Not a S&W but I could not help it

[bamabiker]

A friend that I have lunch with almost every week day went by our favorite pawn shop Friday after lunch. He called me to tell me they had something I might want to take a look at so I called the office and told them I would be late getting back. Turned around and went to the shop to find this Colt 380 Plus II Lite. They had just put it out that morning and had it marked $429. After looking it over and doing some talking I got it for $375 OTD which really surprised me because they usually will not reduce them that much right after being put out. I did not need it or need to spend the money but I have wanted one of the little Colts for a while and with today's prices I figured I better grab it. It looked like someone had shot it a little but not cleaned it. I took it apart and gave it a good cleaning and will shoot it the next time I go. Anyone else have one of these? How you like it?

 

[morsecode]

Nice find and a good deal!

 

[pred]

I had one for several years, It proved to be very reliable and never had any failures. It ate all types of ammo for me,,,, Although they are not the most accurate shooter,,, You can get replacement springs and a polished steel guide rod from Brownells if you desire to replace the plastic one.
It should prove to be a good gun, And if not, I would think it would fetch you a good profit on GB.
Peter

 

[bamabiker]

Originally posted by pred:
I had one for several years, It proved to be very reliable and never had any failures. It ate all types of ammo for me,,,, Although they are not the most accurate shooter,,, You can get replacement springs and a polished steel guide rod from Brownells if you desire to replace the plastic one.
_______________________________________________
Good to hear your's was reliable. Someone must have replaced the guide rod already because it is metal. The guy at the shop threw in the Bianchi holster and was going to give me a box of 380 ammo but they did not have any, dang it. I found some at the gun show Sat. but if the prices don't come down I won't be shooting this one a lot.
Peter

 

[Andy Taylor]

Congrats. I always thought the little Colts were about the best .380 made.

 

[conn ak]

Beautiful gun from my hometown. That really don't make 'em like that anymore.

 

[fat tom]

I have a nickel Mustang Plus II. One of my favorite guns. I bought it at least 15 years ago for $400 and thought I got a deal! You did good.
f.t.

 

[sjmjax]

I've got the .380 Government Model that I bought as a ccw. Love the hand feel of the gun and the familarity of the 1911 style controls. Gun is very accurate and reliable at the range.

Only problem was that I carried it in an Andrews pocket holster. Every night when I took the gun out of the holster, the magazine had been released at some time during the day. Pocket carry is the only thing that works for me and my lifestyle and manner of dress.

Switched first to a Keltek. Eliminated the magazine issue but was no where near as accurate, comfortable to shoot or reliable as the Colt. I now carry a model 38!

Still enjoy shooting the Colt but usually only for fun at the range.

I hope you enjoy your Colt. Dispite the mag release issue for me it's still a treasure.

 

[Spotteddog]

I've never fired one of those, but it sure has an appeal for an old 1911' dinosaur!

 

[labworm]

I also have the Colt Government .380 purchased new in 1990.

You did indeed make a fine purchase, you wouldn't find that price tag here on the East Coast. Congratulations on your find.

 

[ACP230]

You sir are a dog, a lucky dog!

I ran across a nickeled Govt Model .380 many years ago while visiting my folks in S. Carolina.
Should have had a dealer bring it to MI but failed to do so.
I have kicked myself about it since!

 

[pawncop]

I have a Colt Mustang that I am qualified with for very discreet carry, and love it.

The only difficulty I have with it is regarding reassembly after cleaning. It can be a bear with regards to the double spring system.

 

[LouisianaJoe]

I recently traded a Kel-Tec .380 + $100 for a blue Mustang Plus II. My brother mentioned a problem with re-assembly and I Googled the name and I found this

I followed the info there, especially the part about the ejector, and I have had no problems putting the Mustang back together.

As for as the springs, You just have to get the recoil spring guide in the hole.

 

[Grayfox]

Dude, you stole that! Check the auction sites and see what the Colt .380s are selling for these days.

Seems that when Colt quit making them they suddenly became "collectable".
I've got a Mustang I bought new back in '99. Great gun. Totally reliable and accurate.
Also very pleasent to shoot. The Colts have a locked breach system just like their big brother. Takes that snappiness out of them that's so common with the blowback designs.
I love mine, but its gotten to where its worth too much to carry.

 

[labworm]

Originally posted by ACP230:
You sir are a dog, a lucky dog!

I ran across a nickeled Govt Model .380 many years ago while visiting my folks in S. Carolina.
Should have had a dealer bring it to MI but failed to do so.
I have kicked myself about it since!

Lucky maybe, also had a Detective Special, NIB, unfired and let it go, talk about nightmares, I can't even look at one today.