.380 choices

[jlh26oo]

man fran, you just made me actually want a pistol in .380 AND da/sa.

I can't tell- is that the same gun as this: http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/51/products_id/29728

just with nicer grips? I can't tell what it says after "made in..." in buds pic.


Incredible.

 

[Dr.Rob]

For the size weight and skinniness you can't beat a Colt Govt 380, discontinued and pricey but darn fine weapons.

I like the P232 and the FEG Walther copy, but they are so much bigger than a Colt it's not even a contest.

It's the 'imported' pistol rule working against you.

 

[106rr]

I'm shooting a CZ83 with night sights. It's very accurate, reliable and inexpensive. Prices are going up. Bersa is a "best buy" although less accurate than a CZ 83. The Beretta is high quality but didn't give good accuracy compared to the others. The Beretta mags tend to crack at the top. CZ mags tend to rattle slightly. Bersa mags are overpriced. The Sig 232 is an ergonomic beauty but expensive. In my test, it qave me occasional flyers and a little slide bite(230) pricey! CZ is by far the most accurate.
If you are buying a very small backup instead of a fun gun to shoot up your 380 stash I'd try the Kel Tec. You will not enjoy shooting a lot of rounds through it but it's a tiny package. Good luck and good shooting!

 

[mcole]

you might also take a look around for a feg model apk. hungarian (i believe) milled steel clone of a ppk. reliable and durable; should be no more than $200 nib. mcole

 

[hexidismal]

I'm picking up my first .380 tomorrow myself. I chose the bersa thunder .380. I chose it mainly based on price .. $229.99 .. hard to beat that. Its a little bit big for what it is, but thats alright for me.. I manage to carry a full size .45 every day, I think I can manage the bersa as a backup gun just fine. I also chose it because it wasn't DAO. I personally hate the idea of DAO.

 

[denfoote]

As far as the 9mm kurz goes, I'm pretty much sold on the PPK/S.
I see no need to buy the Bersa or the Sig product, but that's just me.

 

[Dirty Bob]

Nothing wrong with the PPK/S. Until fairly recently, it was one of the smallest practical .380s available. I, on the other hand, like the "shootability" of the Makarov, and it fits the same IWB holster that I use for a P-11, so I can use the Mak as a spare, in case the Kel-Tec is in the shop, stolen, confiscated, or whatever, or if I'm unable to shoot the P-11 effectively, due to an injury or a medical condition. I look on a heavy .380 as an "orthopedic" pistol, because someone with physical limitations can still shoot it well.

Best wishes,
Dirty Bob

 

[guitararmy]

.380 auto

Thanks again for the suggestions. I'll have to see what I can find locally.
Sure would like to find a P-3AT... does it take many rounds to tell if it's a
good one?

 

[wuchak]

I have a P-3AT and have never found it uncomfortable to shoot, even after 100 or so rounds.

Once you get past a reasonable break in period of 50-100 rounds if you are getting any failures it's time to check out KTOG.org or ktrange.com to diagnose the problem or just send it back and let KT figure it out. KT will do whatever it takes to make sure your P-3AT is reliable.

My P-3AT Gen II was completely reliable with FMJ but wouldn't reliably feed HP's. I sent it back to Kel-Tec where they polished the feedramp and chamber and had it back to me in less than 2 weeks. It has never had a single failure in the 500+ HP rounds that have been run through it since I received it back. I shoot Black Hills 90 grain JHP's. It looks like they are using the Hornady XTP's in this cartridge and the price is reasonable enough for a reliable defense round that practicing with them doesn't break the bank.

 

[brett30030]

the 2nd gen P3-AT has been a great gun for me. But it is very small. If you are looking to CC, i would recommend it. If you are looking for a 380 to shoot w/o concern for CC, i would look at some of the other suggestions here. BTW, how much 380 ammo do you have and what is it? Good luck with your search.