who makes a tough .380 pistol?

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gofastman

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Is there a Ruger SRH of the .380 world?
Id like to start reloading for that cartridge ant I'd like a gun that's a bit stronger than my TCP for working up to max loads.
Funds are a bit limited, would a Bersa Thunder be acceptable?
a PPK/s would be nice but they are a bit pricey for me right now.
 
I think a Bersa would be a good gun considering it isn't a polymer framed gun, but if you're really intent on running max loads (or even exceeding the maxes from your load book) you may want to look into a Makarov in .380. They are built like tanks and already designed for a round that is a bit hotter than your average .380 anyway, and they're cheap so you're not out much more than medical bills if you blow one up :neener:
 
but if you want max loads just buy a 9mm
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the nine is fine.. you can buy fantastic self defence 9mm ammo for pretty darn cheap.
That's not the case with the .380.
Now that Swampfox Ammo is no more :( I have to roll my own.

you may want to look into a Makarov in .380
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are they significantly stronger than the Bersa?
 
i have shot .380s for years. the problem with them isnt the caliber, but the platform that has been offered for the last 30 or so years!. case in point is davis, jiminez, and many others chambered in .380 leave much to be desired. if you really want a .380 that will last you a life time or two or three, find a colt model m in .380. you will be amazed at what the round can do in a quality pistol. i have heard that the colt model m took six or seven hundred machining steps to produce. i dont know if thats correct or not, but i own two and they run perfectly in spite of being 80 plus years old. if you shop hard you can find one in nice condition in the 600 dollar price range. so i must ask myself why i spent all that money on that half plastic pot metal junk. we live and learn....
 
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I own a Browning BDA and love it. You would be hard pressed to find a .380 built better than the Browning or the Beretta 84
 
are they significantly stronger than the Bersa?
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I'm not sure if they could be classified as a significantly stronger action because they are still blowback, but I think it is marginally stronger than the Bersa. It definitely feels stronger while holding the two in your hands. Considering they are both in the same price range, I would tend towards the Mak. Here's one that I found (from someone on here I think) for just over $200. Maybe add a stiffer recoil spring to hedge your bets if you really push the pressure.

I think the Walther PK380 actually uses a Browning locking mechanism so it might actually be stronger than a blowback action even though it is a polymer framed gun. Not sure what kind of price it goes for though.
 
I would tend towards the Mak. Here's one that I found (from someone on here I think) for just over $200. Maybe add a stiffer recoil spring to hedge your bets if you really push the pressure.
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that particular gun has a chamber that is 1mm too long for my project! ;)
 
that particular gun has a chamber that is 1mm too long for my project!
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Ahh, my bad. I've been looking for a Makarov myself (in 9x18 though) and didn't think about it when setting up that link. You wouldn't happen to have any interest in loading for a 9x18 would you? It's practically the same thing! :neener:

They do sell conversion barrels though!
 
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I have a factory .380 Makarov, imported by B-West in satin nickel. Other than that a Beretta M85FS is my choice for .380. None better.
 
The Bersa Thunder is an excellent .380.

The gold standard in .380's, in my opinion, is the Sig Sauer P232.
 
FYI, I just picked up a Ruger LCP in 380 auto from Gander on sale for the $279. I don't plan to abuse it with +p type loads but they get rather high reviews. I realize the round is a little lacking in the power dept. I just wanted something very easy to carry for those 'lite days'.
 
sourdough44 said:
FYI, I just picked up a Ruger LCP in 380 auto from Gander on sale for the $279. I don't plan to abuse it with +p type loads but they get rather high reviews. I realize the round is a little lacking in the power dept. I just wanted something very easy to carry for those 'lite days'.
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The .380 is not lacking in power department. Most Americans "over-gun" for everything. Just thinking about shooting it through that tiny 9oz pistol makes me cringe.
 
If you don't mind the extra cost, the German made Walther's
are by far at the top of the heap.
 
Browning, Bersa, Berretta, Colt, Walther

I'm partial to the older steel frame single stack .380s. They shoot better, are better made, and are close to the same weight as high caps. I also have been known to carry a Savage,H&R, or Webly on occasion.

Note: be careful of Walthers, Some of the .380s are prone to jam.

Cheers,

ts
 
I think some folks are missing the point. Unless I'm mistaken, he's not looking for his next carry gun -- he's looking for a gun to be a test bed for hot loads. I would have to second the Sig P232 in stainless. The blued one is aluminum alloy, but the stainless is all steel. It's a stout gun, for sure. Also the CZ-83 or the Makarov (in .380).
 
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