Micro Desert Eagle .380?
- Thread starter gbelleh
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Bobo
Member
Vectrexer said;
evan price said;
If you guys are right then this quote from the Magnum Research web site is false;
Bobo
evan price said;
If you guys are right then this quote from the Magnum Research web site is false;
http://www.magnumresearch.com/Micro_Eagle.asp
Bobo
krs
Member
Yeah, and their Baby Eagle/Tanfaglio is proudly made in............Italy.
Kor
Member
Youse guys are forgetting something - the much-maligned, seemingly-arbitrary ATF "sporting-purpose points system" for importing foreign-made handguns into the US:
Minimum 75 points needed to legally import a foreign-manufactured gun into the US - scroll down to the bottom 1/3 of: http://www.glockfaq.com/models.htm
So, let's crunch the numbers:
- .380ACP = +3 pts
- 4.52" length = +0 pts
- steel frame = +15 pts
- 14 oz empty weight = +14 pts
- Double-action trigger = +10 pts
- IF external hammer, = +2 pts
- IF "gas-assisted blowback system" = locked breech mechanism, = +5 pts
- IF firing pin block, = +10 pts
- IF loaded-chamber indicator, = +5 pts
- IF magazine safety, = +5 pts
- ZERO extra points for adjustable sights, target grips, target trigger
- Maximum total points in as-shown configuration = 69 = NOT LEGALLY IMPORTABLE.
Whereas the Tanfoglio/Baby Eagle pistols, being service-sized, all-steel, locked-breech, DA external-hammer 9mm pistols, easily score close to 90 points as-produced, no other changes needed, just off the top of my head.
Therefore, I'm pretty sure that Magnum Research is actually manufacturing the ZVI Kevin design, presumably under license, in the US - as the importation-points system does not apply to US-made handguns. Which is why Beretta and Taurus actually manufacture their pocket .22LR/.25ACP pistols in MD and FL, respectively, for example.
Now, what would also make sense to me is that MRI would, at least for initial production, buy a container-full of ready-made Kevin grip panels from ZVI, and mill off the logo before final assembly/shipping of the completed guns - there's no laws against importing gun grips from a foreign country(YET), and that way, they can possibly get the finished guns to market faster because they don't have to tool-up to make the grips in the US.
Minimum 75 points needed to legally import a foreign-manufactured gun into the US - scroll down to the bottom 1/3 of: http://www.glockfaq.com/models.htm
So, let's crunch the numbers:
- .380ACP = +3 pts
- 4.52" length = +0 pts
- steel frame = +15 pts
- 14 oz empty weight = +14 pts
- Double-action trigger = +10 pts
- IF external hammer, = +2 pts
- IF "gas-assisted blowback system" = locked breech mechanism, = +5 pts
- IF firing pin block, = +10 pts
- IF loaded-chamber indicator, = +5 pts
- IF magazine safety, = +5 pts
- ZERO extra points for adjustable sights, target grips, target trigger
- Maximum total points in as-shown configuration = 69 = NOT LEGALLY IMPORTABLE.
Whereas the Tanfoglio/Baby Eagle pistols, being service-sized, all-steel, locked-breech, DA external-hammer 9mm pistols, easily score close to 90 points as-produced, no other changes needed, just off the top of my head.
Therefore, I'm pretty sure that Magnum Research is actually manufacturing the ZVI Kevin design, presumably under license, in the US - as the importation-points system does not apply to US-made handguns. Which is why Beretta and Taurus actually manufacture their pocket .22LR/.25ACP pistols in MD and FL, respectively, for example.
Now, what would also make sense to me is that MRI would, at least for initial production, buy a container-full of ready-made Kevin grip panels from ZVI, and mill off the logo before final assembly/shipping of the completed guns - there's no laws against importing gun grips from a foreign country(YET), and that way, they can possibly get the finished guns to market faster because they don't have to tool-up to make the grips in the US.
I guarantee a whole lot of morons will be rushing to the gun store soon just so they can say they are carrying a Desert Eagle. Not to bash anyones preferences, but I pretty much hate the .50AE DE's, and I hate this gun as well. Why in the world someone would buy a fatter/heavier/more expensive .380 for CCW or whatever use is beyond me. I'll stick to the P3AT or LCP.
Got to look one over at the range yesterday and it was surprisingly light weight.
It does look exactly like the Kevin, but has a much better finish on the frame.
It is very thin with no protruding controls.
overall it has the feel and appearance of very high quality.
I wish I could have shot it.
The grip is very short and without the magazine extension there is room for only one finger on the grip but it felt very comfortable in my hand.
I have to say I was impressed with it.
Considering the price of pistols like the Seecamp I don't think the Micro's price is out of line.
It does look exactly like the Kevin, but has a much better finish on the frame.
