Questions about .380 pistols

[Shawnee]

Hi Y'All...

I have shot exactly one .380 semi-auto - a Colt Government model back in about 1984. I liked that gun but never bought a .380.

Of the .380s that are the same size as the Colt Government models - or larger - (and no smaller), which pistols have the best reputations for reliability and durability? Which ones are really good "value per dollar" ?

Browning? Beretta? Llama ? CZ ? Colt? Other ?

Which ones are definite "No Way Jose" klunkers ?

If you recommend something - please give a ballpark price for a used one in good condition if you can. If you have a favorite and can post a pic of it that would be great.

Many thanks Y'All !!!

 

[paradox998]

There are some good choices for 380's and the good news is that they are pretty reasonable. Consider CZ-83 or a Bersa Thunder. For small size and CCW use, I have been very happy with a KelTec P3AT. Only problem with 380's is that the ammo is a bit pricey.

 

[groundhog34]

The Beretta double action is very reliable IMO but why buy a 380 when you can get a 9mm in the same size for the same price. the 9 has always seem more reliable IMO as well as offering lower cost and larger selection of ammo.

 

[tblt]

I would consider a 9 mm for the cost of ammo.380 is about a third more than 9 mm 1 box of 100 9mm 19 bucks.1 box of 100 380 32 bucks at walmart

 

[tblt]

I would consider a 9 mm for the cost of ammo.380 is about a third more than 9 mm 1 box of 100 9mm 19 bucks.1 box of 100 380 32 bucks at walmart

I have both and love shooting my 9 but love carrying my LCP do to its size
I have another 9 on the way, a CW9 its small like a lot of 380 's

 

[makarovnik]

sig
walther
beretta
cz
bersa

 

[RobMoore]

Working on a range, running requals, I've seen more SIG 230/232s that didn't work than those that did, and this is only a 30 round course of fire they have to make it through.

I'd advise against them.

 

[tju1973]

Value for dollar for me goes to Bersa-- I have a Bersa T380 that I paid about $200 new with 2 mags-- it is a no frills (except adjustable sights ?!?!) duo tone pistol-- I carry it most days and love the reliability.. I have probably shot around 1200 rounds or so and have had only one or two issues (and those both came from a Pro Mag magazine)

I do have a Hi-Point CF380 I paid $90 for-- too heavy to carry comfortably, but it makes a good truck gun...

I do love the COlt Govt though- -my brother in law bought one for his wife-- it is a nice shooter, but a little pricey for me...

The Taurus Madel 58HCSS is the "pretty" I want, but can't find it (in Stainless Steel) in my neck of the woods... also, it is kind of big for CC to me--

 

[jman_131]

Well since you asked... I like my Browning BDA-380. But I bought it cause they don't make them anymore.

Picture Link


Jeremy

 

[usp9]

If you recommend something - please give a ballpark price for a used one in good condition if you can. If you have a favorite and can post a pic of it that would be great.

Any of these .380s are pretty good guns. None have given me any problem.

On the left side;
the PPK used was a bit over $300, the Stainless Sig was $450 and the Beretta 84 a bit under $400.

On the right side;
the Beretta 85 was $400, the Blued Sig P232 was $315 and the Sphinx ran $450 ( but they're semi rare).

On the bottom is the only new gun of the bunch, a CZ83 and that cost me $360, probably around $400 today.



My small collection demonstrates that you can find some great guns at reasonable prices ($300 to $450). All of these except the Sphinx are around in large quantities and a well maintained pistol at a good price should be available if you are patient and wait for "A Deal".

IMHO, the best made gun in my collection is the Beretta. The stainless Sig is another favorite of mine. The blued Sig, PPK and the Sphinx are pretty much dedicated CCWs, not really range guns if that's what you're after.

The CZ is nice but not as refined as the rest. I tried the Bersa a few years ago but didn't like it (sloppy quality control). I'd rather have a used Beretta or Sig than a new Bersa.

 

[Pilot]

I own a Beretta M85FS and think its the best .380 out there.

 

[okespe04]

The only reason I would buy a .380 is if you wanted something really small like a LCP, NNA or other. You are far better off going with a 9mm as the ammo is 1/2 the price of .380 and it is more powerful.

 

[tallpines]

You are far better off going with a 9mm as the ammo is 1/2 the price of .380 and it is more powerful.

Yup... My ever so slightly larger Kahr PM9 replaced my two excellent Kel-Tec P3ATs. Wanted a stronger round. And, as mentioned above, 9mm ammo is cheaper.

 

[burningsquirrels]

seven yards, hands above head, draw and fire one round as fast as possible, right hand only.

$200 used, works good, dissapears anywhere.

gold dots work in mine, but as always - YMMV.

 

[Shawnee]

WOW! Thanks a Million, Gents !!!

I made it to a couple pawn shops in New Braunfels, TX. today. Didn't see much in the way of handguns and the only .380 I saw was a HiPoint, which is not for me. Most stuff was in 9mm which I don't care for.
I shot "action" competition with a 1911 Series 70 Gold Cup and if I were to go above the .380 it would be straight to the .45ACP.

Thanks for the pics !!! Would like to see a Bersa "in the flesh", and sure wouldn't mind finding a browning for a decent price.

Thanks again, Y'All !!!!

 

[burningsquirrels]

the bersa is pretty much like a rough cut ppk.... but when i say rough cut, i really mean "not pretty polished, just blued looking"