Best trigger of the 380's

steponapoptop · July 31, 2013, 09:32 AM

I had and later traded a Bodyguard 380 because I couldn't stand the insane trigger pull. How do other 380's (like Ruger, Taurus) compare to that trigger pull? I like Smith & Wesson but it just wasn't enjoyable to shoot. I hear the Kahr's are good but $600 for a 380? I think Taurus runs like $200 and the Ruger $250 or so.
Thank you for any helpful advice!

Ambidextrous1 · July 31, 2013, 09:40 AM

The best trigger pull you'll find in .380 is the Sig P238, or its closely related Colt Mustang; both are single action triggers. These are the only .380 pistols in current production with single action triggers - and both are pretty fine pistols.

spacecoast · July 31, 2013, 09:47 AM

For a (near) DA trigger, my Kahr P380 is pretty darn good and has no safety to worry about. They can be had for less than $500 used. Kahr is also introducing a CW380 model with the same trigger but other downgrades (standard rifling, not polygonal). From http://www.kahr.com/kahr-news.asp

Quote:

Differences between the Kahr CW380 and Kahr P380 models include: the CW series has a conventional rifled barrel instead of the match grade polygonal barrel found on P models; the CW slide stop lever is MIM (metal-injection-molded) instead of machined; the CW series slide has fewer machining operations, and uses simple engraved markings instead of roll marking; the P380 comes with two magazines, but the CW series comes with one 6 rd steel magazine with flush baseplate. Lastly, the slide locks back after firing the last round – another feature missing on a number of other value-priced compact semi-auto pistols. The durability and reliability of the CW380 model makes it a strong consideration as a backup gun for law enforcement.

The MSRP on the Kahr CW380 is $419.

In case there is any confusion from this paragraph, the slide also locks back on the P380 after the last round is fired.

carguychris · July 31, 2013, 09:53 AM

If you don't mind a larger and heavier gun, IMHO the best everything in .380 is found on the Beretta 84/85/86. Great triggers... really accurate... easy to shoot well... high-capacity... great ergos... nice sights... reliable... early (pre-F) versions can be carried cocked & locked... really easy to take down... and they look really sexy to boot.

Downsides? Some people don't like their snappy recoil characteristics. The slides are hard to operate due to a stiff recoil spring combined with limited grasping surface. They tend to jam if "limp-wristed". They can be tricky to reassemble if you don't hold your tongue right during a couple of steps. However, arguably the most significant criticism today is that they're almost the same size and weight as several newer compact 9mm's of roughly equal capacity, which is apparently the reason Beretta recently decided to stop importing them.

spacecoast · July 31, 2013, 09:56 AM

carguychris' post reminds me that my favorite .380 is my 1922 (Model 1908) Colt Hammerless .380, which is a dream to shoot. It's just not pocketable, not that I would be wanting to carry such a fine old gun anyway.

Theohazard · July 31, 2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

spacecoast posted:
For a (near) DA trigger, probably something resembling a Glock, my Kahr P380 is pretty darn good

I didn't realize the P380 had a different trigger than the other Kahrs. I haven't tried the P380, but all the other Kahrs I've tried have a very different trigger than a Glock; they have a smooth but very long pull and an equally long reset, whereas the Glock has a much shorter pull and a much shorter reset.

pilpens · July 31, 2013, 10:18 AM

I have fired a Taurus 380. I do not know the model number. It is the same size as the Ruger LCP. Trigger was good. Easy to shoot. Nice little gun

steponapoptop · July 31, 2013, 10:55 AM

I would jump on that new Kahr but from the sound of things it will be a very long time before I can get my hands on one.
How does the Ruger lcp trigger compare to the Bodyguard?

DenverPilot · July 31, 2013, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambidextrous1

The best trigger pull you'll find in .380 is the Sig P238, or its closely related Colt Mustang; both are single action triggers. These are the only .380 pistols in current production with single action triggers - and both are pretty fine pistols.

Going to simply agree with that. +1

The P238 also handles what little recoil there is, in that small of a round, so well... with the heavier slide than most 380s... that it's surprisingly fun to shoot, even for plinking at the range.

Switch from any 45 ACP gun, in the same range session, to the little 380, and you'll be amazed at the lack of movement/recoil/whatever.

The only downside is that a mag dump rapid fire drill only lasts for a second with the standard mag.

spacecoast · July 31, 2013, 02:21 PM

Quote:

I didn't realize the P380 had a different trigger than the other Kahrs. I haven't tried the P380, but all the other Kahrs I've tried have a very different trigger than a Glock; they have a smooth but very long pull and an equally long reset, whereas the Glock has a much shorter pull and a much shorter reset.

