Giving Up - .380 Is A Bust For Me

[Fastbolt]

I really appreciate everyone weighing in w/their experiences. I purchased the 340PD at considerable expernse b/c I was going to be my EDC and was the lightest revolver on the market. I haven't shot it much, about 100 rounds, preferring to use my Model 37 for practice, and my Model 60 for extended range sessions. I keep it loaded with some version of the +P 158 grain FBI hollowpoint b/c I used that round on the street and it works.

Have you checked the LSWCHP +P load you're using to see if there's any bullet pull with it? Fired 4 rounds and checked the 5th for bullet movement, at least a couple of times? (Page 12 of the New Model revolver manual.)

If you don't have it, here's a link to it at the factory website: http://snwcdnprod.azureedge.net/sit...-manuals/S&W_Revolver_051517_416560000_WC.pdf

 

[Ziggy2525]

I was considering a micro .380 for certain niche use(when I'm in tropical climates) and I've looked over countless videos, reviews and comments on just about every .380 out there and pretty much every one has enough negative feedback on them to make me leery. None demonstrate the consistent documented reliability I want to see. The only exception MIGHT be the current production Glock 42 since it seems as if they have most of the problems worked out. However, the G42 is relatively large for a .380, so it kind of defeats the purpose for me since it doesn't offer any size and weight advantage over an s&w airweight. Plus, I'm kind of on the fence regarding .380 being adequate for defensive purposes. The smallest autoloader I currently own is the G26 and it has proven reliable although I rarely carry it since I favor the snubby.

I have/had a few .380's. The ones that have been totally reliable have been my LCP's and my Sig P290RS. I had a couple Glock 42's and a Taurus TCP that had issues. The Glock's went back three times before they worked correctly. The TCP never has worked correctly. The TCP is worthless for anything other than a paperweight.

I've seen complaints and praises for each of those models.

I've come to the conclusion that all micro .380's are right at the margins of what will work in a locked breech semi-auto (I think that's the correct term) with commercial .380 pistol rounds. IMO, it's not a matter picking the right brand of .380. It's finding a specific pistol. More probably work than don't, but the failure rates for all of them seem to be pretty high.

That's been my experience. YMMV.

 

[Narragansett]

I used to carry a Glock 36. Still have it, and never had a problem. I am not fond of semi autos for being as reliable as a revolver, and not a fan of the 380, although I have had one for 30+ years. In an auto, I want 45 acp. The Glock 36 fills the bill

 

[Old cop]

Bullet Pull

Have you checked the LSWCHP +P load you're using to see if there's any bullet pull with it? Fired 4 rounds and checked the 5th for bullet movement, at least a couple of times? (Page 12 of the New Model revolver manual.)

If you don't have it, here's a link to it at the factory website: http://snwcdnprod.azureedge.net/sit...-manuals/S&W_Revolver_051517_416560000_WC.pdf

I have checked it and called S&W before buying it. I've also fired it several times, using my carry load, at the range and no problem so far. My understanding was the bullet pull thing only applied to magnum rounds.

 

[CCHGN]

My Grandpa and his generation had it right. Revolver is the safest and most reliable pocket carry.

 

[Echo40]

Threads like these make me glad that I decided against replacing my PPK/S with one of the newer micro .380 pocket pistols such as the LCP.

Sure, it may be heavy for a .380 by today's standards, and it isn't chambered in a certain overrated cartridge of similar dimensions, but it just plain works, and the thing is a tank which can handle even the hottest of loads, (Yeah, I know some of you are snickering, but there are .380 ACP loads out there which are comparable to .38 Special +P and 9x18 Makarov.) so I have no pressing need to replace it as my EDC.

 

[BC38]

Threads like these make me glad that I decided against replacing my PPK/S with one of the newer micro .380 pocket pistols such as the LCP.

Sure, it may be heavy for a .380 by today's standards, and it isn't chambered in a certain overrated cartridge of similar dimensions, but it just plain works, and the thing is a tank which can handle even the hottest of loads, (Yeah, I know some of you are snickering, but there are .380 ACP loads out there which are comparable to .38 Special +P and 9x18 Makarov.) so I have no pressing need to replace it as my EDC.

