What do people think about the .380 mini-revolver? - Page 2

Joe the Redneck · August 29, 2011, 07:49 PM

as Charlie Brown used to say: "I just can't stand it."

In all fairness, I am sure it is for the European and South American markets. Many countries have a "no military or police calibers" law.

Otherswise the guys in the design department need to sober up before they get to work.

bigghoss · August 29, 2011, 08:11 PM

I like a lot of taurus' ideas but I just don't trust their products with my life. I also don't see a .380 snub being much smaller than a .38/.357, I'd rather see a revolver designed from scratch around 5 rounds of .327 federal. that would make the gun narrower and give a decent punch.

ohen cepel · August 29, 2011, 08:14 PM

I'm not a Taurus fan and this revolver doesn't do anything for me.
However, I have a lot of respect for Taurus to do things like this! They put out more new product in a year (I'm guessing) than the other 3-4 big companies combined which I think is a good thing. Some flop, others make the "big guys" get more on the ball.

Pbearperry · August 29, 2011, 08:30 PM

I am sure that this .380 revolver will fit the bill for some.To me,if I wanted to carry a small revolver that packs no big whallop,just go with a .38 spl snubbie and carry wadcutters.But that's just me.

Cheapshooter · August 29, 2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Seems like the answer to a question that nobody asked...

Kinda like the Judge!!! How many of those has Taurus sold.
Plus, it looks a lot better than the Chicrappa.

**Tom Servo** · August 29, 2011, 09:05 PM

It's been done. Kinda.

Bill DeShivs · August 29, 2011, 11:18 PM

Has anyone actually seen this gun?
All this is moot unless someone has actually compared the gun to another.

Cheapshooter · August 29, 2011, 11:40 PM

Quote:

AWESOME - I can't wait to see one. Hope the selling price is reasonable.

$330-$350...so far!

Quote:

Has anyone actually seen this gun?

Not in person, but...
http://www.taurususa.com/2011newcatalog/?catalog_page=6
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/prod...ucts_id=124450
http://www.hinterlandoutfitters.com/...h-p-36009.html

Bill DeShivs · August 30, 2011, 12:12 AM

Oh, I've seen all the pictures.
I want to see it in comparison with a "J" frame S&W.

graysmoke · August 30, 2011, 07:25 AM

I found it...... and saw it retailed priced on the internet at $333 / 345
But on order, and waiting arrival from the manufacturer.

Bersa has it's new .38 slp 5 shot snub revolver with a 2" barrel retailing $290
And it looks good.

**Aguila Blanca** · August 30, 2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Its small size and lightweight frame makes [sic it a perfect choice for law enforcement professionals or for concealed carry.

Because so many departments carry duty weapons chambered for .380 ACP

Shadi Khalil · August 30, 2011, 08:28 AM

I think Taurus is trying to ride the already breaking .380 wave. It looks manufactures are mastering the tiny autos and are beginning to move on to .9mm pocket guns.

Alwayslooking · November 11, 2011, 11:31 AM

I won't disparage any ammo or weapon that one chooses to carry. It's a personal choice and I believe that there are reasons why so many versions of ammo/weapons have been developed. All are right for the specific application they best serve. Having said that, I must say that for me, and for everyday pocket carry, I have been waiting for a revolver as small as some of the most popular 380 autos that are now out and as close to them in weight as it could be. Something in between the NAA Mini Mag and the S&W model 642 Airweight. The pockets on my jeans don't allow for the S&W due to it's height or OAL. The new Taurus Mini-Revolver in 380 is the first step (where I hope other manufacturers will follow) in fulfilling that need. Looking at it's specs, it does match the OAL of the Diamondback 380 for an example and is approx. 4 ounces heavier. That's why I decided to purchase one. In the future, I hope that Taurus and others will decide to further it's design by going to an ultralight version. For others who seem to want to compare it to existing 38s or 357s, you're missing the point. If you can carry those in the way you want to, fine. However, if you need/want a revolver that is smaller and hopefully as light as the autos that proliferate the market these days, then this might be your weapon of choice.

Budda · November 11, 2011, 12:00 PM

I am holding my wallet till they make a .25 auto revolver. Then I can use nerf darts for ammo.

overkill0084 · November 11, 2011, 01:25 PM

I've tried approaching it from several angles, and I don't get it. It seems like a lot of engineering effort to take a step backwards.
A .380 semiauto is going to have a higher capacity. A .38 snubbie is more powerful. I fail to see what problem is being fixed. .380 Semis aren't terribly large or hard to conceal. For that matter, niether is a .38 snubbie.

heyjoe · November 11, 2011, 01:36 PM

Always looking have you tested the .380 yet? how comfortable is it in your pocket?

HighValleyRanch · November 11, 2011, 01:44 PM

Who is the real targeted market?

Beginners will really like this!
Why? Because most beginners feel much more comfortable with a revolver than a semi auto in their pocket. No safety to worry about, no racking of slide, not wondering if the round is chambered, no malfunction drills.

Simple and to the point. Open up the cylinder and see that it is full, or take a peek through the side. Pull the trigger and bang.. More comfortable to carry a revolver in the pocket, than a semi, where you might have forgot to engage the safety.

