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I'm going to take to opposite side of the fence on this one.

Now, several posts have limited the choices to:

1. Carrying a .380
2. Carrying nothing

I want to involve a third choice: 3. Carry something else, instead of the .380.

Once the third choice is available, I would take that route every time. In my own personal opinion, and this in no way precludes anyone else's choice in the matter, I would not carry a .380, if I had a choice of something else.

The minimum caliber I would carry for self-defense purposes is 9x18, and reluctantly at that. I'm not saying that it would be ineffective, I just want to have every advantage I can have. In order to get these advantages, I'd want the most power available with the most capacity I could accommodate.

I don't want to tread on ground that has already been well-covered. I'll make some assumptions:

1. We are limited to handguns.
2. The chosen handgun will be carried as often as possible, and appropriate accessories will be available.
3. A modest amount of money can be spent acquiring a handgun, if it is not already available.

Assuming these things, there is no need to discuss the overall inadequacy of all handgun calibers in relation to shotguns, rifles, and anti-tank weapons. There is also no need to discuss the fact that a Ruger LCR is easier to conceal than a standard 1911 or a Glock. The appropriate accessories will include a good holster, gun belt, and cover garments. Finally, there is no need to discuss the scenario in which the .380 is the only option available due to the fact that it is the only gun currently owned and no other can be afforded. In that case, the question is moot, since the .380 must suffice and there is no choice.

Under these conditions, I would say that the .380 is an inadequate defense caliber. Another poster stated that, in smaller calibers, they would opt for FMJ instead of JHP. I personally agree with that, but I understand that others disagree. In my 9x18 pistols, I carry only FMJ. The penetration tests (that I have seen) of JHP in that caliber do not meet the FBI's minimum penetration requirements. There may be some 9x18, or even .380, penetration tests using JHP that do meet these requirements, and I am simply unaware of them. In that case, I will be happy to change my opinion, and also purchase the tested ammunition.

Only my opinion, I am not an expert.