10-Ring
Member
For the size & expense, you can go w/ a 9 mm pistol and end up with a better self defense round. Check out the baby Glocks & the Kahrs in 9 mm & 40 S&W for comparison.
Help on .380
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Kentucky Rifle
Member In Memoriam
Awww Oleg...
If I had only known, I could have warned you off on the blue model. The stainless slide model makes all the difference in the world.
It's (at least for me) a VERY disappointing experience to get a new pistol, dance all the way to the range--and find out that it's a bummer/lemon the first day. Sorry pal.
Lots of guys seem to just trade lemons off. I just can't do it. I put them in the very bottom of my safe hoping to never see them again.
I know that my conscience would hurt to sell someone a lemon and then read in the next day's newspaper that they were killed with a full mag because the gun jammed. Nope, not this guy. I've got far too many "checks" on the bad side of the ledger now, I don't want to add any more.
KR
If I had only known, I could have warned you off on the blue model. The stainless slide model makes all the difference in the world.
It's (at least for me) a VERY disappointing experience to get a new pistol, dance all the way to the range--and find out that it's a bummer/lemon the first day. Sorry pal.
Lots of guys seem to just trade lemons off. I just can't do it. I put them in the very bottom of my safe hoping to never see them again.
I know that my conscience would hurt to sell someone a lemon and then read in the next day's newspaper that they were killed with a full mag because the gun jammed. Nope, not this guy. I've got far too many "checks" on the bad side of the ledger now, I don't want to add any more.
KR
Jeff OTMG
Member
The SIG P230/232 is arguably the best .380 auto on the market. The problem is the size. It is easy to find 9mm and .40 cal guns that are smaller and weigh less than a stainless P232. If you have your heart set on a .380, the Walther PPK is significantly smaller. I have an Interarms stainless as well as a German blue version and both have been reliable and accurate. Some people have had trouble with the Interarms guns, but I am not one of them and mine has a serial number in the 3000 range. I have had work done to it, but that was done before even firing the first shot and my changes may have improved its reliability.
dairycreek
Member
If you opt for a .380........
then, by all means, check out a CZ 83. Somewhat heavier than a P232 it has IMHO less felt recoil. All steel, reliable, and an excellent shooter. Comes with 10-round mags and costs a bunch less than SIGs. FYI http://cz-usa.com/. Good shooting
then, by all means, check out a CZ 83. Somewhat heavier than a P232 it has IMHO less felt recoil. All steel, reliable, and an excellent shooter. Comes with 10-round mags and costs a bunch less than SIGs. FYI http://cz-usa.com/. Good shooting
I have a Walther (Interarms) PPK in .380. I got it used for $350 and have put about 400 rounds through it without a hiccup. It has not cut my hand and the recoil is okay.
The big advantage of the gun is its concealability - it is very flat, about 0.8 inches thick throughout, and has a short grip (2 fingers on grip with pinky tucked under. I have carried it when nothing bigger works. The best carry I have found is a Bianchi suede IWB holster, which adds virtually no thickness to the gun.
I admit that the stopping power of .380 is marginal. I use Hydrashok 90 grain hollowpoints, which have 1000 fps velocity and 200 ft-lbs of energy. Marshall gives them a 69% OSS. The gun holds 6+1, and has a heavy DA pull, but a good SA pull. I actually prefer it to a J-frame .38 because it gives you 2 more shots and slightly better stopping power.
The big advantage of the gun is its concealability - it is very flat, about 0.8 inches thick throughout, and has a short grip (2 fingers on grip with pinky tucked under. I have carried it when nothing bigger works. The best carry I have found is a Bianchi suede IWB holster, which adds virtually no thickness to the gun.
I admit that the stopping power of .380 is marginal. I use Hydrashok 90 grain hollowpoints, which have 1000 fps velocity and 200 ft-lbs of energy. Marshall gives them a 69% OSS. The gun holds 6+1, and has a heavy DA pull, but a good SA pull. I actually prefer it to a J-frame .38 because it gives you 2 more shots and slightly better stopping power.
JPM70535
Member
Maybe I have been shooting a different PPK from some of those I read about here. I dont find the recoil objectionable and I can't say I've ever experienced hammer bite from it. What I can say is that I found it to be completely reliable and combat accurate with a variety of loads. IMO, the design would not have lasted all these years if it wasn't acceptable. I vote PPK
You can find Makarov's in .380 or change the barrel to .380. But why? 9MM Makarov caliber is slightly better, cheap and plentiful. Get a Mak, you won't regret it. Another great, yet somewhat more expensive option is a CZ-83 in either .380 or 9MM Mak.
GeorgeH
Member
I carry the NAA Guardian 380 every day in a Ron Graham rear pocket holster loaded with Magsafe Defender rounds.
