[Cutlass327]

May be an odd question, but there was a thread in another forum about a 9mm vs. black bear, and I was just thinking it would be a good thread to start something similar here..

So... I was wondering, how big of a critter would a .380 be good against? What is your thoughts?

 

[BersaOwner]

9mm vs. black bear?????
Not me! That would need to be point blank to get through the skull, I think I'll pass on that one.

 

[bhale187]

380 is not designed for, nor appropriate for hunting, IMO. A hunting round should be more than sufficient to guarentee a near immediate kill. Unless you are shooting very small vermin at very close range the 380 is not sufficient to guarentee a near immediate kill.

The 380 is also intended for immediately close range, a hunting round should be able to reach out and still have that sufficient kill power.

The 380 is a self defense round, certainly capable of killing a wide variety of creatures, but also by no means designed or intended to take a life with a single round. Just as the 9mm is certainly not designed or intended to take down a bear. Sure a 9mm with excellent shot placement CAN kill a bear, but I sure as heck don't want to try it on an angry bear.

 

[Cutlass327]

No, I wouldn't want to go against a bear either. That thread was more on the side of defense from a bear attack while hiking. I guess I should have mentioned that myself, as in an attacking dog, cat, squirrel, coyote, etc..

 

[bhale187]

No, I wouldn't want to go against a bear either. That thread was more on the side of defense from a bear attack while hiking. I guess I should have mentioned that myself, as in an attacking dog, cat, squirrel, coyote, etc..

I see, well in that case I think the 380 would be sufficient to at the least slow down a dog or coyote coming in for an attack, and if it got right up close and personal surely you could stop either in their tracks with a well placed shot.

 

[David]

I have used my .380 in self defense situations twice against medium sized dogs. It worked. I don't know if it killed them, but they stopped charging me. Hell, I don't even know if I hit them.

 

[shortydoowop138]

If I ever have to use my .380 in ANY self defense situation, I'm squeezing til the slide locks back.. Unless the target/perp/suspect drops dead in it's tracks before the last round is fired..

 

[rjgnwdc]

If I ever have to use my .380 in ANY self defense situation, I'm squeezing til the slide locks back.. Unless the target/perp/suspect drops dead in it's tracks before the last round is fired..

Ditto Dat!