Was looking for second small revolver...My K frame stubby is getting some work done, and decided it would be good to get another, even smaller [if possible], revolver for concealed carry.

Ended up getting Taurus M380. First impressions:

Cost is around $340. I've seen the price on the internet listed between $320-$360.

It's no S&W. Gun does not seem to have quite the finish that my S&W's have. Composite metal does not have the smoothness I am used to in my S&W K [however, mine is steel, not ultra-light].

Revolver is only double action, but I only practice double action. Compared to S&W, trigger pull seems much longer, as if I physically have to pull trigger back an extra inch or so. Not as smooth either; there seems to be a half-way point in the pull.

Has more recoil [as expected] than my steel S&W snubby but less than the Bodyguard I tried and didn't like; this revolver did not tear up my hands.

Cheaper than S&W's.

Fits a J-frame holster.

Not anywhere near as fun to shoot as my S&W but gets the job done. I'll probably only shoot 3 full rounds through this revolver when I am practicing.

The cylinder holds five .380 bullets [similar to J frame Bodyguard].

Comes with five moon clips so that you can easily remove spent cartridges. At first found it difficult to load moon clips but did get the hang of it; this process is not a "quick load" process, however. This is no gun for a sustained gun battle.

Shot five shots with the moon clip, then loaded and shot two more full rounds and used fingernails to remove spent cartridges. Second set was more difficult to remove from the cylinder, perhaps because revolver was hotter [?], but it did show me that I could reload gun without use of moon clips if I needed to.


I know that many husbands are concerned that their wives and daughters want to shoot .22LR revolvers because they have trouble using the slides on SA's and don't like the recoil of a J frame .38. If you are concerned because your wife doesn't like the recoil of a J-frame 38, you might want to try this gun. It's pull is longer and not as smooth as the J and K frame 38's I've tried, but the recoil is far less than a J frame ultralight.

One last thought--I had looked at this model using the sample that was in the display case. The one they presented in the box at the time of purchase was unacceptable to me. It was deeply scratched on one side and I could not get the cylinder release to function normally. I asked for and got the display model instead.

One more thought--IF S&W develops a .380 snubby, I'll probably trade this one in, if I can afford the S&W.

Thanks for your thoughts on the .380 ACP revolver. I have seen those but never paid any attention to them.

Something you might consider if you do decide to move on is an S&W in .32 caliber. Several models have been made and I think some are still in production. Recoil is not excessive. You don't have to mess around with clips and unlike J-frame S&Ws that hold five rounds in .38 caliber, .32s hold six.

Might look into this when the time comes.

I had avoided looking at .32's because of the ammo situation. Around here, it is much harder to find and more expensive than other caliber ammunitions.

I can also sneak .380 ammo from spouse's ammo box!

Now to round things out, I'd like a hunting revolver, something with a long barrel and set up for hunting. I don't plan to go looking for bears, but would like something suitable for the woods--like a 460 XVR or 686....

Problem: You save money so you can shoot more at the range; if you spend money, you can't go to the range because you can't afford the ammo. Sigh