Why no larger .32 and .380?

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MarcSpaz
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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by MarcSpaz »

Jeff82 wrote:
MarcSpaz wrote:And yes, a 9mm makes a more critical injury, reducing the drop time, increasing your chance of survival.

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Not to be arguementive (sp?) but can I see your data on that?

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All mid-size and large manufacturers publish performance stats on their brands of ammo. I check ballistic stats every 5 years or so, looking for the "best round" to carry. About 3 years ago, I did some comparison of several brands of ammo (Winchester, Remington, Federal, etc.). It was a toss-up between .40 S&W and 9mm Luger. I traded capacity for better performance.

From my notes...
The average 9x19 penetration was 14.6 inches.
The average 9x19 expansion was 0.6 inches.
The average .380 ACP penetration was 10.7 inches.
The average .380 ACP expansion was 0.4 inches.
WRW wrote:Interesting that 12" meets the criteria but there is a maximum penetration as well, huh?

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LOL... yea, its called the back layer of skin of your soft target.
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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WRW »

Yes, overpenetration. Reliable expansion despite a variety of barriers is the means by which overpenetration is moderated/prevented.

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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by Bailey960 »

MarcSpaz wrote:............Actually, lets use the G42 and G43; 380 vs. 9mm, respectively. They are both single stack 6+1 shot mags. They are the same length within 1/4". They are the same height within 3/25". They weigh within 5 oz of each other, just 1/3lbs difference. I'm going to go with double the impact energy as long as my inflamed arthritis hands can hold it. And there is a good chance that once I degrade to the point that I can't shoot the 9mm anymore, I likely won't be able to shoot the .380 either.......
Noooooooooooo.........don't mention the G43 :hysterical: As much as I enjoy the 42 the 43 is certainly calling my name (for the very reason you mention, same size & with a bot more pop).
It's just my opinion & worth exactly what you paid for it
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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WVUBeta1904 »

Bailey960 wrote: ...As much as I enjoy the 42 the 43 is certainly calling my name...
Yes.

I love my Shield, but I'll definitely pick up a 43 at some point, solely based on the fact that I love everything Glock.

How's the 42 shoot? I hear it's a little snappy, but then again, people tend to just say things...


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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by Bailey960 »

WVUBeta1904 wrote:
Bailey960 wrote: ....How's the 42 shoot? I hear it's a little snappy, but then again, people tend to just say things...
Disclaimer - I have a P380 which is light & tiny so my definition of snappy may differ.

The 42 is smooth as butter. It features the new gen 4 captive dual recoil springs = it really, really smooths things out quite a bit. The only real knock I have is the trigger - the center portion is thin & sharp(ish) = not the most comfortable.

I wasn't a glock fan until I got the 42, now it's one of my favorites. I have Lone Wolf trigger in the works - don't need to lighten the pull, just looking to replace the sharpish portion - could be perfect when I get that installed.
It's just my opinion & worth exactly what you paid for it
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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WVUBeta1904 »

Bailey960 wrote:Disclaimer - I have a P380 which is light & tiny so my definition of snappy may differ.
So of the two, which do you prefer?

Let's assume they're both stock, trigger and all.


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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by Bailey960 »

WVUBeta1904 wrote:
Bailey960 wrote: So of the two, which do you prefer?

Let's assume they're both stock, trigger and all............
Glock, I'll be selling the P380. The P380 has the advantage of fitting inside a back pocket but that's not much. The Khar does has a smooth, smooth trigger with a nice break & it's well made. Really it's a tough call but one thing I like about the Glock (all of them) is that I can break it down with one tool in a few minutes - the Khar is not quite as easy. The Khar is easy to carry but that size comes at a cost - it's not as easy to grip & shoot (FWIW I wear XL gloves).

Size? Winner Khar
Shootability? Glock

If I had a slot I'd keep them both but if I had to choose one it would be the Glock.

As for the Glock trigger it only comes into play @ the range & the break is crisp. Glock says 5.5lbs, mine is 6lbs 2.5oz - not bad by any stretch.
It's just my opinion & worth exactly what you paid for it
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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WVUBeta1904 »

Glad to hear you're enamored with the Glock; I wouldn't expect any less. I have some admiration for Kahr pistols, and will most likely own one sooner or later.


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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WVUBeta1904 »

Seems the 42 is a fan favorite among the ladies as well. All around great-functioning pistol. Fans of the Colt will also appreciate this video.

http://youtu.be/A7nWBMIeIXI


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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WRW »

Somewhat cavalier firearms handling in that video.