GeorgeH
Member
If you like the Walter, I would spend some money and have Teddy Jacobson work on the action. The Walther trigger pull sucks. Teddy somehow seems to work magic without cutting any springs or tampering with any sear angles.
mbott
Member
I'll add a second vote for the CZ 83 in .380. Well made, fits the hand extremely well and accurate. Just a joy to shoot.
--
Mike
--
Mike
kalibear45
Member
When it comes to .380s, this is the only pistol that comes to mind...
Kahr carrier
Member
Actually both are nice ,but I like the 380 Guardian.
JeepDriver
Member
Another vote for the Bersa. I've been shooting mine for a year now with out any type of failure. Great gun regardless of price
bfoster
Member
I've got a Star Super S that I've had for years. When the Colt Mustang came out I looked at several thinking I'd like to "upgrade". What I saw led me to keep the Star.
Bob
Bob
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Greeting's All,
My daughter has the American, stainless Walther PPK
as distributed by InterArms. While most reviews bash
these little gem's, this one has functioned flawlessly;
even with JHP ammo. And, it was purchased NIB in
January of 1995!
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
My daughter has the American, stainless Walther PPK
as distributed by InterArms. While most reviews bash
these little gem's, this one has functioned flawlessly;
even with JHP ammo. And, it was purchased NIB in
January of 1995!
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
Ledbetter
Member
Mustang in Blue
I had one that got the slide replaced once by Colt, and the slide stop chewed the cut away AGAIN. Colt ended up giving me back my full retail price including taxes and fees for the gun. Yes, you heard right, they admitted they couldn't fix it and sent me a check.
My stainless and nickel Gov. .380's work flawlessly and I carry one every day. Very slim frame, locked breech. My second choice is a Walther or Walther-like .380.
I had one that got the slide replaced once by Colt, and the slide stop chewed the cut away AGAIN. Colt ended up giving me back my full retail price including taxes and fees for the gun. Yes, you heard right, they admitted they couldn't fix it and sent me a check.
My stainless and nickel Gov. .380's work flawlessly and I carry one every day. Very slim frame, locked breech. My second choice is a Walther or Walther-like .380.
isaidme
Member
The only 380 I would ever own is a colt mustang!
Wildalaska
member
Hi, the 380 right now is pretty much worthless unless you can find an older, smaller platform for it...you can get a 9mm that is not much bigger, or a 32 which is way smaller..the 9mm will do more than the 380, and so for that matter will the 32 in a proper loading...
Stay away from Bersas....
Wait till after the shot show to see whats new.
Stay away from Bersas....
Wait till after the shot show to see whats new.
We ought to mention .380 loads.
I did some informal penetration/expansion testing with Remington's 102gr. Golden Sabre and I was pleasantly surprised with the performance. Its not that far behind a standard 9mm. In my FEG PPK clone, it is very accurate and reliable.
I did some informal penetration/expansion testing with Remington's 102gr. Golden Sabre and I was pleasantly surprised with the performance. Its not that far behind a standard 9mm. In my FEG PPK clone, it is very accurate and reliable.
Ledbetter
Member
FEG
I also have an FEG Walther clone. Best gun for the money I've ever bought. As accurate and reliable as any I've shot. Mine has an aluminum frame and a steel slide. Very sharp recoil.
I also have an FEG Walther clone. Best gun for the money I've ever bought. As accurate and reliable as any I've shot. Mine has an aluminum frame and a steel slide. Very sharp recoil.
Jamie B
Member
Another Bersa Vote!
I just purchased a Bersa Thunder .380 about 2 weeks ago.
Haggled at the local gun store...they wanted $269, and I got it for $219.
I have not yet had the opportunity to shoot it yet, but it seems to be a solid gun with a good trigger.
Jamie
I just purchased a Bersa Thunder .380 about 2 weeks ago.
Haggled at the local gun store...they wanted $269, and I got it for $219.
I have not yet had the opportunity to shoot it yet, but it seems to be a solid gun with a good trigger.
Jamie
ScottsGT
Member
Holly Crap, Batman!!
I guess I've had good luck with my blued .380 Colt Govt. model. I bought it used, put over 300 rounds thru it already, and it still looks as good as new.
I guess if I have a run in with the slide problem I could ask Colt to use a stainless slide in the repair??
I guess I've had good luck with my blued .380 Colt Govt. model. I bought it used, put over 300 rounds thru it already, and it still looks as good as new.
I guess if I have a run in with the slide problem I could ask Colt to use a stainless slide in the repair??
you can hardly go wrong with a Bersa
http://thearmedcitizen.com/gunpages/bersa380.htm
The Bersa Thunder .380 is a well made, reliable, slim platform for this round. Put a Hogue Handall grip sleeve on it and you can hardly go wrong for the price.
http://thearmedcitizen.com/gunpages/bersa380.htm
The Bersa Thunder .380 is a well made, reliable, slim platform for this round. Put a Hogue Handall grip sleeve on it and you can hardly go wrong for the price.
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