I like hearing your praise of the PPK.
I just bought a Bersa Thunder 380CC - which is a near clone of the PPK. I haven't shot it yet, but the PPK-ish design, weight, and dimensions appealed to me. In another thread there has been a lot of good said about the little Bersas so I'm thinking it will become a regular part of my CCW stable - for all the reasons you cited.

 

[Fastbolt]

I have checked it and called S&W before buying it. I've also fired it several times, using my carry load, at the range and no problem so far. My understanding was the bullet pull thing only applied to magnum rounds.

The lighter bullet weight warning was about lighter weight Magnum loads using bullets lighter than 120gr, due to the faster burning powders and hotter gases produced in some of those loads (risk of cylinder throat and face erosion of the titanium cylinder with the lighter loads).

Bullet pull may occur just because of the ultra light weight, the increased recoil effect and the quality control used for the crimping.

Lead bullets may not be held as securely under recoil as jacketed bullets when it comes to crimping and heavy recoil. We were told that's why the 342 Airlites had their barrels marked for "+P Jacketed".

Of course, strange things can happen when we least expect it. We once had a guy use a European brand of 158gr LRN .38 Spl in his all-steel M36 snub during a range qual, and he was experiencing consistent bullets jumping forward to bind the cylinder. Annoyed the hell out of him. He apaprently tho9ught he save a few bucks by using those rounds for the range. Guess the QC of the crimping in those rounds wasn't sufficient.

FWIW, I checked my first M&P 340 for bullet pull with both Magnum and +P loads, including some 158gr LSWCHP +P, even though that model is heavier than the PD's and Airlite's. I also checked my second M&P 340 with the +P loads I like to carry. Depending on the grips I used, my M&P 340's weigh either 13.3oz or 14.3oz. The only loads that exhibited bullet pull in my gun, in my hands, was a couple of the Magnum loads. Neither of the all-lead LSWCHP loads have exhibited bullet pull when I've checked them.

 

[straightshooter1]

I have carried the J-Frame, mostly a light weight, for self-defense now for almost fifty years. I had a short period where I carried the Kahr Psomethingerother, but I came back to the J.

My latest love is the Ruger LCR, I have one, my wife has one and I have a second one, a three inch with the adjustable sights I take with me when going off for more than a few days (carries as well as a two inch under my T-shirt).

But my right hand is getting wimpy. It hurts like the devil after shooting (hurts pretty much after anything or nothing at all).

My VA Ortho guy says it's arthritis and a bad tendon. He is gonna re-route the tendon thru my thumb and clean out the arthritis. Will be in a cast 6 weeks and he's gonna do it in the early fall (if I don't chicken out).

So it really hurts to shoot my J-Frames. It hurts less to shoot my Glock 43, but it still smarts.

My buddy had a near new Glock 42 with the Trijicon HD sites (I put them on all my autos) and sold it to me with three mags for $400.

I admit to being skeptical of the accuracy and power. I bought a LOT of Hornady Critical Defense and started going to the range.

Accuracy was great, especially shooting fast (for an old guy) at relatively short distances. Gun fit my hand well and it was really easy to keep it on target. It always went "Bang!" and never failed to function like it should.

But the best thing, for me at least, was the real absence of felt recoil. It felt like I was shooting a .22 or close to it. No pain at all, even when shooting a couple hundred rounds (which I could no longer even think of doing with the J-Frames).

I bought a Clip-Draw for it and carefully insert it onto my jeans/shorts waist band just right of my belly button, let the T-shirt fall and it simply disappears.

I have read of a number of guys who use the trigger guard holsters (Mic-style) AND the Clip Draw, but I just can't figure a way to do that and get the gun out and ready to use in a reasonable time though I have tried several times to make the two work together.

Anyway, the Glock 42 is a hand saver (maybe better described as a pain saver) for me.

Bob

 

[Triathloncoach]

I have a LCP. One magazine, Remington 380 Self Defense Ammo only. Almost 500 rounds with zero issues.

 

[Fla_Sun]

My old AMT Backup .380 has always gone bang when the 14# trigger was pulled. That is until it has shot between 75 to 100 rounds after which it starts to malfunction.
It has been replaced several times over the years but I still carry it when I need a tiny concealable backup.