Power? Are the same people putting down the SD qualifications of the .380 equally critical of the .380 auto?

Quantity. Same argument has been going back and forth about any revolver vs. semi auto, so it doesn't have MORE bearing here.

I can see beginners liking the smaller recoil, the simplicity, the weight.

I'm no beginner, but I wouldn't mind this revolver!

woad_yurt · November 11, 2011, 04:34 PM

My old .38 SPL Charter Arms Off Duty weighs only 1/2 oz more than this one. .38 SPL is way cheaper to shoot, too.

Venom1956 · November 12, 2011, 07:51 PM

if it was a 9x19 revolver I woulda been interested... even tho its still a taurus.

C0untZer0 · November 12, 2011, 10:02 PM

Taurus makes the 905 revolver - chambered for 9mm Luger.

C0untZer0 · November 12, 2011, 10:23 PM

If this were a Smith or a Ruger people would snap them up just for the novelty of it.

I guess it does fill a legitimate need for people who want an even smaller OAL pocket pistol but want a revolver.

Cheapshooter · November 14, 2011, 12:06 AM

Quote:

If this were a Smith or a Ruger people would snap them up just for the novelty of it.

And if the Taurus is a success they will have their chance!

Venom1956 · November 14, 2011, 12:39 AM

but the 905 isn't shortened afaik... or in anyway smaller then a standard 'J-Frame' I'd get the S&W 940 if I were to do that.

raftman · November 15, 2011, 11:36 PM

Will have to pass on that one, it asks one to give up too many things in exchange for shorter OAL (and maybe milder recoil).

I've tried to make a case for it before, and I still think a .32acp snubbie makes far more sense. The smaller diameter of the round would allow the gun to be thinner in addition to having a smaller OAL; it would also be very mild-shooting even with the ultra-light frames, and because .32acp is semi-rimmed extraction should be no problem.

natman · November 16, 2011, 04:29 AM

Let's see, I could have a 5 shot .380 ACP revolver or a 7 shot LCP that weighs a third less, is considerably thinner and fires the same cartridge. Tough call.

August 29, 2011, 07:49 PM	#26
Joe the Redneck Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 1998 Location: New port richey FL us Posts: 473	as Charlie Brown used to say: "I just can't stand it." In all fairness, I am sure it is for the European and South American markets. Many countries have a "no military or police calibers" law. Otherswise the guys in the design department need to sober up before they get to work. Last edited by Joe the Redneck; August 29, 2011 at 07:55 PM.

August 29, 2011, 08:11 PM	#27
bigghoss Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2006 Location: Pueblo, Colorado Posts: 2,664	I like a lot of taurus' ideas but I just don't trust their products with my life. I also don't see a .380 snub being much smaller than a .38/.357, I'd rather see a revolver designed from scratch around 5 rounds of .327 federal. that would make the gun narrower and give a decent punch. __________________ I don't collect guns, I accumulate them.

August 29, 2011, 08:14 PM	#28
ohen cepel Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 1999 Location: Where they send me Posts: 1,013	I'm not a Taurus fan and this revolver doesn't do anything for me. However, I have a lot of respect for Taurus to do things like this! They put out more new product in a year (I'm guessing) than the other 3-4 big companies combined which I think is a good thing. Some flop, others make the "big guys" get more on the ball. __________________ He who dares wins. NRA Life Benefactor Member

August 29, 2011, 09:05 PM	#31
Tom Servo Staff Join Date: September 27, 2008 Location: Foothills of the Appalachians Posts: 13,059	It's been done. Kinda. __________________ Sometimes it’s nice not to destroy the world for a change. --Randall Munroe

August 29, 2011, 11:18 PM	#32
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Has anyone actually seen this gun? All this is moot unless someone has actually compared the gun to another. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

August 29, 2011, 08:30 PM	#29
Pbearperry Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 283	I am sure that this .380 revolver will fit the bill for some.To me,if I wanted to carry a small revolver that packs no big whallop,just go with a .38 spl snubbie and carry wadcutters.But that's just me.

August 30, 2011, 12:12 AM	#34
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Oh, I've seen all the pictures. I want to see it in comparison with a "J" frame S&W. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

August 30, 2011, 07:25 AM	#35
graysmoke Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 378	I found it...... and saw it retailed priced on the internet at $333 / 345 But on order, and waiting arrival from the manufacturer. Bersa has it's new .38 slp 5 shot snub revolver with a 2" barrel retailing $290 And it looks good. __________________ "Keep your powder dry, and eyes on the target". -R. Lee Ermey Last edited by graysmoke; August 30, 2011 at 07:31 AM.

August 30, 2011, 08:28 AM	#37
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	I think Taurus is trying to ride the already breaking .380 wave. It looks manufactures are mastering the tiny autos and are beginning to move on to .9mm pocket guns.

