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Old October 2, 2017, 04:04 AM   #1
Hal
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Let's talk .380's

A few years ago, I was all done with the .380 acp.
Small sub-compact 9mm's had (IMHO) made he .380 outdated.

Then along came the .25 acp sized "pocket" .380's......

They have proven to be excellent little machines!

I picked up a Ruger LCP a few months ago & was in love w/it right off the bat.

I was really quite content until the thread here about the Beretta Pico being +P rated came along.

Now I want a Pico. I can't live w/out a Pico. If I don't get a Pico.....I'll hold my breath until I turn blue!!! .
Ok-seriously - the Pico is one fine looking little gun.

To the point here - - what all else is out there in .380?

I had a PPK/s once & didn't care for it - the slide chewed up my hand.
Beretta or Browning - can't remember which made it - had one that one company made for the other.
Beautiful little guns!
Are those still being made?

What about S$W and CZ? Where do there .380's come in at - as far as small pocket type carry?
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Old October 2, 2017, 05:15 AM   #2
tallball
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For bigger ones, service pistols I would call "medium-sized", my favorites are the Beretta 84 and the CZ83. These are double-stack pistols which seem to be designed to fit in a belt holster. The single-stack Sig 230/232 is another nice one. I also like my old Russian Makarov in 380. The Colt Government model is very soft-shooting and my daughter's favorite.

As for pocket pistols, the Ruger LCP and the Kel-Tec P3AT it was copied from are pretty much the standard for polymer double-action pistols. There is also the single-action Colt Mustang... and I forget the model number of the Sig that seems to be identical.

Those are the ones I own or have shot.

There's also a Browning version of the Beretta (BDA, maybe?). And both Browning and Rock Island Armory have recently come out with 1911 single-action 380 pistols reminiscent of the old Colt Government Model.
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Old October 2, 2017, 05:50 AM   #3
dean1818
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hal View Post
A few years ago, I was all done with the .380 acp.
Small sub-compact 9mm's had (IMHO) made he .380 outdated.
Your first to lines are still correct IMHO
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Old October 2, 2017, 06:27 AM   #4
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Let's talk .380's

For the longest time, my backup guns were a Ruger LCP and a S&W 642-1 in .38. The issue with .380, for me, was cost of ammo.

My “solution” was to get a SIG P938, and then I got a conversion cylinder for my 642-1 in 9mm. Never sold the LCP, and won’t.

While the P938 is a very nice gun, it isn’t as small as the LCP. With a Recluse holster, the LCP with 15 rounds of ammo (two Magguts converted magazines; 7+1...+7) fits in my back pocket and I can draw the pistol from there. The P938, I cannot fit in that pocket and expect to draw. Can’t do either in my front pocket, so the P938 is a cargo pocket gun, with similar capacity as the LCP (if I run seven rounders, as I tend to carry at least one reload; it is also carried elsewhere).

If I can include a 9mm, I definitely try to. But there are times that a smaller gun is needed... and I’ve yet to see a 9mm get to LCP size. When that occurs, I’ll think about retiring the LCP/.380.
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Old October 2, 2017, 06:51 AM   #5
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The small pocket 380's are great little guns, LCP, P3AT, Taurus has two, the curve and PT738, NAA, Remington, Colt Mustang & Pony, CZ made a few and AMT. Most are great pocket guns and are really handy. Once you start moving up a little in size you reach my favorite summer carry gun the Beretta 84f, with 13 plus rounds on tap they are great shooters plus the Browning version. There's also the small 1911 style Browning thats 80% the size of a 1911 full size.

Now as far as the Pico goes, I'm not a fan of them. I have handled them a few times but never shot one but to me I just was not happy with the was the gun felt in my hand.

Taurus even made a revolver fit for the 380 that is a little more scaled down for the cartridge.
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Old October 2, 2017, 08:16 AM   #6
David R
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I carry a Smith 637 with CT grips. I have an LCP because it fits anywhere. Mostly in my back pocket.

I can shoot the 637 quite well including using it in a bowling pin match @ 25 feet.

I can shoot a few rounds out of the LCP with out hurting my hands. A few magazines and my trigger finger is beat up. I have to cover the target with the muzzle to hit where I want.

Then I saw a Sig 238. I liked it so much the girlfriend and I rented one to try out. Slide pulls back easily for her. Recoil is 380 size, meaning it is easy to handle. It put the shots where I aimed it. She fired 5 out of 6 shots in the same hole at 5 yards with no problems. I could keep them all on a sheet of paper at 25 yards. We were both impressed. I have one sitting at the gunshop waiting for me to pick it up. Night sights are standard on this model.

