[Felonious Monk]

Okay. We're narrowing down the choices for the move up from a P32 for my wife.

Looks like she likes the .380, but the AMT she shot didn't float her boat, and the KelTec P3AT was too small a platform to launch a .380 comfortably enough for her to practice with.


Which of the above (or some other choice) and why? I'd really like to hear about your experience shooting them, as well. Triggers? Least recoil? etc.

Thanks!
FM

[MICHAEL T]

Get the Bersa everybody loves the one they have. My 10 year old enjoys shooting mine and she's getting to be a good shot.

[deputy tom]

Monk,I didn't vote because all of the pistols in the list are great choices.Any one of them will work out fine for your wife.Just make sure she handles each one and determines which one fits her hands best,easiest to rack,proper trigger reach,etc.tom.

[GrandmasterB]

Out of the ones listed, the Bersa Thunder is the best value and is a great, reliable .380.

If you can find one, I highly recommend the Colt Mustang Pocketlite. IMHO, these are the best .380's ever made.

[Smoke]

Colt Gov't, Mustang, or Pony (Pony is DA)

Smoke

[cstreu1026]

I'd say from my experience there is nothing negative about owning a Bersa. So throw int he bargin basement price that I got mine for and I don't see how you could possibly go wrong. Besides the money you save could buy that much more ammo for practice.

[halvey]

How about the Beretta with the tip up barrel? Then she doesn't even have to rack the slide. I want one, and it's the only non-American gun I'd own.

[CZ52GUY]

I voted other, Browning BDA-380...13+1...heavy enough to be very steady in the hands...accurate, and esthetically pleasing too :).

My better half ended up with this one by shooting model airplanes with it ;).

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

[Ohen Cepel]

I have the Sig 230 (earlier 232 model) and I really enjoy it! Very classic look which I like.

Little snappy to shot with hot loads but that's to be expected. Very well made (it's a SIG after all!)

Only downside I can think of is it's a bit large.

[Clean97GTI]

I voted other.

Of those listed, I'd be more apt to consider the CZ83.

The "other" gun I voted for is, of course, the Makarov.

[Shane333]

I'd get the CZ83. It's very comfortable to shoot (for a blowback action), works well for those with not-so-big hands, has good ergonomics (ambi safety and mag release) and holds 13+1.

Edited to add:

With the CZ83, you can easily carry cocked and locked or carry with hammer down on loaded chamber. Depending on your preference for single or double action for the first shot.

[tbeb]

How about the discontinued Taurus PT-58 (if the grip, which houses a double column magazine, isn't too big)? Pistol came with blue, satin nickel, or stainless finish. Barrel length is 4 inches, and empty weight is 30 ounces. It is double action first shot, and single action for the rest. Safety is frame mounted. One thing--safety is not a decocker. So, you have to be careful lowering the hammer if you want a round in the chamber and hammer down. Recoil should be very manageable because pistol is heavy for caliber. Four inch barrel gives long sight radius for caliber, which aids accuracy.

[kimbernut]

I'm with Smoke go with a COLT.
Sig 230/232 is great but for the size I'd go 9mm

[wasrjoe]

My first vote is a Makarov chambered in .380. Fairly easy to find, but barrels are even easier to find. My second would be the Bersa .380. My third would be the Sig P230, if only because the price is a bit much for a .380 IMO.

[gbelleh]

I voted Bersa because it will shoot just as well as the others for a lot less $$.

[Black Snowman]

The CZ 83 is really the only 380 that I've tried and liked (which I have to admit is a small sampling). 13 rounds, accurate, wide enough backstrap that the sharp blowback recoil doesn't sting or feel too uncofortable. Doesn't hurt that it's affordable.

[Black Majik]

My vote is the Sig 232. Although the .380 is a snappy round to shoot from (also cuz of the blowback design), I found the Sig to still be easy shooting.

Glad to see the PPK isn't on the list. That thing... hurts to shoot. :uhoh:

Go for the Sig.

[kokapelli]

What is by far the largest selling 380 in the US market?

Why it's the keltec P-3AT. But it's not on the list!!!

[CZ-100]

I voted OTHER

Kel-Tec P3AT.

I carry one every day

[Felonious Monk]

kokapelli, CZ100-- Don't get me wrong, I'm a HUGE Kel-Tec fan (I own 4) and for ME, the P-3AT would be great. My WIFE, however, wants to move up in caliber and in size of platform, in order to get a better weight/recoil/balance thing happening. The recoil of the P-3AT was far too snappy for her to put enough rounds through to stay really good with her skills (which is what we WANT).

