Since 1908, this little cartridge has been riding along for self defense.
Let’s take a close look at the long life of the .380 ACP. cartridge.
John Browning might be remembered for many cartridges he invented but the .380 ACP. (Automatic Colt Pistol) is often overlooked. Also known as the .380 Auto, 9X17mm cartridge and among even more names, this rimless cartridge was first for the Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless Pistol. It was wildly popular and even was adopted as a military handgun cartridge for many nations.
The cartridge caught on quickly even overseas and the Walther PP was born chambered for the popular “9mm Kurz/.380 ACP” cartridge.
During the new age of increased legal concealed carry in the U.S. a smaller and lighter .380 ACP. pistol was invented, the Keltec P3AT. This tiny and extremely light pistol ushered in a new generation of concealable pocket pistols in that short 9mm cartridge. No longer was a two shot derringer or a smaller caliber pistol the only option for really light weight pocket carry.
With the new generation of high performance ammunition the little .380 ACP. got some needed teeth. Decades back the 95 grain full metal jacket cartridge was the only choice you could find on the market. Now everything from high performance hollow points that actually expand as marketed through hard cast projectiles for more penetration are available.
What is the future for the .380 ACP. cartridge? Well with the ever increasing number of handgun makers releasing models in that cartridge and ammunition makers always pushing technology for even better offerings the .380 ACP. will be around long after we are dusty bones underground. Long live the .380 ACP. cartridge!