Girlfriend has fired ONE round from the LCP. Seems the 238 will fit in my back pocket like the LCP.

938 is too big for a pocket pistol and has way too much recoil for ME. I would rather carry my LW officers model.
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Old October 2, 2017, 08:21 AM   #7
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The Kahr .380s are small, accurate, and actually shootable at the range.


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Old October 2, 2017, 08:23 AM   #8
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I have the LCPII for the many times carrying my larger 9MM is inconvenient. Especially nice when wearing cargo shorts and a tee. So far, after a couple hundred rounds through it, I have not had one single FTL or FTE. Shoots very comfortably for me despite what I've often read about these guns being snappy. Pretty darn accurate at 20 feet too.
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Old October 2, 2017, 08:41 AM   #9
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My favorite semi(not just.380) is a BDA, my EDC for 8 years has been a LCP. I have no inferiority complex about the cartridge and would still like to add a couple more .380 guns to my collection.


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Old October 2, 2017, 08:49 AM   #10
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I have about thirty .380 caliber pistols in the corral, some vintage some modern and some in between. I also have a pile of .32 acp' but that is for another post.
My normal carry is a Sig P 238 or 938 both of which are a modern version of a popular fifties pistol. Although i shoot fmj in my pistols there are large offerings of performance cartridges for .380 and most other handgun calibers today.
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Old October 2, 2017, 08:53 AM   #11
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I've got one of the early Sig P238's which I guess is the same as a Colt Mustang or whatever that other Colt Mini-1911 look-a-like is/was. It's a great shooter and to me, far more pleasant to shoot than the older Sig P232 which was also a .380.

I've kinda got an itch for a less than stellar (or popular) ctg these days too. I've been kinda keeping my eye out for a CZ 83 in .32ACP. Why? I don't know, I guess just because I've never had one before.
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Old October 2, 2017, 09:55 AM   #12
Carl the Floor Walker
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Hal, you ask a great question. I have owned 4 LCP's, a Kahr and shot just about every thing else. I will tell you emphatically, that I love the Pico. I have done quite a number of Pictures comparing them to a few other guns. Pico's are built like a tank and very reliable. I like it so much I bought a second.
Do not worry about handling, yes they are slim and I have a large hand with long fingers and can draw and pull as fast as any pocket gun. These guns are extremely MILD Shooters, great sights and a great trigger on the new version.
I have shot the Sig 238 and yes they are lovely firearms and would love to have one, but doubt I really want anything more than the Pico for Pocket Carry.
I love pocket guns and love shooting them. I also have a Ruger LCR9mm that is a fun range gun. I currently have had a LC9 and LC9S that I love for winter carry and ultra reliable, but really have a eye on a Kimber micro or perhaps the Khar CM9.
You really cannot go wrong with the Pico. This is a 380 meant to last a life time. Sheer quality throughout the gun.
Good luck with your quest and thanks for posting.
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Old October 2, 2017, 11:24 AM   #13
wild cat mccane
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There is only ONE 9mm that is the same size AND weight as the 380s and I'm the original poster/photographer in that thread

https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=589758

I think I've owned very 380 except for the Pico. Since I brought up the Pico in the tread you are discussing, what's next for me...not the Pico if I can get to trust the DB9.
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Old October 2, 2017, 11:50 AM   #14
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All the firearms in my accumulation are not dedicated to defensive purposes. I have some for the sheer joy of owning and shooting them. Yes, some are outdated I guess others might think. That's OK, I still like them. Examples are a couple of Beretta 85Fs.

Some might also think my revolvers are outdated, but I even carry some of those from time to time.
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Old October 2, 2017, 12:05 PM   #15
JoeSixpack
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The pocket .380, 9mm market is mature and saturated.

I've seen deals on the Beretta nano, pico, the ruger LCP and LCPI II, S&W Shield, Diamond back's, the Taurus 738.. and the list goes on.

I picked up a Taurus 738 recently I did not want a .380 but the price was so cheap I could not pass it up.

The gun looks like a toy, Feels like a toy, But it is so small it rides really well.
It's light enough (12.5oz loaded) I can actually carry it in my PJ's without it dragging them down.

I've got a Taurus 709 single stack 9mm that I bought for pocket carry but im liking the 738 better.

