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380 has become popular because of more liberal concealed carry laws, and mom and pop and aunt Milly now want something for "self-defense," but they want it to fit it into a handbag. It's marketing. 380 is less likely to kill anyone, including a bystander. More importantly, it's MUCH less likely to immediately put down an assailant. Killing is not the important thing really, it's immediately removing the threat. As I wrote earlier, if someone is attacking or intends to attack you with deadly force, whether it be a firearm or a crowbar, a 380 isn't likely to put someone down before their weapon can be used. Do you think criminals use the .380 caliber?

As far as protecting bystanders, being accurate with your shot, through training, is what's important. That, and hollow points, which are less likely to pass through your assailant and hit a bystander.

Carry a .380 give a false sense of security, and IMO is more likely to get you hurt or killed than protect you. You'd be better off carry pepper spray. If weight is an issue, carry a scandium S&W J frame revolver. Load with 357. I've carried that combo often