I'd love to have a Colt Mustang in Nickel for her, but can't really afford it.
We'll ultimately shoot a bunch of models and let HER choose, but I'm hopeful to keep hearing what folks have to say about perceived recoil of those in the poll and others I may have missed.

Thanks guys. Any others we should consider?

[crt360]

I'd choose the CZ83, especially if perceived recoil is an issue. My brother has one and it almost seems like it has no recoil. I personally like everything about the pistol, but I don't need a .380 at the moment. Some people will complain that it is too big and heavy for a .380; well, those are key factors in making it such a pleasant gun to shoot. The other guns mentioned are good guns, but none would be my first choice unless it was a BUG to be crammed into a tight space and for that the Browning/Beretta, Colt & even SIG might be too large. Have her shoot as many of the choices as she can; I bet she will enjoy shooting the CZ83 the most.

[Marko Kloos]

The Beretta and the SIG are the top picks on that list for me. It all depends on whether she likes an external safety or whether she prefers her guns "pull, point, and bang".

Personally, I think the SIG P232 is the best of the .380s. They are lighter and flatter than the Berettas, better put together than everything else in that caliber, thin and easy to tote, very accurate, and extremely reliable. You do pay a little extra, but I think the P232 is well worth its premium. It also has an exceptional trigger, and the large-ish grip makes it more comfortable to shoot than most others. In addition, it has the best sights of any .380 on the market, with optional SIGlite night sights. The Beretta's sights are integral to the slide, and the Kel-Tec and NAA don't have very sophisticated sights at all. The mini-380s are also harder to shoot well, and in case of the NAA painful in recoil.

The CZ is a fine weapon, and the easiest recoiling one of the bunch, but it's also the most difficult to carry and conceal, since it's a 30+ ounce all-steel gun with a bulky double-stack grip.

For a budget choice, the Bersa would get my nod. It's a "best buy" in handguns, and will do everything the P232 does for half the price.

In the end, it's all about which one fits her the best. I do find that many first-time CCW women take a liking to the alloy-framed P232s, though.

[mod12]

the narrowness of the grip tends to concentrate the recoil of the p3at. i built up the backstrap with 3 layers of foam lined electric tape and added an "uncle mike's" grip sleeve. this lengthened the pull about 3/16 of an inch and cushioned the grip. a noticeable reduction in felt recoil. :) mine's in my pocket right now.

[varoadking]

mine's in my pocket right now.

And I thought you were just happy to see us...

[enfield]

My wife's choice of a .380 was dictated more by the holster types available than by the fit of the gun or the manufacturer's reputation. She had a Bersa which she loved, but she couldn't find a comfortable holster for it. She's 5' 2" and typical high-riding CCW holsters put the grip in her armpit. We sold the Bersa and bought a PPK with a Galco Deep Undercover holster. She likes the fit better, but it's still not great. She shoots the PPK fine and, probably due to her small hand size, it's not painful for her. What she carries is a NAA Guardian .380 in a Graham Pop Top holster. The holster is an IWB that fits very low -- the pistol grips are below her belt line. She doesn't like the NAA as well as the PPK, but at least it's comfortable to carry. She does have accuracy trouble with the NAA due to the small size and long, heavy DA trigger pull (who doesn't?), but it also doesn't hurt her hands as much as it does mine.

[mamba]

I like the sig on that list, but the colt would be my first choice.

[Ultrastar]

The Bersa is great. Two others you might want to look into are the Taurus PT-938 (15+1, D/A, C&L) and PT-138 (12+1, DAO).

[rick_reno]

My wife has the Sig P230 which I believe is the model that preceded the P232. She likes it - very easy to conceal and reliable.

[Sistema1927]

Other.

Kahr PM-9. If she can handle the recoil from a P-32, then she will have no trouble with a PM-9, and she will get a more robust self-defense round.

[71Commander]

I have 2 .380's.
a Colt Gov't, Mark IV and a NAA Guardian.

The Guardian is about the same size as the Kel-tec but alot more managable recoil as it is heavier.

I sold a Bersa to get the Colt. Nuf said. Loved the Bersa BTW.

[kokapelli]

TennTucker, I had a Guardian and got rid of it because it was painfull to shoot. Remember the Guardian is a blowback and the Keltec is a locked breach, tilt barrel design much like the 1911. Even thought the Keltec weighs less than the Guardian, it has much less felt recoil.

With the Keltec a lot of the recoil is absorbed when the barrel moves back with the slide.

