jrs70
US Veteran
For a mid size .380 I have a Beretta 84F (not the cheetah model). I like it, 13+1 and it carries well.
What .380acp Pistol ?
- Thread starter jimmyj
- Start date
Tin
Member
I'd second the PPK/(s)...........TIN..
kozmic
Member
You might want to check out the Colt Mustangs Jimmy. I have a Plus II. It's a very nice piece.
LVSteve
Member
You don't really say what use you have in mind for a .380. I'm
somewhat biased when it comes to .380s and it looks like you already
had the best one in my opinion, the 1934 Beretta. I have several
1934s and one Browning 1910/55. I had a Remington 51 in the past
but wasn't all that fond of it. The 1934 Beretta was sold in the US
until 1967 and there are some floating around for sale that are in far
better condition than the war era examples.
somewhat biased when it comes to .380s and it looks like you already
had the best one in my opinion, the 1934 Beretta. I have several
1934s and one Browning 1910/55. I had a Remington 51 in the past
but wasn't all that fond of it. The 1934 Beretta was sold in the US
until 1967 and there are some floating around for sale that are in far
better condition than the war era examples.
I've been leaning toward getting a .380 myself if for no other reason than just to have one. So, I've been doing a ton of online research as well as reading and watching video reviews (more this vs that than I can count), looking for reliability, accuracy, comfort, price and overall fun factor.
Of all the ones I looked at, the Bersa Thunder .380 seems to rise above the pack. Something to do with the fixed barrel and over barrel recoil spring design, much like that of a Makarov. It's accurate, reliable, has a de-cocker safety and sells at a decent price.
I found a nice little kit online for $349 that includes a Bersa Thunder .380, 1 7rnd mag, 1 8rnd mag, a leather conceal carry holster and a cleaning kit which are all packed in a zippered padded case.
EDIT: It also comes with a finger groove wrap around grip and a standard walnut grip.
The only reason I haven't bought one yet, is that .380 ammo is still extremely hard to come by in my area. The few times I've actually spotted some on the shelves, it's usually significantly higher than 9mm. Where a 50ct box of Federal Champion 9mm FMJ will cost around $15.00, the same thing in .380 will be closer to $20.00.
Of all the ones I looked at, the Bersa Thunder .380 seems to rise above the pack. Something to do with the fixed barrel and over barrel recoil spring design, much like that of a Makarov. It's accurate, reliable, has a de-cocker safety and sells at a decent price.
I found a nice little kit online for $349 that includes a Bersa Thunder .380, 1 7rnd mag, 1 8rnd mag, a leather conceal carry holster and a cleaning kit which are all packed in a zippered padded case.
EDIT: It also comes with a finger groove wrap around grip and a standard walnut grip.
The only reason I haven't bought one yet, is that .380 ammo is still extremely hard to come by in my area. The few times I've actually spotted some on the shelves, it's usually significantly higher than 9mm. Where a 50ct box of Federal Champion 9mm FMJ will cost around $15.00, the same thing in .380 will be closer to $20.00.
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Fishinfool
Member
Jimmy - If you want a 380, specifically, but want something mid-sized, not a micro pocket pistol, The Browning / Beretta DA semi's are nice, as you know.
Another choice might be a Colt. While the Colt SA semi auto .380 is best known in its various "pocket" versions, A lot of folks don't know that when that model was first introduced, they made a full size "Government" version. It offered a longer grip and barrel than the different pocket versions. Eventually discontinued because people wanted small as possible in their .380's. I had one, back in the 1980's. Had a little fitting done to it, as well as adjustable sights added. I called it my mini-Gold Cup. Was always 100% reliable. One of the few guns I actually regret selling.
Larry
Another choice might be a Colt. While the Colt SA semi auto .380 is best known in its various "pocket" versions, A lot of folks don't know that when that model was first introduced, they made a full size "Government" version. It offered a longer grip and barrel than the different pocket versions. Eventually discontinued because people wanted small as possible in their .380's. I had one, back in the 1980's. Had a little fitting done to it, as well as adjustable sights added. I called it my mini-Gold Cup. Was always 100% reliable. One of the few guns I actually regret selling.
Larry
+1 the Bersa Thunder .380. I have one for my fiance' and one for myself when I want to carry something smaller than my SD40VE. It works flawlessly and feeds anything I put in it. I was really surprised by how well it fits my hands and how well it shoots. It's SA/DA as well and easy to carry loaded. The hammer safety is easily flipped off on the draw and ready to fire. Like all DA pistols, the first trigger pull is a little heavy but settles to a nice 3.5# short stroke after that.
I use http://ammoseek.com to find instock .380 at a reseasonable price.
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lrb1200
Member
wildenout
Member
The only one that hasn't been snippy and that I enjoy shoooting (and therefor shoot well) is this new PPK/S from Walther that I just added to my line up. I don't like the polymer ones, they're too light and snappy.
DWalt
Member
I'd say the Bersa Thunder .380 is pretty good. I tested one fairly thoroughly 4 or 5 years ago, but I did find it to be somewhat sensitive to the ammunition used. It functioned perfectly with some brands, not so much with others. Sorry, but I don't remember what worked well and what did not. I think Remington UMC and S&B were both OK. Too bad about losing the Model 51.
That very issue is why I never bought one in the past. Recent editions however, don't have that problem. Apparently, Bersa has revamped that model.
I don't care much for guns that are picky about ammo and not to drift too far off topic but, this is why I won't buy a Walther P22. A friend at work has one and he's a bit disappointed because it seems to only like high power .22's such as stingers and mini mags, and has a lot of FTE's with other stuff.
My Colt 1911-22 on the other hand was not only cheaper but, will eat anything you feed it and come out grinning.
S. Hammer
Member
Don't have any .380's anymore. Just not enamored with the cartridge. Had a Beretta 84FS. Must have been a factory lemon because it would never get more than 4 rounds out without a stoppage, and that included ball ammo. The best IMHO was the stainless Colt Government Model .380. Accurate, reliable, and low recoil. I would have kept it, but I wanted to get away from .380's.
OP
Hi:
What price range should I expect for a nice Beretta Model 84 .380 with a couple of extra magazines ?
What price range should I expect for a nice Beretta Model 84 .380 with a couple of extra magazines ?
sigp220.45
US Veteran
A place called iammo.com is listing nice used ones for $349. Go to the pre -owned guns section of the site.
OP
Hi:
Thank you for the information.
What is the difference between a Beretta Model 84 and a Model 84F ??
Thank you,
Jimmy
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