Remington RM380: Thoughts, Shots, and First Impressions

GarandTd · January 18, 2018, 08:13 PM

I recently picked up an rm380. It was listed on sale for $229.99 + tax + $10 shipping. I ordered from RK guns and had it shipped to a Rural King store so I didn't have to pay an FFL fee. Total cost to me was $253+change. Not bad for an American made, all metal pistol with 2 mags and a lifetime limited warranty. But, wait, it gets better. I got my order in on the last day of the $100 rebate offer. After rebate, I'll be in just over $150. I LOVE A BARGAIN!

Order processing took 5 days, shipping took 4 days, and I had to wait a day for the store to acknowledge receipt of the pistol. 10 days from ordering to in hand. Not bad, but felt like an eternity.

I picked it up last night and when I got home, read through the manual, stripped the pistol and mags, and cleaned and lubricated. The pistol was dripping wet with factory oil and needed the initial cleaning. Takedown was very easy and fit and finish of the parts is excellent. No machine marks whatsoever.

It was too late to go to the range so I did some dry firing to experience the trigger pull. Most reviews reported a long, heavy, but smooth pull. To me, the pull is long, but not that heavy. It's lighter than the double action pull of my K2P. It is long, has a little grit and a little creep, but does finish smooth.

I'm not one of those people that can buy a gun and then not shoot it for weeks or months. Not wanting to wait, I took the little Remington to the range on my lunch break today. I do this at least once a week with my other pistols. I have enough time to fire off a couple magazines and that was all I really wanted to do. Basically just a test fire. I fired 18 rounds. 3 mags full. First was the flush fit mag. 6 shots COM slow fire. 2nd mag was with the pinky extension. 2 shots to each of 3 heads slow fire. Final mag, also pinky extension, was 6 shots COM rapid fire. All shots were 2 hand hold at 10 yards. I was hitting to the right. 1 slow headshot missed the paper and 3 rapid fire shots missed the paper. This was my 1st experience with a pocket pistol and the 380 caliber. I'm not blaming the pistol for the inaccuracies....yet. I need more experience with it, especially my grip on the pistol. The very 1st round from the very 1st mag didn't chamber all the way. I had to tap the back of the slide. It only happened that 1st round. I didn't have issues with short stroking the trigger even during rapid fire. Recoil felt a little different, but no worse than my full size poly 9mm. The sights are minimalist, but serviceable. It was 15 degrees outside when I was at the range, so I was shooting with gloves on. They were thin Nike drifit gloves.

GarandTd · January 18, 2018, 08:17 PM

The rm380 is a little bigger than I expected. I think it kind of pushes the limit of what I would want in my pocket. Here it is next to my K2P. An apples to watermelon comparison, but it's what I have.

GarandTd · January 18, 2018, 08:25 PM

I really like this pistol and I'm looking forward to improving my skills with it.

I dont know if Remington has any intention of releasing a 9mm version, but I noticed that the spacer in the mags is not welded in. Seems like a 9mm conversion would only require a barrel swap for the longer chamber unless a new slide would be necessary too.

Whirlwind06 · January 18, 2018, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarandTd

The rm380 is a little bigger than I expected. I think it kind of pushes the limit of what I would want in my pocket. Here it is next to my K2P. And apples to watermelon comparison, but it's what I have.

What's the weight on the 380? And how is the trigger?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

Kvon2 · January 18, 2018, 08:35 PM

Your lunch break is a hell of a lot better than most

GarandTd · January 18, 2018, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Your lunch break is a hell of a lot better than most

My local club with range is halfway between work and home and I live 2 miles from work. I do all kinds of stuff during my lunch break...except eat lunch. It's like recess for me.

GarandTd · January 18, 2018, 08:58 PM

Quote:

What's the weight on the380? And how is the trigger?

Weight is 12.2 ounces unloaded

Quote:

It is long, has a little grit and a little creep, but does finish smooth.

Pull weight is around 9 lbs.

elde · January 18, 2018, 10:40 PM

When Rohrbaugh was bought by Remington the new owners converted the Rohrbaugh R9 (9mm) to .380 and renamed it RM380. I have the original 9mm version and carry it frequently. Relatively accurate out to 10 yards but feels kind of like a grenade going off in your hand with 115gr HP ammunition. Had mine for 6 years or so with zero issues. IMO your gun comes with a great pedigree.

GarandTd · January 18, 2018, 11:33 PM

Thanks else. I was aware of the Rohrbaugh dna in the rm380. That was part of why I wanted it. I've never seen the Rohrbaugh in person, but it seems like Remington did right with their design.

GarandTd · January 19, 2018, 12:42 PM

I took another lunch break at the range today. I wanted to prove better in regards to accuracy. I moved up about 2 yards, so shooting at 8 yards. Temp was up to 30°, so much warmer, but I still wore gloves. 2 mags, slow fire, 2 hands, but I relaxed my grip a little and it paid off. I shot much better today. I'm very happy with this little 380. I think it's a keeper.