It is very thin with no protruding controls.
overall it has the feel and appearance of very high quality.
I wish I could have shot it.
The grip is very short and without the magazine extension there is room for only one finger on the grip but it felt very comfortable in my hand.
I have to say I was impressed with it.
Considering the price of pistols like the Seecamp I don't think the Micro's price is out of line.
Video of the ZVI Kevin being fired.....CLICK THIS
earlthegoat2
Member
pocket 380s really are the rage now, even kahr is jumping on the bandwagon. Maybe Kimber will be next...
I just bought one last Friday. Was looking at the kahr pm9, keltecs, bersa thunder, and the walther ppks. Chose the micro for size and consistency (I hope, lol). The keltec jammed way too much for me. This gun is accurate and shoots well for the size. much better than the keltec and bersa.
Dave, I was pretty impressed with the Micro, but when I went back it was gone, so I ordered one.
I'll be very interested to see how yours works.
I was going to wait for the Kahr 380, but it's way more expensive, untested and who knows when it will finally arrive!
I figure the blowback system would be more trouble free in a small gun like these 380 pocket guns and since the Micro is compensated I would expect recoil would not be too bad.
Let us know how you like it.
I'll be very interested to see how yours works.
I was going to wait for the Kahr 380, but it's way more expensive, untested and who knows when it will finally arrive!
I figure the blowback system would be more trouble free in a small gun like these 380 pocket guns and since the Micro is compensated I would expect recoil would not be too bad.
Let us know how you like it.
I am enjoying it very much. The blow back system helps with accuracy and the recoil isn't bad at all for the size of the gun. I am about 250 rounds in and it feels better and better. I had 5 jams in the first 100 rounds but only 1 in the last 100 rounds. The keltec jammed about once every clip!
earlthegoat2
Member
We got one in our shop and it literally sold 3 minutes after it was opened from the UPS man. I attribute it to the 380 plague that is going around the gun mags.
mr.trooper
Member
I really like the idea of the ME380 / Kevin. Here is why:
1) people cry about it being heavier than a P3AT or whatever. THATS A GOOD THING! Its still nowhere near heavy enough to be a burden, and the extra weight helps absorb recoil.
2) with its all metal construction, it will last a LOT longer than a plastic gun.
3) its slights, while the do make the gun look ugly, are anti-snag but still large enough to see clearly. thats a huge deal on a carry gun.
I don't think I will ever buy another .380, but if i were going to , this would be the top contender for my money.
1) people cry about it being heavier than a P3AT or whatever. THATS A GOOD THING! Its still nowhere near heavy enough to be a burden, and the extra weight helps absorb recoil.
2) with its all metal construction, it will last a LOT longer than a plastic gun.
3) its slights, while the do make the gun look ugly, are anti-snag but still large enough to see clearly. thats a huge deal on a carry gun.
I don't think I will ever buy another .380, but if i were going to , this would be the top contender for my money.
mr.trooper
Member
Heat. Sunlight. frame sag.
I love my Glock, and i do like polymer pistols, but Steel frames have the track record for longevity.
I love my Glock, and i do like polymer pistols, but Steel frames have the track record for longevity.
mr.trooper
Member
I'm not trying to belittle any of the polymer guns. If we are aware of the problems, we should take them into consideration.
gwillys
Member
me380
bought a me380/kevin clone last week. didnt like the keltech & no lcp's, so after 3 months of looking & consideration, one appeared in the dealer's display. i was tired of shopping. paid $490
,but it will hold up better than kt/lcp in the environment where it will live - my pocket in south east georgia.
not thru the first 100 rounds yet, so far so good. i shoot out back when i get a chance, a clip or two at a time. reasonably accurate, nicely made.
mr was quick to deliver a spare mag for 25 bucks
some time ago i had a 380 beretta 84 which was a pleasue to shoot. these micro's arent much fun, but they do the job. i hated to pay the price for this little gun, but im satisfied. around 400 would be a more reasonable price though
bought a me380/kevin clone last week. didnt like the keltech & no lcp's, so after 3 months of looking & consideration, one appeared in the dealer's display. i was tired of shopping. paid $490
,but it will hold up better than kt/lcp in the environment where it will live - my pocket in south east georgia. not thru the first 100 rounds yet, so far so good. i shoot out back when i get a chance, a clip or two at a time. reasonably accurate, nicely made.
mr was quick to deliver a spare mag for 25 bucks
some time ago i had a 380 beretta 84 which was a pleasue to shoot. these micro's arent much fun, but they do the job. i hated to pay the price for this little gun, but im satisfied. around 400 would be a more reasonable price though
gwillys
Member
reverse gas withdrawal
http://www.zvi.cz/en/products/9-mm-pistol-kevin.html
http://www.zvi.cz/en/products/9-mm-pistol-kevin.html
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