.380 CC Suggestions

[Good Ol' Boy]

I'll keep this simple...

Full grip a must, .380 ACP, 3-3.5" barrel, preferably striker fired, not an overly heavy trigger and $400 tops.

So far I've looked at the Walther PK380 (mixed reviews), Bersa CC 380 and the Sig P250 Compact.

Pocket/bug guns are out of the question, obviously.


So, I 'd love to hear other suggestions, or reviews on the 3 mentioned, in this class of pistols...

 

[guyfromohio]

None of those are striker-fired. For that, get a Glock 42 with pinky extension. Other hammer fired options might be the CZ 83 in that price range or perhaps a used Sig P230/232 (although people are becoming more proud of them on the used market) or used PPK. My favorite .380 is the Beretta 84/85 line, but not at $400 unless you find some military surplus in stock.

 

[khari]

I have a PK380 and it's a solid gun.

 

[M1key]

Bersa CC

 

[Nappers]

Not a 380, but I carry a S&W Shield in .40 and an XDs in 9mm, both great guns so far. Single Stack and both come with extended mags.

My range master carries a S&W Bodyguard .380, but it's Hammer fired if memory serves. He likes it, came with a laser. He's a Sig snob too and likes the Smith..... Not a full grip but he's huge and the grips are okay for CC and self defense, pull and bang.

 

[Tallball]

It is not striker fired, but...

I own five 380's. I used to only have four, but after I shot my FiL's CZ83 a few times I just had to own one. The sights, trigger, accuracy, ergonomics, etc. are outstanding. The double-stack magazine holds 12 rounds or more. Rough-looking ones go for as little as $200. This was the nicest-looking one I had seen for a while. It cost me all of $315. It is a rugged service pistol and will doubtless outlast me.

 

[chicharrones]

I have fired a friend's Bersa Thunder Combat .380 and I own a Bersa/Firestorm in .22LR. They both handle the same so I am familiar with the gun. Of course the .380 has more recoil, but it is easy to handle.

The biggest improvement of the Combat over the standard Bersa or even the CC Bersa is the sights. The Combat has big "dot in the U" Glock type sights.

Since the CZ83 was brought up, I have its brother the CZ82 in 9mm Mak. Compared to the Bersa, the CZ is a better built gun and I like the safety* on the CZ much better. The CZ is thicker and heavier though due to its double stack magazine. The CZ and Bersa shoot about the same in my hands.

EDIT:
*Frame mounted safety on the CZ vs. the slide mounted safety on the Bersa. Plus the way the CZ safety system works. It won't engage with the hammer down but is usable if the hammer is cocked. I prefer carry guns with no manual safety lever and the CZ system would be my choice if I had to have a safety lever.

 

[ttarp]

BERSA has the BP380CC which is striker fired, perhaps thats the pistol in question?

 

[Bobson]

This thread got me researching the PPK and I learned the cool backstory about how/why Ian Fleming made it Bond's gun.

 

[Gary A]

Reading the OP, the pistol that most comes to mind, though I don't have one and it costs a bit north of $400 usually, is the Glock 42.

 

[samuelcmm]

I just bought a bersa thunder combat. I was very skeptical St fist as I ordered it online and now that I have held and shot it it has well exceeded my expectations. It may not be as pretty but it sure shoots better than a ppks that I shot last year matter of fact I thought the ppks was very uncomfortable to shoot to the point of I wouldn't want to shoot anymore than a box of shells and I'm not recoil sensitive my favorite range gun in my 40sw XDM. However I really like this little bersa it's comfortable, accurate, (I was getting. 6in groups at 15-20 yards) not the best but I think the gun could do better than me. As well as affordable also I love the green wrap grips I'll try to get a picture or two up tomorrow the one problem I have with it is the safety on the slide

Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk

 

[chicharrones]

BERSA has the BP380CC which is striker fired, perhaps thats the pistol in question?

Ahhhhh . . . that would negate my post entirely.

 

[stchman]

The Glock 42 does NOT have a full grip. I have one and my pinkie hangs off.

 

[Gary A]

The Glock 42 does NOT have a full gripi

Thanks. Don't have one and wasn't sure. Also don't have large hands.

 

[MedWheeler]

Hi-Point C380. There. I said it.

(incidentally, that price will fetch three of them.)