 

[Protected One]

I have carried the J-Frame, mostly a light weight, for self-defense now for almost fifty years. I had a short period where I carried the Kahr Psomethingerother, but I came back to the J.

My latest love is the Ruger LCR, I have one, my wife has one and I have a second one, a three inch with the adjustable sights I take with me when going off for more than a few days (carries as well as a two inch under my T-shirt).

But my right hand is getting wimpy. It hurts like the devil after shooting (hurts pretty much after anything or nothing at all).

My VA Ortho guy says it's arthritis and a bad tendon. He is gonna re-route the tendon thru my thumb and clean out the arthritis. Will be in a cast 6 weeks and he's gonna do it in the early fall (if I don't chicken out).

So it really hurts to shoot my J-Frames. It hurts less to shoot my Glock 43, but it still smarts.

My buddy had a near new Glock 42 with the Trijicon HD sites (I put them on all my autos) and sold it to me with three mags for $400.

I admit to being skeptical of the accuracy and power. I bought a LOT of Hornady Critical Defense and started going to the range.

Accuracy was great, especially shooting fast (for an old guy) at relatively short distances. Gun fit my hand well and it was really easy to keep it on target. It always went "Bang!" and never failed to function like it should.

But the best thing, for me at least, was the real absence of felt recoil. It felt like I was shooting a .22 or close to it. No pain at all, even when shooting a couple hundred rounds (which I could no longer even think of doing with the J-Frames).

I bought a Clip-Draw for it and carefully insert it onto my jeans/shorts waist band just right of my belly button, let the T-shirt fall and it simply disappears.

I have read of a number of guys who use the trigger guard holsters (Mic-style) AND the Clip Draw, but I just can't figure a way to do that and get the gun out and ready to use in a reasonable time though I have tried several times to make the two work together.

Anyway, the Glock 42 is a hand saver (maybe better described as a pain saver) for me.

Bob

My wife has a glock 42, and I agree that it's the lowest felt recoil of any .380 I have shot, especially when loaded with Federal HST Micro or Hornady Critical Defense. My .380 is a S&W Bodyguard w/Crimson Trace Laser.

 

[adwjc]

T-shirt).

I have read of a number of guys who use the trigger guard holsters (Mic-style) AND the Clip Draw, but I just can't figure a way to do that and get the gun out and ready to use in a reasonable time though I have tried several times to make the two work together.

Bob

Bob,

Those trigger guard holsters are intended to be used "passively" by that that they mean you anchor the lanyard to your belt or belt loop, tuck your pistol where you carry it, and just yank that pistol out - the lanyard "unholsters" it for you.

 

[Imissedagain]

LCP 2nd version of the original and the mag has popped a few times over the years.
S&Walther PPKs ..... tack driver with almost any ammo.... my favorite.
Primary Tropical carry.
XTP/JRN @ 115gr bullets or Penn 100gr .355" leads.

 

[Old cop]

Mag Pop Out

LCP 2nd version of the original and the mag has popped a few times over the years.
S&Walther PPKs ..... tack driver with almost any ammo.... my favorite.
Primary Tropical carry.
XTP/JRN @ 115gr bullets or Penn 100gr .355" leads.

My LCP is the same model and has the same mag problem. I'm wondering if the LCP2 solved this issue.

 

[Old cop]

I went to the range today to get more time behind my J frames. I threw the LCP in my bag to burn up the remainder of my .380 ammo and it ran perfectly, as usual. It would be the perfect deep carry IF the mag would stay put in my pocket.

 

[Ziggy2525]

I went to the range today to get more time behind my J frames. I threw the LCP in my bag to burn up the remainder of my .380 ammo and it ran perfectly, as usual. It would be the perfect deep carry IF the mag would stay put in my pocket.

I might have missed it earlier. Which pocket holster? Maybe a different holster would protect the release button better.

 

[Old cop]

Pocket Holster

I might have missed it earlier. Which pocket holster? Maybe a different holster would protect the release button better.

In answer to your Q I've tried many different holsters to no avail. Some cover the mag button and some don't. When this happened I was using the Ruger pocket holster that came in the box w/the gun.

