CCW/Home Defense 380 opinions

[bluesman001]

My old lady wants to get a Sig P232 due to its size/weight for carrying as well as fit to her hand.  I wanted some input on whether or not this is an appropriate caliber for personal protection (CCW) and home defense.  I personally have a Hi-Point C-9, and would love to have a 1911 .45.  Please give input and opinions pro or con (in reference to the .380.)  Thanks

(This may be in wrong section, please forgive.)

[Timothy]

Has she actually held and handled a P232?  They're not that small and they're not that light.

It's better than nothing I guess but since you say it's for the home, I would suggest a more potent caliber and then learn to control it.

Train.....train.....train.....  My daughter shoots a midsize Sig P228 with no problems.

[tombogan03884]

I would class the .380 as the MINIMUM caliber for SD. That being said, a .380 with HP's in the pocket or purse is FAR more protection than the .45 you left home because it's too big or to heavy.
Any quality expanding bullet that will feed reliably should be sufficient

[bluesman001]

Has she actually held and handled a P232?  They're not that small and they're not that light.

She has, and really digs it.  But as you say I've been telling her she'd have to empty the mag or hit just right.  Have been steering her towards 9mm or bigger.

[Timothy]

If she's comfortable with it, then she'll learn to use it properly.  There have been some quantum advances in .380 ammo these days.  Sigs are very accurate shooters and quite easy to become familiar with.

Good luck!

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

She has, and really digs it.  But as you say I've been telling her she'd have to empty the mag or hit just right.  Have been steering her towards 9mm or bigger.

The purpose of CCW is for her to HAVE the gun ALWAYS.
I don't mean to come across as an A--hole to a new member, but like picking the gun it's self and training. The best thing you can do to help her is to shut up. You have to remember that SHE is the one who will be carrying (or not ) that gun.
Which makes her safer, the "marginal" caliber she picked and carries, or the "perfect" self defense gun You chose, and she leaves in a drawer ?

[ericire12]

Tom and Timothy are exactly right..... Probably the best thing you can do is have her fondle as many guns as possible and see what works best for her and what she feels most comfortable with. You can try to continue to push for a 9mm and up caliber, but be sure not to turn her off to a gun that she can and will actually carry.

You might also want to spend a good amount of time figuring out exactly the method in which she will be carrying her CCW..... if it is going to be purse carry -- especially with a purse designed to carry a gun -- you will be able to get away with a few extra ounces in weight. The biggest factor will be what feels most comfortable in her hand and what she shoots best.

[fightingquaker13]

Have you explored revolvers? As everyone has said, bigger is better than smaller, but what you will actually carry is what matters. Better a .22 in the purse than a .44 magnum in the dresser drawer. Still, if 9mm recoil (my personal minimum defensive caliber, your mileage may vary) is a problem, try a .38 revolver. The Smith J frame is a classic for a reason and the Ruger LCR looks good, and Taurus makes some good guns. The thing is, that at least to me, the felt recoil of a revolver is less than a pistol. The noise is worse, but the recoil seems lighter. Have her practice with light .38s and load with a +P JHP for SD. Just a thought.
FQ13

[Timothy]

Rarely do I agree with FQ but.....since the LCR has been approved in MA, I've been eyeballing that little revolver for something to leave at home for the wife.  The difference in ME is pretty significant over .380 when loaded with .38 +p ammo.  

Just waiting to see what, if any, possible problems it might suffer from before I commit.

[twyacht]

Just to bring another aspect to the posts, (training and practice is fantastic), the big BUT is .380 is still hit or miss as far as quantity of rounds available, and even target ammo prices are much higher than 9 or 38. Hell, 45Colt was cheaper than .380 at the last show I went to ....

I have 2 .380's and have had good and bad luck finding ammo.

Can you find a slightly used 9 or 38 revolver and utilize a more "ammo" available ammo?

All things to consider. if she is set on a .380, even after renting a 9 or 38, than find a reliable resource for .380 ammo and get it.

Depending on experience, some instruction for her might also be considered.

Just the .02 cents.

Welcome to DRTV bluesman.