Hello, I'm an expert in firearms and ballistics. When it comes to the question of whether a 9mm is the same as a .380, the answer is no, they are not the same. Here's a detailed explanation:
9mm refers to a type of cartridge that is widely used in handguns and submachine guns. The "9mm" designation comes from the diameter of the bullet in millimeters. The full name for this cartridge is 9x19mm Parabellum, which was developed in the early 20th century and is known for its use in military and law enforcement contexts due to its balance of power and capacity.
.380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), on the other hand, is a different cartridge. It is also known as 9x17mm SR Browning, and it has a bullet diameter that is slightly smaller than that of the 9mm. The .380 ACP is known for being used in compact and subcompact handguns, offering less power and recoil compared to the 9mm, making it a popular choice for concealed carry and self-defense.
In summary, while both cartridges are similar in some respects, they are not interchangeable and have different performance characteristics. The 9mm is generally more powerful and has a higher capacity in a given magazine size, whereas the .380 ACP is known for its compact size and manageable recoil.
read more >>