Ah crap - I posted this 1/25/09 not 10.
Oh well....I guess i need more coffee.
You can always try Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods, although lately I’ve seen 9mm becoming increasingly scarce again.
You’re better off finding something in a 9mm...380 is a PITA to come by, and when it is around, it ain’t for long!
Not an expert, but I believe a good bit of what this guy says is credible. Good discussion on calibers/ammo, when you have a moment to read.
In short- experienced ATL coroner says .357 has best effect on target.
http://www.brigadegunleather.com/deadmeat.html
before you purchase a khar you may want to know who you are giving your money too...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kahr_Arms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_Church#Controversy
9MM ammo is becoming more available, especially if you aren’t picky about your ‘plinking’ ammo. Just google 9mm ammunition and you’ll come up with a good list of places to check. Cabelas, Midway and R&R Arms have been consistently reliable for me.
:)
Modern/recently-produced firearms that are chambered to use .380 ACP are rare. When you do find a .380 handgun, it's usually a relic from the middle half of last century. Anyone looking at a handgun in this caliber would be better off with the 9mm Luger cartridge that's only 1mm greater in length but significantly higher in power.
Some people think that the .380 ACP pocket guns are softer recoiling than a 9mm pistol of the same size, but I've found out that most pocket pistols seem to sting a bit no matter what they're chambered in. I can recall examples of .380 pocket pistols that actually hurt quite a bit when firing. It's enough to make you carry a full size pistol and forget about pocket automatics altogether.
I feel your pain. No, really. I am approaching 1000 rounds for every gun I own (rifles and pistols). I have done it by watching for deals locally, and buying hard when they come up. But then, I am in MT., and I doubt there is a place where ammo is more abundant - Which is a grim thing for the rest of the nation - It is by no means abundant (or cheap) here.
Ordinarily I'd say burn a lot of practice ammo but it is hard to replace unless you want to reload.
You are starting late, at a rough time!
Ammo is much cheaper when you purchase it in bulk (e.g. cases of 1000). You can do so at gun shows or any number of online sources.
http://www.ammoengine.com/find/ammo/9mm
I am finding 9mm to be VERY scarce again. I have no idea why as 3-4 months ago I was able to buy at WW for $8.97 a box any day of the week.... now, there is very little.
Also, forget about .357/.38 and .380... next to impossible right now. BTW, .380 is so darned expensive that is why I went with 9MM for conceal....
Find out when ammo dealers get their shipments and be there.
Load your own!
http://www.starlinebrass.com
http://www.dillonprecision.com
http://www.midwayusa.com
for starters...
Meanwhile, check with your local shooting range(s) to see whether they usually have .380 available for target practice. Like a bonfire without matches, it's no fun to own a great handgun without ammo.
Between the two, I’d pick the 9mm for availability of ammo. Plus if you decide to pick up a rifle sometime down the road, they’re available in that caliber...
My husband was at a gun show yesterday and said that the ammo businesses weren’t nearly as busy as they have been in the past. Maybe everyone has all the ammo they want. ;o)
Ammo is always plentiful when there is absolute confidence in the President and the government. I carry a .45Auto and use a converter to practice with the .22....that is the only two calibers I have except for a plethora of black powder weapons and bullet molds.
I’ve shot a Kahr P380, very nice, snappy but not painful to shoot. It is pricey though.
If you don’t mind single action, look at the sig 238’s, a couple hundred less, about the same size.
Which ever you choose, both are nice.
A carry gun needs available ammo (stating the obvious). As 9mm is MUCH more available than .380, I would go with the 9mm.
It’s not just the fact that you need to fill a magazine or two with ammo. You will will need to practice with your carry gun regularly. I have shot about 2500 rounds through my Kimber over the past year to get and remain proficient with it. This is a very important but overlooked point. I could never have done this with a .380 caliber. And the situation does not appear to be getting much better for the forseeable future.