Recommend a FULL SIZE .380 ACP pistol

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kannonfyre

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Where I live, the government specifies that they will only consider a handgun possession permit (CCW is IMPOSSIBLE to obtain) if the barrel is at least 4"s or more. With this in mind, what would you guys recommend for a good, reliable and durable pistol chambered in .380 ACP that has at least a 4" barrel length?
 
I just looked in my Beretta 84FS manual and it indicates the barrel length is only 3.81 inches. However, they also list a model I have never heard of here in the USA, but they may sell it in your country. Its an 83F and has a 4 inch barrel.
 
Are the laws also along the lines of "No military calibers" Hence the .380 parameters?



A lil more info please.
 
I'm not certain, but I think the 1903/1908 went to 3.75" barrels by the time they were chambered for .380 ACP.

You *could* get a Makarov PM, and then get an extended barrel here. That gives you a 4.5 .380 ACP barrel out of a still fairly compact pistol (if a bit heavy). Wouldn't cost that much for pistol or the new barrel.

jm
 
Kind of a collector now, but the High Standard G380, the only centerfire pistol they made, made for only three years I think. The barrel may be just 4". I've wanted one for a while since I have a pile of .380's. My Star model S has a 4" barrel, by actual measure it is 3 15/16"
 
As Pilot said, the 84FS has a 3.8" barrel. The 86FS on the other hand has a 4.4" barrel, and the 83FS has the 4". They tend to be excellent guns. I prefer the Beretta models to the similar Browning BDAs just for the frame mounted safety, as opposed to the slide mounted safety of the Browning.

Where I live, the government specifies that they will only consider a handgun possession permit (CCW is IMPOSSIBLE to obtain) if the barrel is at least 4"s or more.
Click to expand...

Where's that ?
 
I don't get why a full sized .380 would even exist, unless it's the only ammo you can get. Personally I have a pistol for home defense mainly because I can also carry it. If you want a purely home defense weapon, why not a 12 gauge shotgun? As far as effectiveness goes, it'd be on another level from any handgun.

If you do have your heart set on a handgun, what about a .38 Special revolver?
 
Browning 1971

This was the old BROWNING 1910 with a 4.5 inch barrel and target sights. It was made in order to get around U.S. import restrictions against small handguns.
 
IT would be helpful to know if the 380 is dictated becuause of a requrement for non-military. IF so, the 38 Super suggestion is excellent.

A 4" 380 is going to be hard to find....I think.
 
HK P7 K3 has a 4.1" barrel, but they're mighty hard to find. Maybe a threaded barrel for a Beretta 84f would suffice.
 
Clarification of parameters

To one and all:

The stipulation of a 4" barrel or more applies to all pistol possesion permits issued in Singapore. The police regard short barrelled pistols as CCW pieces and since CCW licenses are nearly IMPOSSIBLE to obtain, they refuse to approve a license of a short barreled revolver or pistol.

No, there is no non military calibers only stipulation. Some folks here, after shelling out major license fees and waiting many weeks have gotten permission for the occasional 9mm, .40S+W and .45ACP handgun strictly for IPSC use only (race gun models).

The reason I have asked for a .380 auto full sized handgun is that I shoot best with handguns averaging about 200ft/lbs of muzzle energy or slightly less. Hence, i'm looking for a self shucking handgun that can manage decent double or tripple taps at 15 yards w/o the shooter having to practice like a maniac or be built like a pro wrestler.

To all who would ask me to consider a heavy 9mm pistol:

Been there done that 1 year ago. I can manage a 4" group under slow fire conditions at 15 yards but when double taps are attempted, the groups can best be described as "minute of FAT BLOATED couch potato". I shot a walther P88 but even with a CZ-85, the double tap groups were only slightly better.
 
The reason I have asked for a .380 auto full sized handgun is that I shoot best with handguns averaging about 200ft/lbs of muzzle energy or slightly less. Hence, i'm looking for a self shucking handgun that can manage decent double or tripple taps at 15 yards w/o the shooter having to practice like a maniac or be built like a pro wrestler.
Click to expand...

.380's, being blow-back, tend to buck more than conventional 9mm's. On that note, the ability to tolerate recoil has nothing to do with stature as far as handguns go. I've known BIG guys who flinched with .38's, yet my little sister (5'7", 130 pounds) shoots competitively with a 10mm and enjoys my .50 AE Desert Eagle.

I don't know the situation in Singapore, but here the US, 9x19mm is much less expensive the .380 ACP.

If you can possibly gain access to one, try shooting a CZ-75, Tanfoglio Force (Witness) or IWI Baby Eagle (Jericho).
 
As you can see, there aren't a whole lot of full size .380s out there. As was mentioned above, a 1911 in .38 Super may be your best option.
 
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