Check GB. An importer located in KY is listing used 84s for pretty
decent prices.
decent prices.
What .380acp Pistol ?
- Thread starter jimmyj
- Start date
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...
Kilibreaux
Member
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.
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.
Argonnakid
Member
That's what I use for my daily carry. And I got mine at a decent price. So, not a lot to complain about.
OP
Hi:
I took the plunge and purchased a Beretta Model 84 .380acp.
Thank everyone for the input/advice.
Jimmy
I took the plunge and purchased a Beretta Model 84 .380acp.
Thank everyone for the input/advice.
Jimmy
sigp220.45
US Veteran
You won't be sorry. I hope you post some pics.
pineappleshooter
US Veteran
I can cut you a good deal on an Interarms PPK/S, LNIB.
pineappleshooter
US Veteran
Jimmy, You might want to consider a CZ83. Excellent guns based on the CZ82. You can pick one up for around $300.
Babalooie
US Veteran
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.
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.
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
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
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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
LVSteve
Member
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.
BearBio
Member
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.
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.
Riverkilt
Member
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.
All have soft recoil - no hard kick. The Sig and the Colt have greater muzzle flip up than the S&W and Glock.
jonny13sb
Member
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....
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....
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.
MrTrolleyguy
US Veteran
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.
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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