 

[Ziggy2525]

In answer to your Q I've tried many different holsters to no avail. Some cover the mag button and some don't. When this happened I was using the Ruger pocket holster that came in the box w/the gun.

Two thoughts (but only if you otherwise like the lcp).

First would be to call Ruger and see what they say. I've always gotten excelent support from them. It could just be the mag release or the release spring needs to be replaced.

Second thought would be I've seen a couple kydex pocket holsters for lcp's that cover the mag release. That should protect it from being pressed.

 

[Old cop]

Thanks Ziggy2525, I sent Ruger an email. As to the Kydex holster I have a Talon stiff leather holster that's pretty much the same (covers the button) and the problem persists.

 

[Spawndn72]

I have my LCP II in a galco pocket holster and have never had a problem. I also have the houge slip on grips that makes the magazine release not protrude as much.

 

[dwpmusic]

I carry an LCP .380 a lot and have never had a problem with it. Not so my LC9 9mm. I had an incident (2) of the mag dropping out. Ruger repaired it quickly and politely. No problem since.

 

[Old cop]

I sent Ruger an email. They sent me a customer number w/instructions to call them, which I did. The gun is now on its way back to the company so we'll see what happens. Sad b/c I really like this gun. It's accurate, has been reliable w/everything I put down range (300+ rounds) and carries like a dream.

 

[dwpmusic]

I sent Ruger an email. They sent me a customer number w/instructions to call them, which I did. The gun is now on its way back to the company so we'll see what happens. Sad b/c I really like this gun. It's accurate, has been reliable w/everything I put down range (300+ rounds) and carries like a dream.

I think you'll be satisfied. Hope so.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I bought a KelTec P32 years ago for deep cover. It was pretty accurate for a teenie-tiny gun and remarkably reliable. I was very happy with it...until I shot it over my Chrony.

My lieutenant wanted it, so I agreed to a straight trade for a revolver he had. He wasn't a revolver guy, so I got a nickeled S&W Model 37 for a P32. Hey! We were both happy!

Turned out I couldn't see the teeny shiny sights on the Model 37, so I swapped it away after I bought this, which has become a constant companion.

Yeah, I know it has the hole, but I like it. [emoji41]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dwpmusic]

I bought my wife one of these, laser and all. Even had a trigger job done on it because of her arthritis. She still can hardly pull the trigger. No way she can rack the slide on an auto. So that's that. It's a nice revolver, though, even with the hole.

 

[Czechvar]

Ideal Conceal has a .380 iPhone Gun...not sure it's enough to change your mind about 380's...

Double Barreled .380 Caliber | Ideal Conceal

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eWCdLaIlJ94[/ame]

 

[Capn]

I own a pair of Kahr .380s - a P380 with the fancy black finish and a CW380. Highly recommend both, and carry both at the same time. They disappear in front and rear pockets.

The CW has been reliable since the very first mag, while the P required some patience at first, and a 150-200 round break-in. They are small narrow guns with tight tolerances, and require proper cleaning and lubrication. But once you realize what they need to run right, and you maintain them, they are very tough to beat. I have since retired the 640 to nightstand duty.

 

[Imissedagain]

The 380 is a great round, more so if handloaded as necessary, for carry in the Tropics especially if boats and fishing are involved.
Now that I picked up a new P238HD, cocked, locked and close to a 1911 trigger.... it will be in the rotation with the S&Wather PPKs and the LCP is for wet weather chores/kayak fishing.

Besides the mag button possibly a bit too proud I wonder if the shape of the mechanism is part of the problem with the LCP?


380LR..... long range
25/50/100 yards
Then put a rifle bullet thru each hole.
New game in town.

Trap shooters like to have one shooter break a clay and the second shooter then breaks the biggest piece..... unless is was smoked.... from as far back as the range allows...... an extra full choke still didn't help me much.

 

[OMCHamlin]

I have an LCP Custom and a S&W 340 M&P. Also a Kahr CW380 and a Taurus View (the final version with a solid "no view" sideplate.) All are good carry guns, and reliable. I feel best when I have that 340 full of CorBon 110s and a Speedstrip in my pockets. The 340 is a pocket gun for me, although I do have IWB and OWB holsters for it.