Pocket guns are all about convenience. They’re easy to carry, fast to grab, and usually come with a trade-off or two. One of the biggest choices people wrestle with is caliber—specifically .380 vs. 9mm. On paper, they look pretty similar, but once you start carrying and shooting them, the differences add up. Here’s what you’re really giving up (or gaining) when you go one way or the other.
Recoil: Less Snap with .380
A .380 pocket gun is usually easier to handle in terms of recoil. It’s got less punch, so follow-up shots tend to be quicker and more accurate—especially for folks with smaller hands or less grip strength.
That said, 9mm has come a long way, and some newer models manage the kick pretty well. Still, if you’re sensitive to recoil, .380 has the edge in pocket-sized frames.
Penetration: 9mm Hits Harder
Here’s the thing—9mm simply performs better when it comes to penetration. It punches deeper and tends to meet FBI testing standards that .380 often struggles with.
That matters if you’re counting on your carry gun to stop a serious threat. With the right ammo, 9mm gives you more confidence in getting through barriers and hitting vital organs.
Ammo Capacity: Not Much Difference
You’d think smaller rounds mean more capacity, but in tiny pistols, the difference between .380 and 9mm is usually just one round—sometimes none at all.
So if you’re basing your decision strictly on how many rounds you can carry in the gun, it’s probably not going to be the deciding factor. Both give you enough to work with—barely.
Gun Size: .380s Can Be Smaller
There’s no question—.380 pistols can be made thinner and lighter than most 9mm options. That matters when you’re actually trying to pocket-carry something all day.
If you want the most discreet, comfortable option, .380 gives manufacturers a little more room to shave off ounces and inches without fighting heavier recoil.
Ammo Availability: 9mm Wins
Walk into just about any store with a gun counter, and you’ll find shelves of 9mm. .380? It’s there, but usually not in the same quantity or variety.
In a pinch—especially during ammo shortages—9mm is just easier to find, and it’s usually cheaper. If you shoot a lot, that adds up fast.
Reliability in Tiny Guns: It’s Tricky
Ultra-small guns can be finicky, no matter the caliber. But some shooters find that .380 pistols tend to run more reliably in micro formats because the lower pressure round is easier on the internals.
That said, modern 9mm micro compacts have come a long way and often run just as well—if not better—thanks to better design and recoil systems.
Ballistic Performance: 9mm Still Leads
When it comes to raw ballistic performance, 9mm simply delivers more energy. It travels faster, hits harder, and gives you better performance across the board—especially with defensive loads.
.380 has improved with modern hollow points, but it still can’t quite match what a 9mm can do, even out of a short barrel.
Comfort When Shooting: .380 Feels Milder
If you’ve ever shot a snappy little 9mm, you know it can be a handful. With .380, you’re dealing with less pressure and less blast, which can make range time a lot more pleasant.
For folks who are recoil-sensitive or just want a gun they’ll actually train with, that smoother shooting experience might be worth more than raw power.
Cost of Training: 9mm Is Cheaper
Even with recent price hikes, 9mm is usually the more affordable caliber. It’s made in massive quantities and sold everywhere, which keeps prices in check.
.380, on the other hand, can feel overpriced for what you’re getting. That can discourage regular training, and if you’re not shooting often, that’s a problem all on its own.
Stopping Power: It’s Not Just About Caliber
Yes, 9mm is generally the better fight-stopper. But at the end of the day, shot placement beats caliber every time. A well-placed .380 round is more effective than a missed 9mm.
If you shoot .380 better and more often, that might be the smarter carry option. Just don’t kid yourself—both calibers have limits in pocket gun form.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
