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        The .380 Automatic (.380 ACP) pistol cartridge is a rimless straight walled pistol cartridge developed by John Browning.  The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case.  It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self defense cartridge ever since. Other names for .380 ACP include .380 Auto, 9 Millimeter Browning, 9 Millimeter Corto, 9 Millimeter Kurz, 9 Millimeter Short and 9x17 Millimeter.  The .380 Automatic should not be confused with the .38 ACP. 

        The .380 ACP cartridge was designed for early blowback pistols which lacked a barrel locking mechanism. The locking mechanism that is found on most other pistols is not necessary for the .380 because of the round's low breech pressure when fired. The recoil spring and the mass of the slide itself are enough to buffer the recoil energy of the round. This simplifies manufacture of pistols chambered for such a round, generally thereby lowering the cost. It also permits the barrel to be permanently fixed to the frame, which promotes accuracy. There have, however, been a number of locked-breech pistols chambered in .380 ACP.

        The .380 ACP has experienced widespread use in the years since its introduction. It was famously used by many German officers during World War II in the Walther PPK, as well as by Italian forces in the M1934 Baretta. However, as a service pistol round, its low power did not provide suitable penetration for combat. It did find use as a backup gun due to low recoil, and is popular in the civilian market as a personal defense round. The .380 ACP round is considered suitable for self-defense situations, and as a result, it has been a viable choice for concealed carry pistols. The combination of decent penetration in close range defense situations with light recoil has made it a viable round for those who wish to carry a small, lightweight handgun that can still provide adequate defense.

        The .380 ACP is compact and light, but has a relatively short range and less stopping power than other modern pistol cartridges.  According to author Massad Ayoob, "Some experts will say it's barely adequate, and others will say it's barely inadequate."  Even so, it remains a popular self-defense cartridge for shooters who want a lightweight pistol with manageable recoil. It is slightly less powerful than a standard pressure .38 Special and uses 9 mm (.355 in) diameter bullets. The heaviest bullet that can be safely loaded into the .380 ACP is 115 grains (7.5 g), though the standard has long been 85, 88, 90 or 95 grains. The .380 has had something of a recent upsurge in popularity with the increase of concealed carry Laws, as have the compact and inexpensive pistols that make use of it. 

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