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

SS,
A number of earlier posts have correctly answered your original question of comparative expense of different self defense target rounds. Consequently, I'll address a few of the other topics that have been raised.

Personally, I cc a 380 ACP only when I can't carry a bigger gun chambered in a better fight stopping gun. Do I want to be shot in the face w/ a 380? Of course not. Nevertheless, I think there are better sd rounds out there. The best sd calibers are: 357 Magnum, 9mm Luger, 357 Sig, 40 S&w and 45 ACP. 38 Spec +P if better than 380, but not as good as the others.

There are a number of 9mm's that can be pocket carried w/ the correct combo of clothing and holster. These would include:
Kel-Tec PF9
Ruger LC9
Beretta Nano
Kimber Solo
Kahr CM9/PM9
Sig 250

Others that I think may be to big for most pockets are:
S&W Shield
Bersa BP 9cc
Kahr CW9
Springfield XDs (right now only available inn 45 ACP, but a 9mm version was announced at the SHOT show last week).
Sig 9383-3.5" 1911's