I settled on speer golddots for defense load.
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Old October 2, 2017, 12:11 PM   #16
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I have two .380s, a Pico and a LCP. I much prefer the Pico, 100% reliable with 5 or 6 types of ammo, and MILD recoil. It does have its shortcomings though.

I too, am very interested in these little guns, and my next one will probably be the Remington RM380. I'm in no hurry, and will wait for Bass Pro Shops to have them on sale.

Other little lightweight .380s, which I'll probably never own include:
Taurus TCP aka PT-738 aka ?
S&W Bodyguard (reports of light strikes)
Kahr CW380 (shoots lead, but has reports of reliability issues)
Kel-Tec P3AT
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Old October 2, 2017, 12:14 PM   #17
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Quote:
I picked up a Taurus 738 recently I did not want a .380 but the price was so cheap I could not pass it up.
Bass Pro Shops just had those for $170. I was VERY tempted, but passed.
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Old October 2, 2017, 12:22 PM   #18
JoeSixpack
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I got mine for 152.. that's in my hand after shipping and transfer.. couldn't pass it up.
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Old October 2, 2017, 01:59 PM   #19
kenny53
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I like the .380 and have carried on and off for a number of years. Easy to hide and will make a bad guy leak. All you can ask for.
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Old October 2, 2017, 02:58 PM   #20
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my edc is a MP bodyguard 380. Small in size, easy to conceal, DOA, hammer fired...I really love that gun, it shoots great.
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Old October 2, 2017, 03:34 PM   #21
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The .380's in my safes that are the most fun to shoot are also the largest. Beretta 84 and 85's are great shooters as is the Russian Makarov .380 and CZ 82 (although in 9x18 Mak). Although bigger than the micros they are still easily carried and more comfortably shot.
For the best of all worlds Star made the S series of pistols in .380 and .32 acp, they are light, thin and very comfortable grip resulting in excellent accuracy. The older ones have fixed sights and no target grip for easy carry.
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Old October 2, 2017, 04:05 PM   #22
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My wife and I both have Sig P238s. Hers is her primary carry, and mine is used as a pocket pistol when IWB carry doesn't work out. Very nice little guns, very reliable, easy to shoot well, surprisingly accurate, good sights. Some people are nervous about pocket carrying cocked and locked, but the safety clicks on and off very decisively, plus I use a pocket holster that covers both trigger and safety lever. It is also a little pricey. But a little gem of a pistol.

The only other .380 I have is a Beretta 84. Nice pistol, smooth and accurate, but delivers a little more recoil than some folks expect because of its mechanism, and not in the same size category. I don't carry it, but it is a fun way to empty .380 brass for reloading.
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Old October 2, 2017, 08:48 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tallball
There's also a Browning version of the Beretta (BDA, maybe?)
For the record, you're referring to the Browning BDA 380.*

The BDA 380 was based on the Beretta 84, was built on the same Italian production line, and takes the same magazines; however, it features a closed-top slide with a conventional ejection port, spur hammer, different sights, and a slide-mounted decocker/safety that drops the hammer to the "1/4 cock" position. The Beretta 84 uses an open-top slide, ring-style hammer, and frame-mounted ambidextrous thumb safeties that did not decock the hammer until the F and FS versions were introduced. The original no-suffix 84 safety locks the trigger, and the B and BB safeties disconnect the trigger; the user must thumb the hammer down to carry these pistols in DA mode.

FN Herstal, which owns the Browning trademark, also marketed a version of the BDA 380 for European police sales under the FN 140 DA moniker. Other than markings, the 140 DA differs from the BDA in having black plastic FNH-logo grips rather than fancy wood Browning-logo ones, and it was available in .32 ACP / 7.65 Browning whereas the BDA 380 was not. AFAIK the 140 DA was never offered new in the U.S. but some have found their way here on the surplus market.

*Footnote: FN/Browning also used the BDA label for DA/SA versions of the BHP (Hi Power-BDA or HP-BDA) and for SIG Sauer P220s sold in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Browning was serving as SIG's U.S. distributor (BDA 9, 38, and 45). I prefer to always specify "380" to prevent confusion with these.
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Old October 2, 2017, 10:26 PM   #24
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I have a Glock 42 and love it.
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Old October 3, 2017, 01:56 AM   #25
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+P is overrated in mini-mouse guns. Your older LCP will do fine for a hideout gun (as I use mine). Otherwise pack a bigger one in a bigger cartridge.

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