Defense Guns & Tactics asks, Is the .380 Pocket Pistol Dead? Recoil Staff November 9, 2015 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. So asks Guns & Tactics in a recent article by contributor Judah Torres. They are (or so he opines) uncomfortable, snappy, tough to be accurate with, have limited capacity and just aren't that an effective a round. In a world with M&P SHields, Glock 43s, Glock 19s, Sig P320s and M&PCs, at a time when there are a plethora of good holsters that make it easy to carry a more effective weapon..why would you use a .380? “Modern science has told us that there is no such thing as ‘handgun stopping power.' Ultimately, shot placement is key. To that end, a shooter should strive to be accurate and moderately fast under stress. But on the .380 pocket pistol, the ultra-short sight radius and less-than-optimal sights make a good sight picture fairly tough to acquire quickly. Additionally, most .380 pocket pistols have notoriously difficult triggers, and if our vision determines our speed and our trigger press determines our accuracy, the majority of .380 pocket pistols are just that much more difficult to shoot quickly and accurately. The Glock 42 performs a little bit better than other .380 pocket pistols in my opinion, with a factory Glock trigger and sights, but doesn’t match it’s far more capable big brother, the Glock 43.” He makes some interesting points, though some of us would argue there is still a place for the .380 with some people. You can read what he has to say in its entirety over on Guns & Tactics right here. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
