About a hundred years ago, there were quite a few service-size pistols in 380 ACP. The Walther PP, Browning 1922, JP Sauer 38H, Colt 1903, and a few others were considered service and battlefield pistols. These nice-sized handguns were popular, if only for a badge of office. While many nations adopted the 9mm service pistol after World War II, oddly enough, the Soviets adopted an upgraded Walther PP redesign. This size pistol is often lauded as ideal for personal defense. Handling and convenience are valued over combat ability. This is, after all, a handgun that may always be with you without a huge weight penalty. They may be held close to the body with good retention and handled quickly in the home. A double-action first-shot trigger and manual safety add safety measures for a purse or night-stand gun. This type of handgun and high-capacity variants, such as the Beretta 84, were popular service pistols just before the first wave of terrorism in Europe. So what do similar-size handguns offer today? A lot of convenience, easy shooting, and a degree of terminal ballistics.
