380 is a round that is low-powered enough to have a fixed barrel. Frames with fixed barrels are very cheap to manufacter as opposed to floating barrels in bigger calibers.
These fixed barreled frames with low energy rounds means they can built them smaller and cheaper. Excellent criteria for concealed carry.
The reason .380 is popular is because its not a .22
hey, I have five 380s and love them all.
I think Hi-Point has fixed barrels in their .45s. You just have to add a lot of weight of inertia.
Say what you will about a Hi-Point, but I sure don't want to get pistol whipped with one.