By the way, the much heavier Guardian feels like a brick in my pocket when compared to the Keltec and it is thicker than a Keltec P32 or P-3AT.

[71Commander]

I had a Kel-tec and sold it to get the NAA. Not one moment of regret, never.

Recoil is a matter of perception. I did not like the KT. I don't like plastic guns. At 17 ozs. the NAA has perfect weight for a super small pocket rocket. I have a tuckable holster for it as well so to me the weight isn't even an issue.

[kokapelli]

TennTucker, plastic guns don't bother me. If it shoots well and is reliable, that's all I care about.

Kind of like blonds and brunettes. I like both if they work OK.

As for recoil being a preception.Try telling that to my arthritic joints.

[Felonious Monk]

Thanks guys!
We've already ruled out the subcompact platform of the P3AT, NAA, Rohrbaugh, etc.

Final decision is (of course) hers, but I put alot of stock in the advice from this board. Marko, if the Bersa will REALLY do all that the Sig does for 1/2 the price, I sort of hope she goes that route.

I sure like the CZ line, but if it's that bulky, it's going to lose points for ease of carry.

I'm inclined to think the Colt Mustang and Browning BDA are also going to be a tad...chunky...for her tastes.

The sexy, '70's James Bond design thing going on with the Sig and the Bersa may appeal to her aesthetically, and coupled with the high marks they both receive for reliability etc...
I'm just making a WAG and I've been wrong before, but it may come down to those two.
I'll let you know soon just how stupid I really am at guessing a woman's choices. :rolleyes:

[denfoote]

In the form of Pistolet Makarova!!

They can be had for less than the rest and are MORE reliable!!!

Hey, the Iron Curtain rocks, Baby!! :evil:

[Gunnutz13]

FM...Never make a self defense weapon decision based on price...your wife might not live to regret it. It should be made on reliability...when the SHTF, it better work! Having said that, my choice in .380acp is a Walther PPK/s. Good strong platform, in an easy to conceal size. But not as small as the other sub-compacts you have already ruled out. Another good choice would be a Makarov in 9x18, slightly bigger frame, slightly more potent caliber. I own one of each and have carried both concealed...which means I trusted both explictly. Which ever make, model and caliber you choose...run a couple hundred rounds down range to check reliability...practice drawing from concealment...and shooting without using the sights ( point shooting ) at a man-sized target no farther away than a couple of yards. That's what your wife will need to survive a "real world" confrontation. Take care... :evil:

[Felonious Monk]

Thanks Gunnutz, We'll heed that advice.

I already own an unfired Bulgie Makarov, and Honey (SWMBO) is totally underwhelmed by the whole WWII aura. Yep, I know. Stone-cold reliable, but this is HER choice and it's one she's crossed off the list.

Your (and MY, as well) mileage may vary.

[edefonzo]

My Bersa Thunder .380 has been the easiest handgun I own to carry concealed. It's light, slim, very, very reliable, and has all of the features you can desire in a handgun. Plus it has terrific service accuracy at 50 feet, which is the length of the indoor range at my club. I carry it in a variety of holsters, though two of the best for that gun are the Uncle Mike's ankle holster and the Fobus paddle holster.

The CZ 83 is a great pistol, but the concensus is correct that it is a bit heavy. When I wanted to move up in caliber for concealment I went to the CZ 2075 RAMI in a High Noon "Speedy Spanky" paddle holster.

In a .380 for your wife, select the Bersa.

Have Fun and Be Safe.

Ed

[telomerase]

My better half ended up with this one by shooting model airplanes with it

Man, I've heard of wives not liking their husband's hobbies, but that's the highest level of intolerance I've ever heard of. (Were the planes in flight or caught refueling on the field? Were you able to do any evasive maneuvering?)

[kokapelli]

I have a Bersa and usualy have it in the car. Since the Bersa and the P-3AT use the same cartridge and I carry a P-3AT, they go good together. IMO, the Bersa is a fine, 100% reliable pistol with one of the best single/double action triggers I have yet to shoot, mild felt recoil, good sights and a grip that fits my smallish hand.
However, I would not consider it small enough for concealment. The Bersa does shoot the same cartridge as the P-3AT, but is a little bigger. Well, maybe a lot bigger.
http://www.wtv-zone.com/jnib/images/ktog/profile_1.jpg

[Fletchette]

I've had a Sig P230 (predecessor to P232, very minor changes) for decades and it has worked almost flawlessly. I say "almost" because I did intentionally abuse it by not cleaning it for ~700 rounds and then it did start jamming. I think this is phenominal for a direct-blowback, as they tend to blow more crud back into the mechanics of the gun due to the case moving while under pressure. Gun is accurate too.