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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WVUBeta1904 »

I noticed that as well....which is even more of a testament to the quality of the last 2 pistols fired.

Even BO could shoot these!


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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WRW »

My post was more at the casual attitude toward safety: Hand in front of muzzle, finger inside trigger guard when chambering a round...that kind of thing.

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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by MarcSpaz »

Whoa, whoa, whoa... Let's dial it. Back a little. BO may be handy with a pen and a phone, but let's not get carried away.

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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WVUBeta1904 »

MarcSpaz wrote:Whoa, whoa, whoa... Let's dial it. Back a little. BO may be handy with a pen and a phone, but let's not get carried away.
Hah [emoji38]


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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by Jeff82 »

WVUBeta1904 wrote:
Bailey960 wrote: ...As much as I enjoy the 42 the 43 is certainly calling my name...
Yes.

I love my Shield, but I'll definitely pick up a 43 at some point, solely based on the fact that I love everything Glock.

How's the 42 shoot? I hear it's a little snappy, but then again, people tend to just say things...


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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by cwfunrider »

Ya know I had a PF9 and while it carried great I sold sold it because I did not like to shoot it. Very snappy. I would like to try a 43 and see how it compares. Although my 26 and 19 are pretty easy for me to conceal so not sure the 43 is needed.

But wants always out weigh needs when it comes to amassing a "collection". (I prefer collection to Arsenal)

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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by WVUBeta1904 »

cwfunrider wrote:Although my 26 and 19 are pretty easy for me to conceal so not sure the 43 is needed.
I absolutely love my 19, so I know how you feel. Even though I have a very convenient, reliable, and easy to shoot CC (Shield), the 43 is on the top of my list for that fact.
cwfunrider wrote:But wants always out weigh needs when it comes to amassing a "collection". (I prefer collection to Arsenal)
Yes...I find myself looking at various guns for the hell of it, and often have to tell myself "I know you want this, but not now" about 50 times a week.


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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by Jeff82 »

MarcSpaz wrote: From my notes...
The average 9x19 penetration was 14.6 inches.
The average 9x19 expansion was 0.6 inches.
The average .380 ACP penetration was 10.7 inches.
The average .380 ACP expansion was 0.4 inches.
Averages for different rounds combined? Why not pick an acceptable round and go with it? There are now .380 loads that make minimum penetration and exhibit expansion. I give you that the nine makes minimum easier, but if a round meets specs it meets specs. Can I put more .380 rounds on target in the same time you can put 9mm? As they are both quite easy to fire maybe it's moot, like the penetration and expansion beyond minimum...

9mm is pretty easy... but for the arthritic or otherwise disabled, elderly, etc. maybe the .380 (with the proper load) is just the ticket.
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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by MarcSpaz »

The right answer is, there is no right answer. They all get the job done. If they didn't, they wouldn't be on the market long. Its all personal preference.



And I know we are talking pistols here, but... if we were going to compare easy of use and sufficient stopping power, even for the arthritic or otherwise disabled, elderly, etc., I would never pick a handgun at all. It would be an M4 Carbine. Its short enough to use indoors. The rounds are designed for reduced risk of over penetration. It's long enough and powerful enough to take down a soft target at 650 meters. Its light enough that anyone in my family (including my elderly, arthritic mother) can handle it. It has an adjustable stock to provide proper fit for anyone in my family. It provides a 3 point stability system. It has much less felt recoil than most pistols and is by far, significantly easier for just about anyone to shoot more accurately at any distance when compared to a handgun.

Engineers and users alike have been searching for the best all-around general purpose weapon that would "work" in every situation. Not be the best, but be effective in all situations. Many believe if you compare all pistols and rifles, the M4 Carbine is the best "compromise" weapon for all situations... meaning, if you could only have one weapon, that general platform would provide reasonable performance in the most amount of situations. At least it has come the closest to it in the opinions of millions, which is why it is/was the most popular firearm in the US.

But again, its all personal preference. There is no right answer. They all get the job done.
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Re: Why no larger .32 and .380?

Post by Reverenddel »

Along the same lines Marc speaks "A pistol is designed to get you to a rifle."

It's supposed to be for up close, personal, and quick usage. All this "distance" mess is neither here nor there... 7 - 15 yards... after that? You have bigger issues.
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