What .380acp Pistol ?

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
 
Hamster65 said:
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.
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+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.


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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I use http://ammoseek.com to find instock .380 at a reseasonable price. :)
 
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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.
 
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.
 
DWalt said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
jimmyj said:
Hi:
What price range should I expect for a nice Beretta Model 84 .380 with a couple of extra magazines ?
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A place called iammo.com is listing nice used ones for $349. Go to the pre -owned guns section of the site.
 
Jimmy,

Of the three (3) you mentioned, I would prefer the Browning, then the Beretta. A real model 51 would be the coolest.
 
RobertJ. said:
I have a Russian Makarov in .380, with adjustable sights. It has digested every load I've tried. Not one malfunction since I've owned it, and not one for my friend who traded it to me in the years that he owned it.

Offhand at 10 yards, with most ammo, it will group the size of a quarter.

I'm aware that there's been just a little bit of discussion here concerning the effectiveness of the .380, but I have no feelings of inadequacy when I've got it with me. Which I will have to say is rarely anymore, it's basically a back-up to my 2 main carry pistols, but still, it's one of the best autos I've ever owned.
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What he said... chrome lined barrel you will never wear out, breakdown is about 30 seconds to clean, and with a 100-grain LRN and 4.5 grains of AA #5, literally a one hole pistol at 10 yards if you do your part.

The only thing you may not be able to find is a comfortable after market grip. Pearce offered one when the pistols were being imported, but I suspect that option is long gone...
 
If price matters get the Ruger LCP. Ruger makes outstanding guns and the .380 LCP won't let you down. It may not excite your soul, or fit your hand just so, but it will provide dependable, yeoman service for a reasonable price.
If you have the spare cash I'd recommend the Kahr P380...actually now I think they have a less expensive version. The P380 is a locked breech, polymer frame, DAO with the BEST DA PULL ON EARTH pistol that weighs in under 10 ounces, and is .75" thick, 4.9" long, 3.9" tall....you can, and Kahr sells a "neck holster" - it's that tiny.
 
Jimmy, You might want to consider a CZ83. Excellent guns based on the CZ82. You can pick one up for around $300.
 
Ruger has two models.

The LCP IMHO is too small for my purposes, but many LEOs use them for back up and say they're manageable.

The LC380 is the same size as the LC9, slightly smaller than S&W 3913 & 3914. I've never fired one, but it does feel good in my hand.

Walther PPK/s is as accurate as you are. But, it requires a firm grip (no limp-wristing) in order to avoid FTF & FTE's.

If you buy one new, it may require a break-in period of 100 or 200 rounds before it becomes reliable for personal defense. The Interarms and S&W versions had the break-in period; don't know about the new Walther made ones. It is heavier than the polymers.

The Beretta Model 84 is nice. It was also offered by Browning as the BDA (made by Beretta).

If you don't plan on shooting a lot of rounds, a Bersa Thunder 380 may work for you. It has an alloy frame, for weight reduction, and a smooth trigger. It's my understanding they will wear out sooner than other guns. Last time I checked, they were very reasonably priced, but extra magazines can be costly and hard to get.

Some ranges rent guns. You may want to try out a few different ones to determine which one works best for you. Of course, if you can get a friend to loan you theirs, that's even better. :cool:
 
Looks like you were set on the larger frame .380's, which is fine if that's what you want. I've owned and fired the BDA, the 84 and the 85, and they're all excellent weapons. Just a little big for my taste, considering the caliber. If you're looking for EDC .380's, explore these:

Kel Tec P3AT
Glock 42
Kahr P380

All have their individual good/not so good (nothing is outright bad about any of the above), but each is a proven reliable design from a quality manufacturer (well, the Glock is still new, but the manufacturer is solid, and early reports, including mine, are excellent). My person favorite is the Kel Tec, mainly because of the pocket clip that you can add which makes it look like you're carrying a large knife when wearing slacks or cargo shorts.

Remember v v v
 
jimmyj said:
Hi:
I am considering purchasing a .380acp Pistol (PLEASE don't tell Penny/Wife).
My experience in the past has been:
1. Remington Model 51
2. Beretta Model 1934
3. Browning BDA

I really liked all three, but the Browning somewhat better.
I like a mid size pistol and not a mini.

I am thinking another Browning BDA or perhaps a Beretta Model 85.
Opinions ??
Thanks,
Jimmy
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Jimmy:

The choice of a mid-size .380 ACP is a fine choice. I am quite certain that smaller, less expensive, quality pistols are out there now (Bodyguard, LCP, etc.), but there is just something about those guns.

In that class of gun, on which I have yet to "pull the trigger" (buy), I decided long ago that I would get the one for which MecGar makes spare magazines. That left me with the Beretta 84 or its virtual twin, the Browning BDA. Thus, my vote goes to that one.

Shawn
 
The Walther PK380 (NOT the PPK/S) got good marks as a mid-size .380. Bigger than a pocket gun, but smaller and easier to handle than most compact 9mm pistols.
 
If you do a search of past posts, you'll see that one pistol that consistently is highly regarded is the Bersa (Argentine made). For the price of one Walther/Browning/Ruger/etc you can get two Bersas=a 380 and a 22. After carrying a Walther, S & W j frames, Taurus, Charter, and Colt, the wife decided on the bErsa with a 22 for "cheap practice" (Yeah, I know!).

Personally, I prefer the HK4=also available in 25 acp, 32 acp and 22 lt. I sometimes carry as a "run-to-the-store" gun.
 
Have looked at a lot of .380s. Have purchased the Colt Mustang, Glock 42, Sig P238, and S&W Bodyguard. Problems with the Glock - brass to face at first, and slide locking back mid magazine. Apparently a new part is needed. Problems with the S&W the silly little takedown pin is a chore to remove and reinstall. Just back from the range where it blew out! Fortunately it landed in my shirt pocket...but I didn't figure that out until I'd spent a LOT of time looking through the dirt and spent shells....gonna try it again.

All have soft recoil - no hard kick. The Sig and the Colt have greater muzzle flip up than the S&W and Glock.
 
Jimmy, I'll throw it out there once more. Get your hands on a Cz 83 and you won't look back. Walther PPK/S and Sig 232 are really nice overpriced guns but for about 1/2 the price you can get something your friends will be jealous of and still have money for ammo. Just sayin....;)
 
Sig 232 the top of the heap in 380's,Top of the food chain. Not your cheap entry level 380's . Workmanship is stellar!!!
 
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jonny13sb said:
Jimmy, I'll throw it out there once more. Get your hands on a Cz 83 and you won't look back. Walther PPK/S and Sig 232 are really nice overpriced guns but for about 1/2 the price you can get something your friends will be jealous of and still have money for ammo. Just sayin....;)
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I hate it when people talk up a nice, well-made, inexpensive gun like the CZ82/83. Just drives the price up, and I haven't got mine yet.
 
Do yourself a favor and rent/borrow a Glock 42 if you can.

Suspend judgment until you have put 50/100 rounds down range.

You might be really surprised at how well this mid size 380 reacts.

Try one before you buy anything and let us know what you think.

 
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