Aside from reliability, it is very light (17 oz) and slim. The recoil spring is around the barrel so the muzzle is very slim. Heal mounted mag release insures no accidental mag releases when in deep concealment.

I have only recently, semi-retired it. I just bought a S&W Scandium w/ laser sights. It is even lighter (11 oz!) and can launch full-house .357. Without a slide or exposed hammer it can even be fired reliably from inside a pocket. For the recoil adverse, there are pleanty of good .38 Special loads out there with the same effectiveness as .380 ACP (or even slightly better).


I carry these as hot weather guns and/or backup. Main gun is 9mm Walther.

Hope that helps.

[yesterdaysyouth]

i've shot the beretta, bersa, and the sig... i would perfer the sig myself.. i didn't care for the bersa because the square edges on the trigger guard cut into my fat fingers somthing serious.... the wide backstrap and smooth frontstrap on the beretta(BDA 380) made the snappy recoil even worse...

[Felonious Monk]

Cool!
So we went to my favorite firearms establishment (the LARGEST in all of Tallapoosa County, yet!), and managed to let her fondle the Bersa, the Beretta 86, the Sig (in P230), and a Colt Mustang.

Final tally:
Beretta--far too large a grip. Out.
Bersa--(which I loved)--felt wierd/sideways in her hand (go figure :rolleyes: )
Colt-- not her cup of tea
Sig-- She LOVED it. Apparently, they did, too. Wanted $550 for it.

Now, we've gotta find a range in Birmingham or Montgomery where we can go shoot as many as possible. Ala Dan or any of you other guys down this way have any insight on that?

Thanks guys,
Ben/FM

[Wilson 17&26]

I assume I am voting by secret ballot, so I won’t disclose how I voted :)
http://www.wilson-genealogy.com/pics/p-3atwmags.gif

[mod12]

you aren't kidding me wilson! :D

[Hammer-Ed]

Just carried my Sig P230 SL to the range today to try a few different loads. Found the plain old Winchester to be the most accurate with 3" groups at 50'. I could shoot that pistol all day if I could get someone to reload the 7rnd mags. The purchase was for my wife who didn't like the G26 I bought her and couldn't rack a Beretta Cheetah.

http://www.hunt101.com/img/228277.JPG

Looked strongly at the Bersa before I bought and found nothing wrong with it at all. I was able to find a used and perfectly functioning stainless P230 for $300. I've done nothing more than clean and lube it and it goes bang when you ask it to.

I'm a great Beretta fan but frankly, the Cheetah line doesn't impress me as much as the Sig. The model 86 Cheetahs with the tip up barrel are very nice albeit heavy and very expensive for the most part. Even used there're usually well over $400.

Sig or Bersa, in that order. IMHO.

Luck in your search.

[Calhoun]

I voted for the CZ, but I'm biased. I just like the CZ and you can't beat the price. Not the best for CCW, but then again neither is the .380. I would recomend that you look at something like a Kahr P9 or K9. The same size, or smaller, than most .380s but with a much better round. Have her try out all of these and see which one she likes the best. That's all that really counts. If she dosen't like it she won't shoot or carry it.

Better yet, get all of them. :evil: You know you want them all, and you know she's gonna change her mind. :D

Calhoun

[Felonious Monk]

Hammer-Ed, Thanks for the input. Is that grip in the picture on your P230 with the finger grooves stock, aftermarket, or ??? (I think that would add greatly to the comfort of shooting the P230/232.

Wilson--You know from other boards I'm a die-hard KelTec fan. Their .380 is too small a platform for her needs (a smoother, less snappy, and specifically-requested LARGER carry gun).

Calhoun-- Sorry, I know Kahr owners like 'em alot, but if I was going to go the 9mm route, we'd go with a KelTec P11. Or, a couple of 'em and a decent day's ammo for the price of one Kahr. :evil:

All-- She shot my P11 yesterday and had a bit of a hard time with the 9mm. Not terrible, and she said she was fine with it, but I could see her changing her grip around and getting frustrated that she couldn't get back on target after a shot (using Standard Wally-World StuffMart Winchester FMJ), unlike her P32, of which she is the Exalted High Ramma-Lamma. :rolleyes:

SO, I really think the .380 cartridge (naysayers re: stopping power aside) is the RIGHT step for her at this juncture. We just need the right launching platform.

