 that much better than the .38 S&W/Colt N.P.
Saturday, June 28, 2025, 16:19

Few would pack an ancient .38 S&W or .38 Colt New Police (same round but a flat nose projectile). But thousands tote .380’s without a thought. Mt teeny Kahr P380 will expel the 95 gr. Hornady at just over 900 fps, the slightly larger P9 will do a 115 at 1100fps. The old .38’s that thousands carried pre-war shot 145-158 gr. at around 800 fps, a 195 gr. a hundred less. Generally pocket sidearms in this general class simply poke holes. I’ve only tested the .380 on a poor flailing 60 lb. goat. It took two and I was not impressed.

We have come a long way from .22’s (39 gr. @ 850) and .25 ACP (50 gr. @800). But are we really that far from Grand Pappy? Factoring a single hit performance.

It’s true, the smaller the gun, the more difficult for bullet placement. Today’s small 9mm are a wonder of shootability and firepower. Confidence inspiring, since carried more than older bulky designs. At least from my experience.