Sorry if I gave a wrong impression. I have very limited trigger time on a Glock, so this was not a comment on how short/long the trigger pull is. The pull on my P380 seems shorter, lighter and a lot smoother than my LCP, with which I do have significant practice.

MJFlores · July 31, 2013, 02:41 PM

Try the trigger on one of the NEW Ruger LCP's. As a rule I really dislike DAO triggers, but the DOA on my new LCP is the best I've ever felt. I can be very accurate with it. I have a Sig 232 and it's trigger in double action stinks compared to the LCP, I always cock the hammer with my thumb because of it.

Dragline45 · July 31, 2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

I have a Sig 232 and it's trigger in double action stinks compared to the LCP, I always cock the hammer with my thumb because of it.

That's too bad, I am just as accurate in DA with my 232 as SA. I also learned to shoot on revolvers so DA triggers have always come easy to me.

italianbreadman · July 31, 2013, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theohazard

I didn't realize the P380 had a different trigger than the other Kahrs. I haven't tried the P380, but all the other Kahrs I've tried have a very different trigger than a Glock; they have a smooth but very long pull and an equally long reset, whereas the Glock has a much shorter pull and a much shorter reset.

No. It's the same trigger as the other Kahrs. Not like a Glock.

I would recommend this gun and the Sig P238.

ripnbst · July 31, 2013, 04:27 PM

I am a fan of Berettas Cheetah .380.

redhologram · July 31, 2013, 05:07 PM

I'm another fan of the p238.

Plain Old Bill · July 31, 2013, 05:08 PM

I'll second the Beretta Cheetah. Slick.

TailGator · July 31, 2013, 06:06 PM

The .380s I have shot are the LCP, Beretta 1934, Diamondback, and Sig P238. Of those, the Sig has the best trigger by a considerable margin. I haven't had the chance at a Cheetah; I usually like Berettas, so I might be convinced, but all the nice things that have been said about the Sig are true unless my wife's little pistol is atypical.

kahrguy · July 31, 2013, 06:10 PM

The triggers on the Taurus 738 TCP after some rounds are fire will have a pull weight over 4lb + or - and couple oz's. Atleast the two we have in the family do. Smoooth too with no stacking. feels like a kahr just lighter. I have 3 kahrs to judge from.

Sixer · July 31, 2013, 06:38 PM

Not much better than a P238... but I personally like a DAO for pocket carry. In that category, the Kahr p380 is hard to beat.

ricko · July 31, 2013, 06:50 PM

One model conspicuous by its absence in this conversation is the Bersa Thunder. I've never fired one .... how does it compare? I assume if it was among the top tier it would have been mentioned by now

AK103K · July 31, 2013, 08:08 PM

Quote:

That's too bad, I am just as accurate in DA with my 232 as SA. I also learned to shoot on revolvers so DA triggers have always come easy to me.

Me too.

Ive shot a lot of DA/DAO autos, and my SIG's were always some of the best. My P230's DA triggers are something to marvel at, and were just as nice as my factory DAO P245's trigger, and maybe even just a tad nicer. With any of my SIG's, my "shoot and decock" groups were/are always smaller than my groups shot SA.

Sheikyourbootie · July 31, 2013, 08:18 PM

A used CZ83 has a pretty damn good trigger. Pretty cheap gun...very heavy.

allaroundhunter · July 31, 2013, 08:24 PM

You won't find a better trigger on a small .380 than the Sig P238. None.

italianbreadman · July 31, 2013, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allaroundhunter

You won't find a better trigger on a small .380 than the Sig P238. None.

Agreed.

igolfat8 · July 31, 2013, 08:51 PM

Sigs do have a nice trigger but they are much larger and not as pocket comfy as the LCP, BG and TCP. Of these latter three Taurus has the best trigger, hands down and that's why I just bought one. I've waited for 6 months on a Kahr but grew tired of the wait so the TCP found a happy home in my pocket.

July 31, 2013, 09:32 AM	#1
steponapoptop Member Join Date: November 4, 2012 Posts: 23	Best trigger of the 380's I had and later traded a Bodyguard 380 because I couldn't stand the insane trigger pull. How do other 380's (like Ruger, Taurus) compare to that trigger pull? I like Smith & Wesson but it just wasn't enjoyable to shoot. I hear the Kahr's are good but $600 for a 380? I think Taurus runs like $200 and the Ruger $250 or so. Thank you for any helpful advice!