I/we're still open to input, but I bet we wind up with a Sig for her before long.

[Marko Kloos]

Sig-- She LOVED it. Apparently, they did, too. Wanted $550 for it.

Ouch! Going rate for a used P230 is more like $300-350 around here, $350-400 for a used P232 in good shape. New ones will set you back in the mid-fours or low fives, depending on version, but it's well worth it.

[Hammer-Ed]

FM, those are the Hogue wrap-arounds I put on all of my pistols. About $15.00 everywhere. A lot of the new and used stainless Sigs will come with these grips. Mine did not so I just bought one.

The nice thing about the Hogue grips for the P230, is that they wrap completely aroung the grip. Even the backstrap is rubber covered. They do make quite a bit of difference in comfort at the penalty of being somewhat sticky when drawing from a holster. Your clothing tends to drag along the grips slowing the draw. Some have complained about this, I don't have a problem with it.

[ReadyontheRight]

http://www.ginklai.net/images/galerija/6556_sphinx_at_380.jpg

Harder to find but nice is the Sphinx AT 380.

[Marshall]

Don't skimp on her! Get the Sig P-232.

Don't get the BDA .380 Browning unless she is a brute. I have one and the slide is a pain in the butt to rack. Great looking gun though! :D

[Felonious Monk]

We're certainly leaning that way, Marshall!
Oh, she was a brute...the Browning wouldn't have phased her up until a year or so ago.

She was a regional circulation supervisor with a major city daily. After an employee walked off the job, she was left hefting 40lb bundles of newspaper 2 at a time into the back of a 3/4 ton cargo van, felt something go SPROING, and kept on until the job was done, instead of stopping and falling down crying like a baby (like I would have done).
Result: 3 completely destroyed vertebrae, plus 2 herniated, and 2 more bulging...
Best neurosurgeon in our state took one look at her X-Rays and MRI's, and said "Hmmm...Impressive! I've never seen charts that looked like this on someone who could still walk or feel their legs!" :what:

...needless to say, we've had to alter our lifestyle a little since that time. :(
I'm hoping I can put my hands on a stainless P230/232 for her for Christmas.

[Hammer-Ed]

There's a P232 at GunBroker.com right now. Sig factory certified reconditioned stainless with night sights for $399.00.

Sounds like a very nice deal.!

Gunbroker (http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=26616288)


Do it man, she's worth it and neither of you will be disapointed.

[Calhoun]

Sorry, I know Kahr owners like 'em alot, but if I was going to go the 9mm route, we'd go with a KelTec P11. Or, a couple of 'em and a decent day's ammo for the price of one Kahr.
I do like my Kahr alot, but that wasn't the point. I was just thinking that she would be better served by a 9mm then a .380. The Kahr was just the first one that came to mind that is the same size as most .380s. I know they are expensive, belive me, I know. My wallet cried all the way home when I got mine, and it was used. Luckily my gleeful laugh drowned out the wimpers of my wallet.

The most important thing is that you get the gun that she is happy with. However, I still think you should get them all. :D

Calhoun

[Marshall]

Felonious Monk,

I'm sorry to hear of your wifes misfortune, back problems are no fun. I hope all works out well and wish you and she a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, which ever best applies!

I'm sure she'll like whatever Santa brings. ;)

[Felonious Monk]

Thanks for the warm wishes, Marshall!
We'll be celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Happy Holidays to you and yours as well!
FM

[Marshall]

We'll be celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thank you Monk! Thanks for not being PC too! My family and I will be doing the exact same. ;)

[outofbattery]

In case you needed any more persuasion , I'll also sing the praises of the Sig . I carry an alloy 230 with 232 grips daily and it has almost literally become a part of me . I've yet to find anything else that carries as well for me or that more importantly , I can draw and shoot as well . The 230 is the most natural pointing pistol I have ever shot and I've heard many other people say the same . I've progressed from 9mm to .40 to .357Sig to 9mm to .380 in my CCW - I understand the relative limitations of the round , but I also figure that if it's what I'm most comfortable carrying and having to use most accurately in a hurry it's my best option .

[Felonious Monk]

Well said, OOB!

A .380 you can dead-eye with beats the heck out of a 10mm you can't handle for follow-up shots. It was very evident to me that, at least in a small light platform (almost a necessity for her CCW), my wife has difficulty with a 9mm.

I've sold my P32 (pending funds) and if I can get the unissued bulgy mak sold, we're in business.