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

BERSA has the BP380CC which is striker fired, perhaps thats the pistol in question?

Yes it was. The one striker fired .380 that I was able to find with a decent grip.

Hammers aren't out of the question it would just be a learning curve for me. The only hammered guns I've shot were revolvers. My semi experience is limited to SF.

 

[tubeshooter]

[obligatory .380 Makarov recommendation for "full-sized" .380]

Also might get lucky with a good Beretta under $400. Or maybe too much luck needed...

I also think a good current model Bersa would be fine.



Besides that Bersa mentioned earlier, none are striker fired if I'm not mistaken. The older out-of-production Bersas are good too, but mags can be hard to find. And they will be all steel and heavy like the Makarov.

 

[jmace57]

I carried a Bersa for the first 3 or 4 years I had my permit. I carry a S&W 642 now, but when I retire...and I can control my wardrobe better, I plan to carry a CZ-83.

 

[Sistema1927]

Good Ol' Boy,

Why .380? Any particular reason for that caliber? For what will you use this pistol?

Seems to me that asking for something with full size grip opens you up for more selection in caliber, such as 9x18, 9mm Para, etc.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

Good Ol' Boy,

Why .380? Any particular reason for that caliber? For what will you use this pistol?

Seems to me that asking for something with full size grip opens you up for more selection in caliber, such as 9x18, 9mm Para, etc.

Of the few 380's I've shot they feel more manageable and easy to manipulate than a higher caliber. I wouldn't be opposed to a 9 so long as it has a full grip.

Realize I mean full grip, not full size grip.

I've got a little room to spare on my current full size 9 but it prints horribly. I'm thinking of a "mid size" that allows a full four fingers but is shorter and thinner on the grip.

 

[danez71]

Of the few 380's I've shot they feel more manageable and easy to manipulate than a higher caliber. I wouldn't be opposed to a 9 so long as it has a full grip.

Realize I mean full grip, not full size grip.

I've got a little room to spare on my current full size 9 but it prints horribly. I'm thinking of a "mid size" that allows a full four fingers but is shorter and thinner on the grip.

If you are open to 9mm, Try taking a look at the M&P Shield. The grip is actually just a bit longer then the M&P Compact. The consensus seems to be that they shoot a lot better than expected for such a small 9mm.

At a smallish family owned sporting goods chain (pretty much just guns and fishing) they sell them for $440 and routinely go on sale for $420.



I cant comment on the 380's you listed as I don't have any experience with them.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Bersa Thunder or the new Combat Might find a Combat plus (double stack 380)
My self on the Combat I toss the ugly rubber grips and get some wood for carry.

 

[samuelcmm]

Bersa Thunder or the new Combat Might find a Combat plus (double stack 380)
My self on the Combat I toss the ugly rubber grips and get some wood for carry.

Those grips might be ugly but they sure are comfortable

Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

If you are open to 9mm, Try taking a look at the M&P Shield. The grip is actually just a bit longer then the M&P Compact. The consensus seems to be that they shoot a lot better than expected for such a small 9mm.

At a smallish family owned sporting goods chain (pretty much just guns and fishing) they sell them for $440 and routinely go on sale for $420.



I cant comment on the 380's you listed as I don't have any experience with them.

The Shield looks decent enough as far as grip. I swear if they made some kind of mag extension to get that fourth finger around on the Bodyguard I'd be all over that.

Anybody have any opinions on the SCCY CPX2? I know it's 9mm and hammer fired but the size and grip look quite appealing, as does the price. Research so far indicates overall positive comments. The trigger is something to get used to and a few have noted FTF's, mentioning it could be particular about it's ammo. Most have had no problems at all.

I don't really want to start straying too far from .380's as that was the topic. As I mentioned I feel they're generally overall more manageable in recoil and manipulation for smaller pistols so I'd prefer to stick with those. A mid-sized 9mm with a good grip, fairly low recoil and a easy working slide I wouldn't be completely opposed to though. But lets "try" to stick to .380's that meet the criteria.

 

[guyfromohio]

I own and have owned many, many guns. I keep buying, searching for the perfect combination of shootability, ergos, and concealment. While I search, I keep carrying and shooting my Walther PPS in 9mm with 7 round magazine. To me, it's the perfect balance. I have medium hands, but that large backstrap is perfect. Try one and see for yourself!