Also, I'm not convinced that the pinky extension helps me at all. It almost feels better without. I think it's because my pinky barely fits on the grip with the extension.

wild cat mccane · January 20, 2018, 03:00 PM

Wrong.

Remington did not create the R9 into a 380. The 380 version of the R9 was already being sold by its original creator Rohrbaugh and called the R380.

Remington DID change the Rohrbaugh R380 to be easier to make, ie cheaper.

franco45 · January 20, 2018, 07:17 PM

I think you will be very happy with your RM380. I own one and so does my nephew. Neither of us have experienced a failure of any kind. They are a little larger than most pocket 380s but still carry well.

Ibmikey · January 20, 2018, 09:32 PM

Echo Franco 45, my RM 380 is like night and day from the keltec 3pat as far as manageable recoil and comfort. My pistol has been totally reliable and even though small does not feel toy like as some other small pistols do.

GarandTd · January 20, 2018, 10:30 PM

I agree it doesn't feel toy like. It feels like a real gun. I like that. Honestly, there isn't anything about it I don't like. I really wish I could find wood grips for it. I think it would look really nice with wood grips. I've seen the vz grips, but those are the only aftermarket ones I've seen.

GarandTd · March 2, 2018, 06:31 PM

Just checked my $100 rebate status...it's in the mail. It's been 6 weeks since I mailed the forms. Not a bad turnaround. So far, I've run 50 rounds each of Aguila fmj, Remington UMC fmj, and Tulammo steel cased fmj without issue. I just received an order today from SGAmmo so I have another 7 flavors to try including a couple HP's.
Finish flaking aside, I'm still very happy with this pistol.

Armybrat · March 2, 2018, 06:48 PM

Bought mine last fall and have $170 in it after the $100 rebate. Haven't shot it yet (along with several other new handguns) but it seems like it has nice fit & finish for a bargain pistol.
If it shoots well and Remington brings out a 9mm version then I'll get one of those too.

GarandTd · March 2, 2018, 07:02 PM

I've noticed a couple small spots where the frame finish has flaked. It's around the mag release and a tiny spot near the hammer. For what I have into this pistol, it is trivial, but I don't think mine is the only one.

kymasabe · March 2, 2018, 07:02 PM

I never should have sold mine. Is a far better gun than my daughters Taurus TCP or her Bodyguard .380.

GarandTd · March 14, 2018, 03:32 PM

Got my rebate check today.

Sgt127 · March 14, 2018, 10:19 PM

Had a rourbaugh. It was one of the finest crafted pistols I’d ever owned.
It would not go one magazine without a jam. I bought it used right after a factory refurb.
Sent it back. Would not go 7 rounds. Ever. Every high end ammo you can imagine. Every weight. If it had fed ball, I would have been happy.
Dumped it.

Bought the first RM380 about a year after they came out. 2-3 hundred rounds without a burp. Picked up another for $199 with the $100 rebate. If I find another deal like that, I’ll get another one.

For me, it’s the perfect pocket gun. Size, weight and reliability. I think the ambi mag release is kinda dorky. May grind off one side. As is, I cut a notch in my homemade pocket holster for the mag release so it’s shielded with leather.

I carry the Buffalo Bore Hardcast standard pressure flat points in it. I’m all about penetration, especially with a smaller bullet. I’m not convinced the modern hollopoints will make it in deep enough when they expand with a .380. Just not enough FPS to get past stuff.

Enjoy it. They are one of Remington’s better offerings right now.

jsust · March 15, 2018, 02:26 AM

I love my RM380 as well. The only issue I have had with it was some trash re manufactured freedom ammunition I have. It has a hard time hitting the primer hard enough but I dont blame the gun. It runs the ammo better than my tcp and pico. The only 380 I could get it to run through was a glock 42 but I got rid of that. I still have around 200 rds of it too!!

Its hard to burn through it when my pocket 380s only hold 6rds and my hands can only handle 50rds a trip

Other than that its a nice pistol. The trigger pull is a little gritty on mine but it doesn't bother me. The Taurus TCP has the best trigger out of all my 380s.

January 18, 2018, 08:25 PM	#3
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I really like this pistol and I'm looking forward to improving my skills with it. I dont know if Remington has any intention of releasing a 9mm version, but I noticed that the spacer in the mags is not welded in. Seems like a 9mm conversion would only require a barrel swap for the longer chamber unless a new slide would be necessary too. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

January 18, 2018, 11:33 PM	#9
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	Thanks else. I was aware of the Rohrbaugh dna in the rm380. That was part of why I wanted it. I've never seen the Rohrbaugh in person, but it seems like Remington did right with their design. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

January 20, 2018, 03:00 PM	#11
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,623	Wrong. Remington did not create the R9 into a 380. The 380 version of the R9 was already being sold by its original creator Rohrbaugh and called the R380. Remington DID change the Rohrbaugh R380 to be easier to make, ie cheaper. Last edited by wild cat mccane; January 20, 2018 at 06:53 PM.