Thanks,
FelMo

[Northslope Nimrod]

I voted for the Bersa....because it is the best value out there. Great gun....low cost...small....light etc. If I wanted to pay more...I would go with the CZ. I have never shot their .380 (the 83 I believe) but I own a RAMI and am currently looking at getting a PCR. CZ's are great and a good value too!

[Ala Dan]

Bersa Thunder Duotone

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[McCall911]

Here's another vote for "Other."
I agree with another poster about the Browning BDA, but that's only because I own one. The only thing I hate about it is those infernal "ten round magazines" that you can only load about eight rounds into!! :fire: Once I come up with enough post-holiday cash for pair of 13-rounders, the others are going in the nearest scrap-metal heap!

[macavada]

I saw where you said that the Colt was not her cup of tea. I own a Colt Mustang, a Browning BDA, a Makarov 9X18, and a Cheetah 86.

I like them all, but to be quite honest with you, they've all got snappy recoil, except for the Colt. The Colt is locked breech, and the others are blowback.

The colt is half the size of the others, and felt recoil is like nothing.

Are there any other manufacturers that make a .380 that is not blowback operated?

[kokapelli]

Marco, the Kel-Tec p32 and P-3AT are locked breech, but FM said his wife has tried and does not like the Kel-Tec 380.

It is very, very thin, very, very small and and very, very light. I think it is a great pistol, but that is just my opinion. There are people that just don't like it.

[mjb]

For me, it is the Colt 1908 hammerless. The Walther PPK is also a good choice.

[Ky Larry]

CZ-83. IMHO, you can pay more money for a gun, but you won't get more gun for your money.Fit, finish, trigger,reliability, and accuracy are as good as anything I've seen and better han most. YMMV. Good luck.

[Felonious Monk]

Thanks again guys, for your input.

Ala Dan--I am SO surprised that you did not recommend the SIG, knowing your love for their products!

Macavada-- I believe it was the Browning BDA which she didn't like, IIRC. I would absolutely LOVE to buy her a Colt Mustang, but it's too far out of my price range to be able to do so.

Bersa Thunder aficionados-- I may buy one for ME, but as similarly shaped as the Bersa and the Sig seemed, the Bersa just did not sit well in her hand, and she felt it was cockeyed/sideways and was just wrong for her.

The CZ line REALLY appeals to me, especially the PCR. We're trying to get her taken care of at this point, then we'll work on something new for me.

[macavada]

it's too far out of my price range to be able to do so

They don't make the Mustangs anymore. You'd have to find a used one. I got one on gunbroker for $425 + transfer fees. You can find them if you look around a bit. The Gov't model .380 might even be a better option.

Luck!

[Grunt]

I had to vote "other" as well with my preference for the Colt Mustang. The Sig would be my second choice but I like the smaller size of the Colt and it's locked breech making recoil not quite as snappy.

[deputy tom]

unlike her P32, of which she is the Exalted High Ramma-Lamma.

A .380 you can dead-eye with beats the heck out of a 10mm you can't handle

Monk,you should let her keep the .32 which she can shoot well rather than go to a larger caliber which she might not do so well with.Just my 2 cents worth.tom. :cool:

[Felonious Monk]

Thanks Tom!
She's definitely keeping the P32, but when you have a wife who shoots and she expresses a desire for another gun, ya gotta SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY!!! :cool:

Happy Holidays,
Ben/FM

[Ultrastar]

I've never shot the Sig but is it the Sig 232 or 230 that has the mag release underneath the grip behind the mag. This was one of the turn offs for me and I went with the Bersa.

[Felonious Monk]

I know the 230 has the heel grip mag release. Not sure re: the P232.
Minor issue to me. If you can't do it with 7+1, you're in deeeeeeep kimchi.

[Ultrastar]

I'm sure the Sig 230 is a fine weapon and like I said before I never shot one. You don't always have to change mags cause you ran out of ammo sometimes there are problems with mags and the mag release was a turn off for ME. With practice you can adapt to any system just like some don't like the H&K mag releases. :)

[Michael_2112]

Of the pistols listed I would personally go with the Bersa .380, great pistol...great price! A whole lot to like with this pistol.

Keep in mind though that .380 can be a little snappy depending upon how the pistol operates (blowback.)

My gf personally cant stand .380 for some reason out of my Bersa. However, she loves my brothers SA XD subcompact....and it shoots 9mm para.

So perhaps you should consider a subcompact 9mm. Same size package, cheaper ammo, and a better cartridge.

YMMV,
Mike

[sgtb]

CZ83.....I love mine.