November 11, 2011, 11:31 AM	#38
Alwayslooking Junior Member Join Date: November 11, 2011 Posts: 4	The right tool for the application I won't disparage any ammo or weapon that one chooses to carry. It's a personal choice and I believe that there are reasons why so many versions of ammo/weapons have been developed. All are right for the specific application they best serve. Having said that, I must say that for me, and for everyday pocket carry, I have been waiting for a revolver as small as some of the most popular 380 autos that are now out and as close to them in weight as it could be. Something in between the NAA Mini Mag and the S&W model 642 Airweight. The pockets on my jeans don't allow for the S&W due to it's height or OAL. The new Taurus Mini-Revolver in 380 is the first step (where I hope other manufacturers will follow) in fulfilling that need. Looking at it's specs, it does match the OAL of the Diamondback 380 for an example and is approx. 4 ounces heavier. That's why I decided to purchase one. In the future, I hope that Taurus and others will decide to further it's design by going to an ultralight version. For others who seem to want to compare it to existing 38s or 357s, you're missing the point. If you can carry those in the way you want to, fine. However, if you need/want a revolver that is smaller and hopefully as light as the autos that proliferate the market these days, then this might be your weapon of choice.

November 11, 2011, 12:00 PM	#39
Budda Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2011 Location: Earth Posts: 446	I am holding my wallet till they make a .25 auto revolver. Then I can use nerf darts for ammo. __________________ ...They have the internet on computers now....-Homer Simpson-

November 11, 2011, 01:25 PM	#40
overkill0084 Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2010 Location: Northern, UT Posts: 1,162	I've tried approaching it from several angles, and I don't get it. It seems like a lot of engineering effort to take a step backwards. A .380 semiauto is going to have a higher capacity. A .38 snubbie is more powerful. I fail to see what problem is being fixed. .380 Semis aren't terribly large or hard to conceal. For that matter, niether is a .38 snubbie. __________________ Cheers, Greg “At the core of liberalism is the spoiled child – miserable, as all spoiled children are, unsatisfied, demanding, ill-disciplined, despotic and useless. Liberalism is a philosophy of sniveling brats.” — P.J. O’Rourke

November 11, 2011, 01:36 PM	#41
heyjoe Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2007 Posts: 438	Always looking have you tested the .380 yet? how comfortable is it in your pocket?

November 11, 2011, 01:44 PM	#42
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,066	Who is the real targeted market? Beginners will really like this! Why? Because most beginners feel much more comfortable with a revolver than a semi auto in their pocket. No safety to worry about, no racking of slide, not wondering if the round is chambered, no malfunction drills. Simple and to the point. Open up the cylinder and see that it is full, or take a peek through the side. Pull the trigger and bang.. More comfortable to carry a revolver in the pocket, than a semi, where you might have forgot to engage the safety. Power? Are the same people putting down the SD qualifications of the .380 equally critical of the .380 auto? Quantity. Same argument has been going back and forth about any revolver vs. semi auto, so it doesn't have MORE bearing here. I can see beginners liking the smaller recoil, the simplicity, the weight. I'm no beginner, but I wouldn't mind this revolver! __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

November 11, 2011, 04:34 PM	#43
woad_yurt Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2008 Posts: 1,206	My old .38 SPL Charter Arms Off Duty weighs only 1/2 oz more than this one. .38 SPL is way cheaper to shoot, too. __________________ A Makarov? Simple, easy and works perfectly every time. ¡Vale!

November 12, 2011, 07:51 PM	#44
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	if it was a 9x19 revolver I woulda been interested... even tho its still a taurus. __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

November 12, 2011, 10:02 PM	#45
C0untZer0 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,555	Taurus makes the 905 revolver - chambered for 9mm Luger.

November 12, 2011, 10:23 PM	#46
C0untZer0 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,555	If this were a Smith or a Ruger people would snap them up just for the novelty of it. I guess it does fill a legitimate need for people who want an even smaller OAL pocket pistol but want a revolver.

November 14, 2011, 12:39 AM	#48
Venom1956 Senior Member Join Date: October 4, 2008 Location: WI Posts: 3,656	but the 905 isn't shortened afaik... or in anyway smaller then a standard 'J-Frame' I'd get the S&W 940 if I were to do that. __________________ E-Shock rounds are engineered to expend maximum energy into soft targets, turning the density mass into an expanding rotational cone of NyTrilium matrix particles, causing neurological collapse to the central nervous system.- Yeah I can do that. I guarantee you will know it if a bicyclist hits your house going 1000 mph. -Smaug

November 15, 2011, 11:36 PM	#49
raftman Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,890	Will have to pass on that one, it asks one to give up too many things in exchange for shorter OAL (and maybe milder recoil). I've tried to make a case for it before, and I still think a .32acp snubbie makes far more sense. The smaller diameter of the round would allow the gun to be thinner in addition to having a smaller OAL; it would also be very mild-shooting even with the ultra-light frames, and because .32acp is semi-rimmed extraction should be no problem. __________________ "My momma, she done told me, there's heart and then there's hate If one of 'em's inside of you, the other one, it aint."

November 16, 2011, 04:29 AM	#50
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,607	Let's see, I could have a 5 shot .380 ACP revolver or a 7 shot LCP that weighs a third less, is considerably thinner and fires the same cartridge. Tough call.