Looking for a CHEAP .380
- Thread starter oldman45
- Start date
While recoil is very subjective, most people find that a .380 in a small pistol (like an LCP, for example) has more felt recoil than a 9mm. Plus, 9mm is less expensive and more available. If she has tried a 9mm and doesn't like it (although there are a large variety of pistols chambered for 9mm, and felt recoil can vary widely) then it isn't the right caliber for her.
First, I would suggest that she go to a range and try renting a bigger sample of guns, especially in 9mm. Failing that, if she is focused on a .380, I would definitely suggest the Bersa Thunder .380. It is by all accounts a very pleasant shooter, reliable, inexpensive, and Bersa offers a lifetime warranty with good customer service. Other than that, if she wants to go even smaller, there is the S&W BG380 or the Ruger LCP...but many complain of recoil being excessive.
I just bought a Bersa yesterday...it is a new model, the BP9CC, which is a 9mm designed for concealed carry. I would suggest that, but they are hard to find right now (according to all reports; I saw one in my local gun shop yesterday, and bought it on impulse) and I doubt that there would be any available for rent.
First, I would suggest that she go to a range and try renting a bigger sample of guns, especially in 9mm. Failing that, if she is focused on a .380, I would definitely suggest the Bersa Thunder .380. It is by all accounts a very pleasant shooter, reliable, inexpensive, and Bersa offers a lifetime warranty with good customer service. Other than that, if she wants to go even smaller, there is the S&W BG380 or the Ruger LCP...but many complain of recoil being excessive.
I just bought a Bersa yesterday...it is a new model, the BP9CC, which is a 9mm designed for concealed carry. I would suggest that, but they are hard to find right now (according to all reports; I saw one in my local gun shop yesterday, and bought it on impulse) and I doubt that there would be any available for rent.
AABEN
Member
You can get them at Natchez shooting supplies
RRH
Member
As heavy as the Hi Point .380 is, recoil should not be a problem either.
May I suggest a Micro Desert Eagle Micro Eagle Pistol: Magnum Research . It is small, easy to conceal, and because it is completely made of steel - easy to shoot. I own one, and so does my wife. We have shot hundreds of rounds through ours without any failures. They can be found for less than $400 if one is willing to look. I may even buy another one just to put away.
Bullzaye
US Veteran
My first thought for inexpensive .380 was also a Bersa.
I've never owned one, nor even shot one...but in my days working at the gun shop we sold quite a few, and many buyers came in expressing their satisfaction with the Bersa, but I don't recall anyone ever coming in regretting having bought one, or having any negative comments regarding them.
I'll also agree with others comments about the CZ82. It's an excellent pistol in a decent cartridge, a great shooter and a good value. The only slight downside is that it's a bit large, for a .380/9mm Mak, not as concealable as the Bersa, but it does have a higher capacity.
Another choice in either .380 or 9mm Mak would be the Makarov. The .380s are a bit harder to find and, as such, often demand a higher price. The 9mm Maks, especially the surplus Bulgarians, are usually the better deals now.
Tim
I've never owned one, nor even shot one...but in my days working at the gun shop we sold quite a few, and many buyers came in expressing their satisfaction with the Bersa, but I don't recall anyone ever coming in regretting having bought one, or having any negative comments regarding them.
I'll also agree with others comments about the CZ82. It's an excellent pistol in a decent cartridge, a great shooter and a good value. The only slight downside is that it's a bit large, for a .380/9mm Mak, not as concealable as the Bersa, but it does have a higher capacity.
Another choice in either .380 or 9mm Mak would be the Makarov. The .380s are a bit harder to find and, as such, often demand a higher price. The 9mm Maks, especially the surplus Bulgarians, are usually the better deals now.
Tim
Ranger98
US Veteran
I'd vote for the small Ruger LCP
sdcromer
Member
I agree. Love my Elsie Pea!
My wife ended up with the Kel-Tec P32 with a Laserlyte.
I've got a S&W Bodyguard 380 but right now I cant recommend one. It's on its way back to S&W for the second time .
it came down to two for my wife....the Ruger LCP and the Taurus TCP.....she liked this Taurus better because of a smoother and lighter tiggger pull.....Just under $300 with two mags.....lock....fannypack....
Needed about 200 rounds to break it in.....very tight slide and release at first
