I own the LCP & LCP2 and while the original LCP has been reliable, I've had trouble w/the mag popping out (I'm a leftie) while in my pocket holster (same problem w/the S&W Bodyguard). The LCP2 has not been as reliable so it would seem there is a point of diminishing return when it comes to light weight & small size. My J frames have never failed me in over 50 years of carrying them.
Two more .380s, two more fails
- Thread starter Rastoff
- Start date
Except for all the poor souls on Sig forum:
sig p230 failure site:sigtalk.com - Google Search
Again, all small handguns ave small tolerances and all of them are prone to failure. Get a good one and rejoice. Don't? Send it back for repair, sell or trade it and try again until you do.
...Again, all small handguns ave small tolerances and all of them are prone to failure. Get a good one and rejoice. Don't? Send it back for repair, sell or trade it and try again until you do.
Yup. Just like you would with any other handgun in any other caliber.
BTW, I agree with MM's two-match theorem. MOST people cannot consider two matches a reliable means of starting a fire.
Probably most of the folks Rastoff bumps into cannot reliably use their .380s. I'd guess that's about all there is to this thread - but it's been entertaining. 
Ziggy2525
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Instead of "it's not the arrow, it's the indian" that could be the new politically correct version - "it's not the match, it's the Scout."
Have you analyzed the cause of each of the malfunctions? I have been an instructor since the 80's and a competitor as well. I will go on record that many NEW shooters, especially women, should not use any semi auto. Incorrect handling causing most of the problems, often exacerbated by heavier calibers or heavy weight guns.
I own multiple 380's, and have yet to experience any malfunctions in any, including FN Browning 1910, Beretta 1935, Bersa Thunderer, and Ruger LCP2/ I frequently carry the LCP2 when I need pocket carry.
I own multiple 380's, and have yet to experience any malfunctions in any, including FN Browning 1910, Beretta 1935, Bersa Thunderer, and Ruger LCP2/ I frequently carry the LCP2 when I need pocket carry.
I've tried to like the .380 b/c it's such a pleasure to carry. I've dumped a ton of money into the S&W and Ruger LCP, along w/ammo, only to be disappointed. Sooner or later they all have choked, or had a mag pop out in my pocket. Another bunch of money spent on pocket holsters trying to solve that and while Kydex seems to work, I'm always worried the mag will pop and I'm constantly fumbling in my pocket to ensure things are "together."
I'm an experienced semi auto shooter (SWAT training before auto loaders were comon for LEOs) so none of the usual operator problems, and in fact shoot both LCPs accurately out to 10 yards under simulated combat conditions. Another range trip is planned tomorrow w/my J frames, but I'll take the LCP along b/c I'm stubborn.
I'm an experienced semi auto shooter (SWAT training before auto loaders were comon for LEOs) so none of the usual operator problems, and in fact shoot both LCPs accurately out to 10 yards under simulated combat conditions. Another range trip is planned tomorrow w/my J frames, but I'll take the LCP along b/c I'm stubborn.
Over 600 rounds through my LCP II, and not one FTF... It eats anything I feed it. Being my everyday carry, I keep her clean and lubed, and have 100% confidence in her.
That being said, I realize the .380 round my not be the idea round for SD, but I value something I can carry in my front pocket.
That being said, I realize the .380 round my not be the idea round for SD, but I value something I can carry in my front pocket.
LVSteve
Member
Sounds like the last NV CCW qualification I went through. Some were there with guns new in the box that I suspect had not been cleaned of the shipping oil/grease. One guy turned up with a used 1911 he hadn't shot in years. Failure central. One lady had a Beretta Nano (IIRC) that doesn't have a slide lock lever just like a Walther PP. That seemed to chafe the instructors more than her.
As for marksmanship, let's just say YMMV applied big time.
LVSteve
Member
Kahrs have always had strong springs. My wife can't really operate my CW9 but she is just about OK with a Ruger LC9s. She's fine with all locked breech .380s, especially Sigs and the 380EZ, and many fullsize 9s are good for her too.