January 20, 2018, 10:30 PM	#14
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I agree it doesn't feel toy like. It feels like a real gun. I like that. Honestly, there isn't anything about it I don't like. I really wish I could find wood grips for it. I think it would look really nice with wood grips. I've seen the vz grips, but those are the only aftermarket ones I've seen. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

March 2, 2018, 06:31 PM	#15
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	Just checked my $100 rebate status...it's in the mail. It's been 6 weeks since I mailed the forms. Not a bad turnaround. So far, I've run 50 rounds each of Aguila fmj, Remington UMC fmj, and Tulammo steel cased fmj without issue. I just received an order today from SGAmmo so I have another 7 flavors to try including a couple HP's. Finish flaking aside, I'm still very happy with this pistol. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

January 18, 2018, 08:35 PM	#5
Kvon2 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2016 Posts: 757	Your lunch break is a hell of a lot better than most

January 18, 2018, 10:40 PM	#8
elde Member Join Date: March 18, 2016 Location: RR12 Posts: 34	When Rohrbaugh was bought by Remington the new owners converted the Rohrbaugh R9 (9mm) to .380 and renamed it RM380. I have the original 9mm version and carry it frequently. Relatively accurate out to 10 yards but feels kind of like a grenade going off in your hand with 115gr HP ammunition. Had mine for 6 years or so with zero issues. IMO your gun comes with a great pedigree.

January 20, 2018, 07:17 PM	#12
franco45 Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2010 Location: Toledo Ohio Posts: 474	I think you will be very happy with your RM380. I own one and so does my nephew. Neither of us have experienced a failure of any kind. They are a little larger than most pocket 380s but still carry well.

January 20, 2018, 09:32 PM	#13
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	Echo Franco 45, my RM 380 is like night and day from the keltec 3pat as far as manageable recoil and comfort. My pistol has been totally reliable and even though small does not feel toy like as some other small pistols do.

March 2, 2018, 06:48 PM	#16
Armybrat Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2009 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 976	Bought mine last fall and have $170 in it after the $100 rebate. Haven't shot it yet (along with several other new handguns) but it seems like it has nice fit & finish for a bargain pistol. If it shoots well and Remington brings out a 9mm version then I'll get one of those too.

March 2, 2018, 07:02 PM	#17
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I've noticed a couple small spots where the frame finish has flaked. It's around the mag release and a tiny spot near the hammer. For what I have into this pistol, it is trivial, but I don't think mine is the only one. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

March 2, 2018, 07:02 PM	#18
kymasabe Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2005 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,747	I never should have sold mine. Is a far better gun than my daughters Taurus TCP or her Bodyguard .380. __________________ God's creatures big and small, eat them one, eat them all.

March 14, 2018, 03:32 PM	#19
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	Got my rebate check today. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

March 14, 2018, 10:19 PM	#20
Sgt127 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2002 Posts: 1,053	Had a rourbaugh. It was one of the finest crafted pistols I’d ever owned. It would not go one magazine without a jam. I bought it used right after a factory refurb. Sent it back. Would not go 7 rounds. Ever. Every high end ammo you can imagine. Every weight. If it had fed ball, I would have been happy. Dumped it. Bought the first RM380 about a year after they came out. 2-3 hundred rounds without a burp. Picked up another for $199 with the $100 rebate. If I find another deal like that, I’ll get another one. For me, it’s the perfect pocket gun. Size, weight and reliability. I think the ambi mag release is kinda dorky. May grind off one side. As is, I cut a notch in my homemade pocket holster for the mag release so it’s shielded with leather. I carry the Buffalo Bore Hardcast standard pressure flat points in it. I’m all about penetration, especially with a smaller bullet. I’m not convinced the modern hollopoints will make it in deep enough when they expand with a .380. Just not enough FPS to get past stuff. Enjoy it. They are one of Remington’s better offerings right now.

March 15, 2018, 02:26 AM	#21
jsust Member Join Date: March 14, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 52	I love my RM380 as well. The only issue I have had with it was some trash re manufactured freedom ammunition I have. It has a hard time hitting the primer hard enough but I dont blame the gun. It runs the ammo better than my tcp and pico. The only 380 I could get it to run through was a glock 42 but I got rid of that. I still have around 200 rds of it too!! Its hard to burn through it when my pocket 380s only hold 6rds and my hands can only handle 50rds a trip Other than that its a nice pistol. The trigger pull is a little gritty on mine but it doesn't bother me. The Taurus TCP has the best trigger out of all my 380s.