who makes a tough .380 pistol?

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I am unsure why anyone would want to make a rifle out of a .380, but I would say the Beretta 84, 85 or 86, or the Browning BDA. These are large, all metal guns, with a four-inch barrel to maximize all that velocity. :rolleyes: And their more hand-filling grips will make hot loads at least tolerable to shoot. I don't see little plastic-framed pocket pistols holding up for long. :scrutiny:
 
I had a Browning BDA many years ago. It was a nice gun but it was about the same size as a Glock 19. It also had some problems with springs breakage so I sold it. I've considered the current trendy mini .380s but they all have had issues with reliable functioning--probably due to the emphasis being placed on miniaturization. IMO, the perfect size for the .380 is that of the Bersa Thunder/SIG P232/Walther PPK/S. That's small enough for easy concealment without too much preparation and it's large enough to hold onto and deliver lots of lead downrange quickly and accurately. In answer to the OP's original question, the Bersa would be a fine choice given your budget constraints.
 
he's looking for a gun to be a test bed for hot loads.
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Then IMHO he wants a locked-breech gun, not a blowback or delayed blowback.
  • Llama IIIA
  • Remington 51
  • Kel-Tec P3AT
  • Colt Govt .380, Mustang, Mustang +II, Colt Pony
  • SIG Sauer P238
  • Star S-series
  • CZ-24
 
I also have a Makarov in 380 acp (Russian commercial). If they make 380 any stronger I would be suprised and almost postive they do not for around $200
 
Didn't read all the responses but I just picked up a Grendel P10 .380 the other day. It was cheap, they are no longer made and have some 'character' but they are durable and from what I've read reliable due to the internal magazine. BTW capacity is 10+1 and aside from being thicker it is almost same size as my Taurus TCP.

Oh ya and the guy who designed the Grendel is the guy who owns/is in charge of Kel-Tec.
 
The CZ82s seem to hold up to the more powerful 9mm MAK round, so the same platform in a .380 CZ83 would probably do well.
Picture029.jpg
Although well built, I'd not want to hot-rod this little Hottie.


MDE-380-1.jpg
Best of luck with your eventual purchase.

KEV
1510383z.jpg
 
I'd vote for the Makarov... it's one of my favorite pistols, and in 9X18, it rocks... It was field tested by the KGB (along with every Eastern European police force on the continent).

The BDA is also one of my favorites... unfortunately, it isn't available in 9X18, or I'd have "rockin" 13-shot carry piece choice, but the .380 is still a viable cartridge, and the BDA can handle the hot loads.

One that doesn't get much play is the FEG AP and APK... they rock as small .380's and are really neat pocket pistols.

This is like trying to figure out what's my favorite flavor of ice cream.... it depends on my taste on any particular day.

WT
 
Maybe a Sig P238. I almost bought one for concealed carry, but I did not want cocked and locked in my pocket. Seems like a stout little gun though.
 
toivo said:
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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If this is the case, and the gun is a test bed for hand loaded rounds, get the Hi Point .380. After watching the Hi Point torture test, I was amazed at the level of abuse the Hi Point dealt with prior to failure. Plus, when and if you do break it with hot loads, the warranty is second to none, and even if the warranty is denied, you're out what, $100?
 
The Glock 25 and 28 are pretty tough.

The only thing tougher is trying to buy one in the USA.
 
When did you find the LCP on sale for $279 at Gander? Was it used? They've always been on the high side at $349 for the LCPs when I've been there.

Thanks
 
Well, sure: Glock 25. Just try to break it!

Oh, yeah. GCA '68, sporting purposes, point system. Nuts.
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The Glock 25 and 28 are pretty tough.

The only thing tougher is trying to buy one in the USA.
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boy i would love to have a G25, but yeah, not happnin' :(

I completely agree. What's the point if you don't have the gun yet, why even start with a 380?
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see post #4

.........................................................

I think I have decided to find a Makarov chambered in 9x18 and get a .380 barrel for it, who knows, maybe ill reload 9x18 some day. Im also gonna pick up a 19 and 21lb recoil spring to keep the brass in the same area code ;)

If this is the case, and the gun is a test bed for hand loaded rounds, get the Hi Point .380. After watching the Hi Point torture test, I was amazed at the level of abuse the Hi Point dealt with prior to failure. Plus, when and if you do break it with hot loads, the warranty is second to none, and even if the warranty is denied, you're out what, $100?
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this is tempting, heck $140 shipped??? I may get one of these just because... but many people here are saying "go with the Mak"
does anybody else have opinions on the Hi Point for this particular usage?
Whats the difference between a Hi Point CF380 and a CF380HC? the "HC" model is cheaper :confused:
 
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I have seen several makarov already chambered in 380 in my area. Should not be too difficult to find if you were interested
 
I have the PPK/S. Locally they are going new for $470'ish.
I am new to the CZ camp and I have investigated the CZ in .380. It looks solid and if I wanted a higher capacity .380 it would be my first choice to go and shoot.

The PPK/S is so dang flat it just conceals perfectly. Blow back .380's have some punch to them. Reminds me of a .357 instead of what I imaged for a 9mm short.
 
Hadoken said:
When did you find the LCP on sale for $279 at Gander? Was it used? They've always been on the high side at $349 for the LCPs when I've been there.

Thanks
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The LCP was on sale at Gander about 2 weeks ago for $279. Brand new. I bought one with the laser for $360 new at Cabelas! Awesome little pocket pistol!
 
S&W Bodyguard 380 - $399 list with laser. Got mine in Jan and not one problem in 300 rounds.

BD
 
CZ 83 is your best bet. Just pick one up and you will see why. No way am i going to proof test loads with a pocket gun.
 
The obvious answer is, any compact 9mm.

It's silly to hot rod a .380 when so many compact 9mms are available.

.
 
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I own a Kahr P380

That has been flawless. I have about 800 rounds through the gun and without a problem. I also owned a Beretta 84F that performed equally as well.
 
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