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FWIW, younger son has a Bersa that's been as reliable as the sun rising and setting. I had a couple in CCW class with a Beretta 85(?), the service pistol sized .380 they (used to?) make. The gent said the gun had been back to the factory several times and it still had problems. I went through 3 mags without issue and suggested they hold the gun tighter. Neither had any issues during the class which was much more than 12 rounds.
Wonder how many newbies show up for class with guns that haven't been cleaned & lubed?
I'm personally on the fence about the effectiveness of the round. Ball appears to be the best choice and it's better than a harsh word.
Wonder how many newbies show up for class with guns that haven't been cleaned & lubed?
I'm personally on the fence about the effectiveness of the round. Ball appears to be the best choice and it's better than a harsh word.
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Trooper224
Member
The only .380 I have any interest in is the Beretta 84 Cheetah, an old blued one with the round trigger guard. Not because I'd ever carry it, but just because I thinks it's so darned sexy.
I chronographed several different factory loads in my sig 238 this fall
Win white box 95 gr FMJ 825 to 888
ASYM 80 gr Barns Tac xp HP 966 to 982
Speer 90 gr Gold dot HP 936 to 970
Rem 102 gr ultimate defender 840 to 883
Federal 90 gr Hydra shok JHP 859 to 910
Hornady 90 gr Zombie Max Z Max 897 to 976
Freedom Munitions 100 gr RNFP 817 to 868
The listings on the boxes are with different test barrels so this may help a few people here.
BTW No malfunctions. YMMV
Win white box 95 gr FMJ 825 to 888
ASYM 80 gr Barns Tac xp HP 966 to 982
Speer 90 gr Gold dot HP 936 to 970
Rem 102 gr ultimate defender 840 to 883
Federal 90 gr Hydra shok JHP 859 to 910
Hornady 90 gr Zombie Max Z Max 897 to 976
Freedom Munitions 100 gr RNFP 817 to 868
The listings on the boxes are with different test barrels so this may help a few people here.
BTW No malfunctions. YMMV
BearBio
Member
Rather than argue the reliability of the cartridge, it would be better to argue/test the reliability of the COMBINATION of gun and cartridge. My EDC is a converted G27 in 357 SIG. I ONLY carry Sig or Underwood ammo. I do not carry any Buffalo Bore because I have found it NOT TO BE RELIABLE in semi autos (OK in revolvers but not in MY semi-autos.) My 40 cals like XTPs and my 10mm likes Underwood and XTPs. Better to know what works in YOUR gun than to gripe about the caliber in general!
BTW: I'm not a fan of the 380.
BTW: I'm not a fan of the 380.
12-15 years ago the front sight of a FEG 380 got damaged, my local gunsmith tried an XS sight- Huge front sight, out to 7 yards just put the dot on the A-ring and the bullets follow. It looked odd but it worked very well, very fast on target. Be Safe,
My Lady and I just returned from the range today with our 380EZ. Two EZs,16 magazines each, of Federal American Eagle (128 rounds each) without one FTF/FTE.
This is the normal experience for each of us.
This is the normal experience for each of us.
OP
Rastoff
US Veteran
No, this is different. If you had said, "Every scout failed to start a fire with just two matches..." then I might agree with you. That's my issue, I have yet to see a single .380Auto gun, of any manufacture, using any ammo, run through 35 rounds without a malfunction. It's crazy.
Lots of people here have said that they've had guns that work perfectly. More power to them. Please let me know when you're going to be at a range near me and I'll come and watch just to see one work flawlessly.
A few years back Rob Pincus said that he thought the 1911s with shorter than 4" barrels were junk. He said that he had never seen one survive his class without malfunction. Many people argued with him and claimed their guns were perfect. I don't know if Rob has recanted, but I now understand what he was seeing.
Protected One
Member
Ask and ye shall receive.
Perhaps this will suffice.[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzSS9GzEBd4[/ame]
Protected One
Member
Or if you prefer….
