380 or .38 special

[Arkansas Paul]

Why I choose the 380 auto? Firstly it does shoot more accurate than a .38 Special. I've got a Vector CP1 in 380 auto, my father has a .38 Special. No matter how hard I try with the .38, in single action mode, it can't even start to shoot as good groups as my 380 auto.

I don't doubt that this may be the case for you. You may shoot autos better than revolvers, but there is nothing that makes the .380 more inherently accurate than the .38 Spcl.

 

[BCRider]

Given the budget, I'd go .22lr. If money is that tight, 40 cents a shot is very limiting. You can buy at least 5 times as much .22 for the same money.

This was also my thought as I was reading down the replies of the first page. If you can truly only afford this cheap a gun then the ammo for even .38Spl will be tough to pay for.

You mentioned that it'll be mostly a plinker/fun gun for the range or target practice. A .22 will provide a LOT more trigger pulls per buck's worth of ammo. And more trigger time means better shooting ability.

If this isn't the case and you're flush enough to actually easily afford a good quantity of ammo for whatever gun you buy then forget the cheapie options. Buy something with a known good record for decent enough accuracy and reliable handling and a nice trigger.