July 31, 2013, 09:40 AM	#2
Ambidextrous1 Member Join Date: June 17, 2002 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 29	The best trigger pull you'll find in .380 is the Sig P238, or its closely related Colt Mustang; both are single action triggers. These are the only .380 pistols in current production with single action triggers - and both are pretty fine pistols. __________________ Rich (in name only) NRA Benefactor Member CRPA Gold Bear Member, Fort Bliss Rod & Gun Club

July 31, 2013, 09:53 AM	#4
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	If you don't mind a larger and heavier gun, IMHO the best everything in .380 is found on the Beretta 84/85/86. Great triggers... really accurate... easy to shoot well... high-capacity... great ergos... nice sights... reliable... early (pre-F) versions can be carried cocked & locked... really easy to take down... and they look really sexy to boot. Downsides? Some people don't like their snappy recoil characteristics. The slides are hard to operate due to a stiff recoil spring combined with limited grasping surface. They tend to jam if "limp-wristed". They can be tricky to reassemble if you don't hold your tongue right during a couple of steps. However, arguably the most significant criticism today is that they're almost the same size and weight as several newer compact 9mm's of roughly equal capacity, which is apparently the reason Beretta recently decided to stop importing them. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

July 31, 2013, 06:38 PM	#19
Sixer Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,891	Not much better than a P238... but I personally like a DAO for pocket carry. In that category, the Kahr p380 is hard to beat. __________________ Hopp Custom Leather <------ click for HOLSTER awesomeness!! -There is no theory of evolution... Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

July 31, 2013, 08:24 PM	#23
allaroundhunter Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 1,670	Best trigger of the 380's You won't find a better trigger on a small .380 than the Sig P238. None.

July 31, 2013, 09:56 AM	#5
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	carguychris' post reminds me that my favorite .380 is my 1922 (Model 1908) Colt Hammerless .380, which is a dream to shoot. It's just not pocketable, not that I would be wanting to carry such a fine old gun anyway.

July 31, 2013, 10:18 AM	#7
pilpens Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,696	I have fired a Taurus 380. I do not know the model number. It is the same size as the Ruger LCP. Trigger was good. Easy to shoot. Nice little gun

July 31, 2013, 10:55 AM	#8
steponapoptop Member Join Date: November 4, 2012 Posts: 23	I would jump on that new Kahr but from the sound of things it will be a very long time before I can get my hands on one. How does the Ruger lcp trigger compare to the Bodyguard?

July 31, 2013, 02:41 PM	#11
MJFlores Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 539	Try the trigger on one of the NEW Ruger LCP's. As a rule I really dislike DAO triggers, but the DOA on my new LCP is the best I've ever felt. I can be very accurate with it. I have a Sig 232 and it's trigger in double action stinks compared to the LCP, I always cock the hammer with my thumb because of it.

July 31, 2013, 04:27 PM	#14
ripnbst Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Spring, TX Posts: 1,552	I am a fan of Berettas Cheetah .380.

July 31, 2013, 05:07 PM	#15
redhologram Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2013 Posts: 352	I'm another fan of the p238.

July 31, 2013, 05:08 PM	#16
Plain Old Bill Junior Member Join Date: July 9, 2001 Location: Allentown, PA Posts: 10	I'll second the Beretta Cheetah. Slick.

July 31, 2013, 06:06 PM	#17
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	The .380s I have shot are the LCP, Beretta 1934, Diamondback, and Sig P238. Of those, the Sig has the best trigger by a considerable margin. I haven't had the chance at a Cheetah; I usually like Berettas, so I might be convinced, but all the nice things that have been said about the Sig are true unless my wife's little pistol is atypical.

July 31, 2013, 06:10 PM	#18
kahrguy Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2012 Posts: 561	The triggers on the Taurus 738 TCP after some rounds are fire will have a pull weight over 4lb + or - and couple oz's. Atleast the two we have in the family do. Smoooth too with no stacking. feels like a kahr just lighter. I have 3 kahrs to judge from.

July 31, 2013, 06:50 PM	#20
ricko Member Join Date: February 2, 2013 Posts: 96	One model conspicuous by its absence in this conversation is the Bersa Thunder. I've never fired one .... how does it compare? I assume if it was among the top tier it would have been mentioned by now

July 31, 2013, 08:18 PM	#22
Sheikyourbootie Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2010 Posts: 379	A used CZ83 has a pretty damn good trigger. Pretty cheap gun...very heavy.

July 31, 2013, 08:51 PM	#25
igolfat8 Member Join Date: October 13, 2012 Posts: 93	Sigs do have a nice trigger but they are much larger and not as pocket comfy as the LCP, BG and TCP. Of these latter three Taurus has the best trigger, hands down and that's why I just bought one. I've waited for 6 months on a Kahr but grew tired of the wait so the TCP found a happy home in my pocket.