re: What Are the Board's Thoughts Regarding .38, .380, and 9mm for Carry?

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like the S&W compact revolvers and Bersa Thunder semi. Most seem to want to discount anything other than the 9mm for a primary carry, though.

How much more do .38 and .380 ammo run than 9mm during non-panic times?

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There are just so many more options in 9mm (and .40 S&W now), in both platforms and cartridge offerings by the major manufacturers. I'm not even a 9mm guy, really, but I would choose 9mm over .38 special or .380. Even if a revolver is selected, I believe that, only under rare circumstances will you not be able to find one chambered in .357, and then carry either a .38 +P or light .357 round.

It's about carrying a platform with the most effective round as practicable.

As an example, I would not feel undergunned with a Glock 26 or M&P Shield. Although it remains my favorite gun to shoot, I would feel undergunned with a .380 Walther PPK.

If you cannot handle/are not comfortable with full power 9mm (or .40 S&W), by all means carry a .380 (or even better, a Seecamp LW in .32 ACP, sweet, sweet gun), but do so consciously and out of necessity.