Mid size .380 pistols...

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whm1974

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surfing the Web for prices of .380 ACP pistols I run across this S&W .380 mid size handgun that is a single action auto with a proper frame mounted manual safety.
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/105737/s&w+m&p380+shld+ez+kit+380acp+sfty
Review Here:
https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2018/7/23/review-smith-wesson-mp380-shield-ez/

Now most .380 handguns aviable in the US are small frame, short barrel pistols that have more painful recoil and higher muzzle flip due to the lighter weight. Why are Mid size .380s hard to find in the US?
 
I'd think most people looking for a 380 want something small enough to pocket (P3AT/LCP, etc), but when you step up to larger than this, a 9mm becomes more appealing for many reasons. S&W has been innovative with the EZ line, targeting a market that wants easier to shoot and operate than a standard 9. You could always look at 380s in the used, classic double stacks like the CZ and Beretta lines.
 
whm1974 said:
I did read a few reviews of the Bersa Thunder .380 about over 10 years ago.
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[responding to the above sentence which was all that was posted in #5 at the time :)]

The Bersa Thunder 380 Plus is 15+1 pistol, not the regular 7+1 pistol.

The grip is longer/bigger and it is a bit heavier, especially loaded.
 
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Just to add - I own a BT380 and I like it a lot - but it is a slide safety type. The CZ and Beretta classics are frame safeties.
 
I have a Mauser HSc that kicks way more than you’d expect from a 380. I still like it, it’s beautiful and accurate.

And I have a Sig 238 that kicks hardly at all, with the exact same ammo. it’s a neat little guy, and pleasure to shoot. I just wish it had more capacity in the magazine.

I think a bersa thunder plus would be a better carry piece than either of the 380s I have, and costs a lot less too
 
unclenunzie said:
Just to add - I own a BT380 and I like it a lot - but it is a slide safety type. The CZ and Beretta classics are frame safeties.
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Well the S&W is a proper frame safety with the proper click up for safe and click down for fire.

What is the deal with slide mounted safeties going the wrong way to put on safe and fire?
 
I didn't know that their are full size 1911's chambered in 380 ACP... All of .380 1911's style pistols I've seen have around 3.5" to 4" inch barrels and small to mid size frames...
 
Ironicaintit
I have a Mauser HSc that kicks way more than you’d expect from a 380. I still like it, it’s beautiful and accurate.

And I have a Sig 238 that kicks hardly at all, with the exact same ammo. it’s a neat little guy, and pleasure to shoot.
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My brother had a Mauser HSc and one of the reasons that you feel more felt recoil with that gun is that it's a straight blowback design. Your SIG P238 (I have one as well as a Colt Mustang), feels "softer" in terms of felt recoil because it uses a delayed blowback system. Both of these guns are truly fun to shoot and capable of some very surprising accuracy (the single action trigger helps as well).
4dfdRS5.jpg
ayF2G2I.jpg
 
bannockburn said:
Ironicaintit


My brother had a Mauser HSc and one of the reasons that you feel more felt recoil with that gun is that it's a straight blowback design. Your SIG P238 (I have one as well as a Colt Mustang), feels "softer" in terms of felt recoil because it uses a delayed blowback system. Both of these guns are truly fun to shoot and capable of some very surprising accuracy (the single action trigger helps as well).
View attachment 913275
View attachment 913276
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Oh yeah I’m aware of why they recoil differently. Still good info to have posted, for posterity.
I’m not recoil shy, and I love love love that Mauser. I feel like I should be wearing a suit when I’m using it. But for carry? Nah. That damn slide safety (backwards) and heel mag release are not suited to my 1911 style habits.
 
There is the CZ-83, which is a fabulous pistol.

If looking at midsize, you could look at a 9x18 chambered pistol-. Would be especially interesting for a reloader.
 
I have a SIG P230, and of all the blowback type 380s Ive owned, its one of the few that wasnt unpleasant to shoot for sustained shooting. I think thats mostly due to size and shape of the grip. Great guns too. Accurate with a sweet DA trigger.

I carried a P230 off and on as a back up to my 1911 for about 10 years, and while it worked well in that role, the gun is basically the same size as a Glock 19. I still have the P230, but a Glock 26 has replaced it in the back up role. Takes the same mags as my 17, and handles and shoots like it too.
 
Most mid size blowback 380s are more or less in the same size and weight category of pistols like the Glock 19 or the Glock 26. I used to own a Beretta 84F. It was a very well made reliable pistol but it wasn't very pleasant to shoot because of the fast slide recoil that caused the safety to hit my thumb base.
I also used to own a locked breech Colt Government 380 stainless, a smaller gun but much much more shootable in my case.
I think locked breech has now changed the game of mid size 380s with very soft shooters like the S&W 380 EZ.
Another option that deserves a look in my opinion is the Walther PK380 probably the first succeful locked breech mid size 380.
I'm thinking to buy a locked breech mid size 380 myself for when I'll get old, God willing.
 
AK103K said:
I have a SIG P230, and of all the blowback type 380s Ive owned, its one of the few that wasnt unpleasant to shoot for sustained shooting. I think thats mostly due to size and shape of the grip. Great guns too. Accurate with a sweet DA trigger.

I carried a P230 off and on as a back up to my 1911 for about 10 years, and while it worked well in that role, the gun is basically the same size as a Glock 19. I still have the P230, but a Glock 26 has replaced it in the back up role. Takes the same mags as my 17, and handles and shoots like it too.
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Agree, the P230/232 is a great gun. Not bad to shoot at all and very well made!

r3pgsiR.jpg

As you mentioned, much better options for carry these days.
 
SRSTAdam21 said:
Agree, the P230/232 is a great gun. Not bad to shoot at all and very well made!

View attachment 913284

As you mentioned, much better options for carry these days.
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NIce 232. :)

Our local shop has a nice used one and Ive been trying real hard not to go buy it. Just because. :p

Ive owned two 230's, and only paid right around $250 for each. They have gone up a bit, and they're asking $600 for this one. A bit salty, but doesnt seem to be to much out line from the looks of it.

"You dont need it, you dont need it, you dont need it".......Im screwed! :D
 
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