ballistically with today's good ammo I don't worry one bit about .380. Only if dead of winter and cold would I worry about it penetrating minimally through layers and layers and layers. Otherwise good .380 is barely a touch under 9mm in performance, hence why it is sold as 9mm short in many countries. The fear of .380 is like the fear of certain bow manufacturer "X" because it isn't "Y"....there are at most very very small reasons for the dislike or fear but not measurable enough to really make a huge difference. It is a moot debate though now, as I'd go 43 for the same reason and not much size difference lost.
As much as I would like to I won't debate the effectiveness of the .380 I won't, you make several excellent points...My problem with the 42 is that think a .380 on the glock platform is a waste, it's still chunky and squarish. When I think .380 I think of better platforms, for example... I have a . 380 kimber micro, my wife likes and carries. I just put a micro raptor on order that may replace her current lumber...we will see. I have a sig p938 extreme, it gets the nod some days with shorts and tee shirts at ....But for EDC most times I am carrying a 9mm or .40 ....
You listed my favorite .380 in the kimber micro and the sig938 in the 238 platform is the second one IMO. The 42 is the awesome medium sized .380 for the recoil sensitive or the .380 afficienado.
Well I picked up the 43, ran about 100 around of whitebox 115 fmj through it without a hitch today. I then shot a box of 115 +p JHP through it .....no hang ups there. Last I put a box of 20 Hornady critical defense 135 +p through it .....again no hang ups. The jury is still out on it but it may make me a decent summer time carry gun. Now to put my FN compact through the ringer.......
I've had the 43 for a few months now. It's a great little gun. That being said my FNS9c has taken it's place. I'll still keep the 43 around but it's not an everyday carry.
I agree, I am liking my FN a bit more so far. I have to ring it out a bit more as I only put about 100 round of through it. The trigger is nicer-then the glock , I like the extra capacity( kind of moot point in NY but anyway), it also handles the +p loads a little better because of the added weight... I also like the looks a lot. The FN compact keeps a rugged full sized look in compact package ....last living in NY we have a long sweatshirt and jacket season so the slight extra size over the 43 isn't an issue for a lot of months in the year here. The 43 is really shining for me as summer time carry, I like the cleanliness and the size to weight ratio for a 9mm is excellent. I just ordered a some sticky talon grips for it as I think I need a little better grip in some situations..... I am trying to get down to a handful of pistols, and if I lived anywhere but NY I would lighten the load as I have way to many. But as long I am here I am reluctant to sell anything. Same go for sporting rifles ....I haven't rifle hunted in 12 years and don't have any plans too....
