.380 ACP "low recoil" ammo?

JJEH

JJEH

Member
Joined
Nov 5, 2011
Messages
7,163
Reaction score
8,447
Location
Central Texas
Guys,

my mother in law just bought a BERSA THUNDER CC in .380 ACP. As she told me today her both hands getting weak after a while.

Is there "low recoil" ammo (JHP) or something similar available out there? Anyone has similar problems and can recommend something?"

I really don't know what to suggest her right now... :confused:

Any help would be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Is this her first pistol? If so, most people simply have no other opportunity in life to hold a 30 oz object at arms length steadily for extended periods. Her muscles might just be tiring early. How about one of those stress squeeze balls and a 5lb dumbbell?
As far as low recoil .380 there really isn't anything out there.

My hands would shake after 50 rounds or so of 40S&W out of my Sig226 and 229. That was more of a nerve thing I think as it didn't happen with 9 or .45. I sold the .40 guns.
 
Well, she shot before and didn't like the recoil. So that's why she goes with a .380. Maybe she can get more strength with exercise...

That's weird with your .40's, huh? It's my favorite caliber...
 
Well, she shot before and didn't like the recoil. So that's why she goes with a .380.
Click to expand...

A blowback .380 like the Bersa often produces a sharper recoil sensation than a locked-breech 9mm, and the light weight just makes it worse. People who buy without shooting can get caught up in suppositions that don't pan out.
 
The .380 is a low recoil round to begin with so there really isn't any special "low recoil" ammunition for it. For a first time shooter start her out with a .22 LR to get used to the bang and a little jump the .22 has. When she gets used to the .22 then let her try the .380. Don't hype up the recoil, just say it will have a little more jump but doesn't hurt you. Have her work on follow through, IE bringing the sight back on target after the gun fires. Let her know that recoil is just what happens after the gun is fired, all the accuracy is what you do before it is fired and not to worry or try to fight the recoil. Just hold the gun tight and let it happen then bring the sights back to target. Emphasize trigger squeeze, not pull, and you will have her hitting the target without any problem.

To improve a weak grip, squeezing a stress ball, hand ball or grip exercise equipment in her spare time will help a lot.
 
I've noticed that some .380's are a little "whippy" for want
of a better term. My wrists don't like it on the day following.
Age and repaired carpal tunnel don't help, either.
Pro-Med has some therapy exercise balls for folks who need the therapy.
Get her one or two, but in the squishy side of medium. Also works well
for trigger pull exercise. Good luck, hope this helps. TACC1
 
When I first started shooting revolvers half a box made my hands sore. As with anything else, practice fixed that. Should be the same for pistols, yes?
Maybe regular sessions with Moms is in order. Shoot awhile, go for coffee and talk about her daughter, stuff like that. Good all around.
 
The lowest recoil .380 round that is suitable for self-defense carry is the Hornady Critical Defense.
 
Thanks fellas, that helps alot :)

She lives in AZ and is only here for a visit. She bought the Bersa in AZ w/o our knowledge, so I couldn't really advise anything at that point. You guys know how grown women are... :D

The good thing is she's not afraid or anything like that. Her sister is, but she told me that she will learn how to shoot (her husband is a shooter) and take the ccw class. My mommy in law will take the ccw as well, but has at least some experience with firearms and is not scared.

We will go to the range this week and I will do my best to teach her what I know until she leaves on sunday.

The tip with the Hornady Critical Defense is good. I will tell her to get these.

Appreciate you guys...
 
philly3458 said:
Federal premium hydra - shok 380
Click to expand...

That's what went back in my Bersa Thunder. Feeds like a dream and is as accurate as my hand can hold the gun. I haven't ever thought of .380 as having much recoil until I shot a LCP. I went back to the Thunder again after that little thing.
 
Last edited:
Get big soft grips for the Bersa

Because she already made her decisions about the caliber and the make, an important and useful factor for recoil lessening is the choice of GRIPS. Find some very comfortable, soft ones like Hogue's or other hand filling grips. This may solve her problem entirely.
 
I would venture to say that she could find a 9mm locked breach such as a Shield that using standard pressure 115gr ammo would have less felt recoil than a blow back 380. I'd rent a couple & try them out.
 
My wife's .380 NAA Guardian is the nastiest pistol I've ever shot. Sure wouldn't do it for pleasure. In my experience, larger and heavier guns are easier to shoot well and more pleasant to shoot, even in more powerful calibers.

That being said, I believe a lot of women would benefit from some hand & arm strengthening exercises.
 
Well, thank you guys for all your opinions, I appreciate that.

The bad thing; I cannot change her purchase.
The good thing; She want to buy more then just one pistol ;)

She's flying home today and I'm sure she will try more different pistols in the future.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
Federal 380 ammo
Replies
12
Views
683
STORMINORMAN
S
R
Ammo for Shield EZ 380
Replies
0
Views
271
Redcup
R
boykinlp
Lehigh Defense 380 Auto (ACP) 65gr FTM Handgun Ammo
Replies
3
Views
628
rosewood
rosewood
R
HST 380 Tactical
Replies
13
Views
2K
oink
O
M
.380 practice ammo source at a good price?
Replies
17
Views
884
STORMINORMAN
S

Latest posts

Back
Top