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LskihWv3ALw[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LskihWv3ALw[/ame]
Ask and ye shall receive.
Nope! Typical BG380 light-strike failure, in my view.
Trick to Rastoff.
THE PILGRIM
Member
Well I'm totally confused!
As I degrade and sink into the abyss and need to lighten up on my caliber,
Which 380 should I buy?
I have shot a few, but never owned one.
Actually I have owned a few when I was gun dealing, but never had any intention of keeping one.
I am a known 22 shooter, own several, been shooting them since I was a kid.
So I can slide on down to a 22.
The Beretta 21a is in the safe right now, ready to rumble!
As I degrade and sink into the abyss and need to lighten up on my caliber,
Which 380 should I buy?
I have shot a few, but never owned one.
Actually I have owned a few when I was gun dealing, but never had any intention of keeping one.
I am a known 22 shooter, own several, been shooting them since I was a kid.
So I can slide on down to a 22.
The Beretta 21a is in the safe right now, ready to rumble!
I think the T-company makes a .380 revolver, don't they?
OP
Rastoff
US Veteran
Yeah, right at 9:58 he has a light strike or similar failure. But, hey, it worked perfect because it worked on the second pull, right?Nope! Typical BG380 light-strike failure, in my view.
Trick to Rastoff.
straightshooter1
US Veteran
I'd bet on it being the shooter, Rastoff. But, of course, I wasn't there.
I have many, many rounds through my Glock 42, never, ever a failure. My EZ is in the safe since I got it shortly before my latest medical problem, so I haven't shot it much.
FWIW, I've used mostly Hornady Critical Defense in my 380s, 9mms and 38s.
Bob
I have many, many rounds through my Glock 42, never, ever a failure. My EZ is in the safe since I got it shortly before my latest medical problem, so I haven't shot it much.
FWIW, I've used mostly Hornady Critical Defense in my 380s, 9mms and 38s.
Bob
Fair enough . . .
I would never bet my life on any 380. It's really hard to beat a S&W J frame revolver. If it should misfire, just pull the trigger again. Also, I doubt that many people who carry 380's have any clue on what to do if it misfires.
The search for perfection continues. Roll on, Diogenes!
The tap,rack drill is still part of training, and not just for .380
The tap,rack drill is still part of training, and not just for .380
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Over the 26 years I've watched cops bring off-duty guns through ranges, and the 10 years I watched private citizens bring personally-owned guns through some ranges, I've seen my fair share of shooter, gun and ammo problems occur.
Just considering guns chambered in .380, though ...
The most common stoppages I've observed have been in Walther PPK/S & clones. Those often seemed to involve some combination of shooter-induced (usually slide bite involving slide drag), lack of lubrication and dirty/fouled guns (neglect) and/or aging mag springs or dirty mags.
As some of the newer models of the really small plastic guns starting making their appearance, it rather seemed that more shooter-induced issues made their appearance. Seemingly some of the smallest guns were just so small the shooter's hands started to interfere with function (thumbing the slide), or pressing against another part of the gun (like a mag catch button on a Walther, causing the magazine to drop at least once during every magazine load).
Just considering guns chambered in .380, though ...
The most common stoppages I've observed have been in Walther PPK/S & clones. Those often seemed to involve some combination of shooter-induced (usually slide bite involving slide drag), lack of lubrication and dirty/fouled guns (neglect) and/or aging mag springs or dirty mags.
As some of the newer models of the really small plastic guns starting making their appearance, it rather seemed that more shooter-induced issues made their appearance. Seemingly some of the smallest guns were just so small the shooter's hands started to interfere with function (thumbing the slide), or pressing against another part of the gun (like a mag catch button on a Walther, causing the magazine to drop at least once during every magazine load).
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GyMac
US Veteran
Mine, too and it has over 7000 rounds through it, almost all reloads. It's my practice gun - I carry a Bulgarian Makarov in 9mm Mak. But I wouldn't hesitate to carry the .380. I choose the Makarov because I like it.
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