Bias alert--I like Glock pistols. Aesthetically, they leave much to be desired--"Glock" rhymes with "Block" for a reason, that slide shape looks like an eighth-grade metalshop bar folder project. But, they work--and that's the thing. I do like the contoured design of this little Ruger pocket blaster. If it runs as good as it looks, Ruger will sell a zillion of these.
I have made some unkind remarks about the 380 ACP here and elsewhere, most of those based upon the anemic loadings foisted off upon American shooters by American ammo makers. The proliferation of home chronography doomed a lot of ammo company ad copy to the Bullsquat Bin. Most USA-made 380 ACP FMJ 95 grain ammo barely clocks 775-800 FPS from real-world guns. The first and best improvement to domestic 380 ACP ammo might be to load it to its full potential, like European ammo makers do.
That done, decide between some JHP bullet design or the tried-and-true FMJ/RN. From my career experience, the 32 and 380 ACP FMJs penetrate pretty well, and track fairly straight in animated media. Best of all might be an FMJ/TC of 75 grains in 32 ACP and 95 grains in 380 ACP. IME, penetration is a lot more reliable and predictable than is expansion, esp. with bullets hitting recipients at less than 1000 FPS.
380s are authorized by my old shop, and have been since 1994. I don't think any of them have Seen The Elephant, though. If I was to carry a 380 in harm's way, mine would be stoked with RWS/GECO or Fiocchi 95 grain FMJs. I would have a spare magazine with me, as well.
