380 compact
I'm planning on buying a compact 380 pistol and I'd like some suggestions
here's my criteria.
1. something da/sa or dao
2. it doesn't have to be something really new I'm not planning on using it to seriously but, I do want something that works well
3. I want something that looks good, so nothing plastic including the grips
4. I'd rather not spend over $600
here's my criteria.
1. something da/sa or dao
2. it doesn't have to be something really new I'm not planning on using it to seriously but, I do want something that works well
3. I want something that looks good, so nothing plastic including the grips
4. I'd rather not spend over $600
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may look at these
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=2345245500 -
Either a Colt Pony or SIG Sauer P230 should fit the bill and there are some of both on the auction side. The grips can be swapped out for wood ones from Hogue. Most .380's come with plastic or rubber grips but thats an easy change most of the time. 0 -
A suggestion, if this is to be working gun as in carried quite a bit I would look at the so called plastic guns, I have a couple and they are fantastic to slide into a pocket for carry. I also have quite a few guns that sit in safes and get shot at the range. Those are nicer looking but heavier and not as convenient to carry. The ruger / keltecs and others may not look as nice but boy are the convenient and concealable.
Enjoy your shopping experience.0 -
quote:Originally posted by spas12
I'm planning on buying a compact 380 pistol and I'd like some suggestions
here's my criteria.
1. something da/sa or dao
2. it doesn't have to be something really new I'm not planning on using it to seriously but, I do want something that works well
3. I want something that looks good, so nothing plastic including the grips
4. I'd rather not spend over $600
So you want a compact, all steel or aluminum alloy .380 with DA? Lots of choices there, though as you note the better ones will run over $600.
You have to be careful, because like all the small .380s, some of these either won't be reliable (ever) or require a lot of break-in shooting before they become reliable.
This is a short list to get you started:
-Walther PPK, and similar design guns: Makarov in .380, Bersa Thunder .380, Sig P230 or 232.
-"Micro" Desert Eagle (aka Czech Victor pistol).
-Colt Pony, or Pony pocketlite (alloy version). Unfortunately you may have a hard time finding one of these for under $600.
-Seecamp .380 (good luck finding one under $600).
-Rohrbaugh .380 (possibly more expensive than Seecamp!).
-NAA Guardian .380 (cheaper rendition of both of above).
-AMT Backup .380 (in current TX manufacture).
-Masterpiece arms .380.
**EDIT**.
Looking back at the above list, most of those guns are intended for carry, not display, and they're NOT going to have NON-plastic grips available. Of course, you might be able to get wood ones custom made, though the cost of doing so might be prohibitive, depending on the precise gun model.
I agree with Floyd here. If this is actually a gun you're going to carry concealed, why do you care if it "looks good" or not? You want to be stylish when someone is trying to kill you? The main things are that its reliable, easy to use, and comfortable to carry.
The polymer guns may not be quite so nice to look at, but they're quite a bit nicer to carry concealed! IMO, recoil on .380s is light enough that its not unpleasant even with the smaller plastic guns.
If you're not going to carry it concealed, than why bother with a compact gun? There are some really nice full-sized .380s out there if you're interested: Beretta, Browning, Taurus, CZ, etc.0 -
Very happy with my Llama IIIA 380 - mini version of the 1911. Plastic grips though.
Also was very happy with my Bersa 380 - DA/SA, reliable, but again, plastic grips.
Of course, you could have someone make a set of wood grips to replace the plastic on either or probably any 380 you end up with.
Either of these should be available for $300 or so - new on the Bersa, used on the Llama. Used Bersa if you can find one would of course be cheaper.0 -
SA, but a fine .380 IMO. 
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Get yourself a Keltec P3AT or a Bersa Thunder. Both are good quality and won't bankrupt you. 0 -
Look seriously at the NAA Guardian .380. It is all steel and very small. Not a target pistol and you must check to make sure the load you will carry feeds reliably in it. I carried mine for several years as a duty back-up and now drop it in my pocket for that quick trip to the store and NAA does offer wood grips as a factory option, either ot order or after-market. 0 -
Find an HK4 on the auction side, especially one with the .22LR conversion! My favorite carry gun! 0 -
[^]I would make the case for a plastic gun. I have a Ruger 380 that I carry in the summer. I slip it in a pocket in my shorts when wearing shorts and a t-shirt. It doesn't weigh much, it's reliable, sweat will not rust the plastic. Reasonably priced and you can put critical defence rounds in it and she is ready to go.If you are involved in a shooting the police will take it for who knows how long so you can get a replacement at a reasonable price. If it gets scratched, who cares. I seriously doubt it will ever be a collectors item.
Good luck0
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