New to me Micro Eagle 380 and a question on ammo

I recently acquired this distinctive-looking Magnum Research Micro Eagle 380, with nickel finish. It's quite shorter than a Ruger LCP and about the same height (with magazine inserted), but it is noticeably fatter. It is smaller in length and height than a Kahr Cw380, though not width. Interesting design features include two recoil springs, held under the rear frame rails, and a barrel that locks into the frame, with ports in the hood that direct gas up against the slide to slow rearward movement -- making it a gas-delayed blowback. It is hammer-fired, double-action only. My trigger is comparable (though not equivalent) to my wife's cw380: it is smooth, but a little heavier, with a somewhat cleaner break. Sights are rudimentary, with contrast only provided by some texture.

I've run 100 rounds without issue on two separate outings, and I am easily able to place shots on an 8 inch target at 7 yards. I am actually more accurate with it than the kahr when shooting slow and in good light. I'm much better with the Kahr with rapid fire (better grip, better sights, lower perceived recoil). I no longer have an LCP to compare it to. The Micro Eagle is not particularly pleasant to shoot. The grip only allows for 1.5 fingers. Most of the bruising comes from the trigger guard. Still, it is a nice, very discreet pocket gun with restrike capability -- and I think I will only get better at shooting it.

And now a question on velocity loss and ammo selection: The ME only has a 2.2 inch barrel (shorter than most) and some velocity may be lost because of the ports. I have been unable to find gelatin tests with the ME, but I imagine hollow points would be even more unreliable out of this gun than most 380s. Currently, I intend to carry Corbon 90 grain JHP. They are sharp out of the gun, but accurate -- and reliable so far (only 20 rounds). Any thoughts on carry ammo, or are you aware of tests out of 2-2.2 inch barrel?
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bannockburn said:

Knew about them but have never seen one in person. Looks to be well made but I'm not all that crazy about the abbreviated grip or the overall ergonomics. Would probably opt for a Kahr CW380 instead.

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Agreed, especially for controlling recoil. But I got a very good deal on it, and think it might be worth giving it some practice. Would be a nice backup, if I can speed up with it. Carries nicely and I like the double-strike...

I also think it might be the best option for a 380 that doubles as a brick.

barnetmill said:

I thing that gun due to its design is not safe to fire two handed. Much to easy to get you hand in front of the muzzle
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Good thing I have short thumbs!

Ernie Bass said:

Thanks for sharing. As someone who love shooting the small 380's, I have alway's wanted one for my collection. That said, it would not replace my Pico's or Kahr's. I see the recoil is actually very low on the rating scale so I cannot imagine it is hard to shoot. 3,25 ft lbs vs 4.25 for the Kahr. And the Kahr is MILD to shoot. I like the size a lot. A little heavy.COOL operator for sure.

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It is heavier, and it is shootable, but it is less pleasant to shoot (for me) than the kahr. I have small hands and can still only get 1.5 fingers on the grip. I also wonder if the ports, which direct the gas up and forward, may alter the felt recoil, or if that would be negligible.

WYO said:

If you shoot it a lot, I suspect that finding replacement recoil springs would be a challenge.

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Yep. I did a brief search on Kahr's website, Numrich, and a few others. No parts in stock. Maybe destined to be a paper weight some day.

RetiredUSNChief said:

How's this thing hit in the web between your thumb and trigger finger?

My wife's PPK/S is likewise a fixed-barrel design and it's surprisingly hard hitting in that spot.

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You feel it, but it isn't bad. Really, it was only the trigger guard that was punishing.

MrChicken said:

I have one. I bought it back in the early 90's because the trigger pull is so stiff my 9 yr old son could not fire the gun. Turned out my wife needed both trigger fingers to fire it.
Once you get past the awful trigger pull it's not that bad to shoot. I never had a malfunction with it in the couple of hundred I shot through it. It was loaded with Federal Hydroshocks.

It's been long retired by a gen 1 LCP.

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I must be lucky because the trigger pull is not bad. Like I said, heavier than a kahr, but shorter and with a cleaner break. Lighter and shorter than a j frame. Mine is from 2010 so maybe they tweeked it.

I've often carried hydras in 380s. Should get some more.