Question For .380 Fans
I don't want to beat this issue to death but one last question. Over a year ago I had to sell my wife's Walther PPK/S. She hadn't even fired it but really liked the way it felt and so forth. Things are much better and I am in the position to buy another one. The intended use is self defense, (someone breaking into the home or going from car to door) and plinking. I have lingering doubts as to whether or not the .380 round is powerful enough for the above intended purpose. I thought of a 9mm but she really really likes the Walther. What say you all about the worthiness of the .380 round for the purpose I listed? Thanks in advance and this will be my last word/question on this topic.
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I bought a Bersa Thunder 380 recently and was very impressed with it. The same look as the Walther, but nice recoil, no bite, and pretty accurate. Alot less money too. They have a lifetime guarantee on them.
What goes up must come down---(on someones head if you're lucky)0 -
I do not have a 380 because I don't know the answer to the same question that NOTPARS asked....
What say you all about the worthiness of the .380 round ...
I have always gone with 9mm because I thought the 380 was too light.
And yes I know a 22 is enough, if you make an eyeball shot placement.
They do make for a smaller carry....so I'll wait for the answer
If we do not hang together,
We will most certainly hang separately.0 -
I agree with Nunn about the Kel-tecs. They are great and for about half the price of that Walther you can have much more firepower with the 9mm p-11. Oh yeah, its also smaller and lighter, holds 10+1 shots and I can put every one in a sillouette target from 20yrds speed shooting. Reliability has been unbelievable with mine. They also make a .380 for like 200 bucks its almost Derringer size and probably lighter, so small you might forget its there.
Monkey says:
crowded elevator smells different to a midget0 -
Hello IMHO the 380 is an overlooked very good cartridge but most pistols are straight blowback and recoil as much as a locked breach 9MM however there are some 380's that also have delayed / locked design The nicest is the Remington model P51 it is easy on recoil points great and is the thinnest /flatest of any 380 I know .even on a skinny old man it does not anounce to the world that you are carrying. The 380 JHP I feel is just as good as a full metal jacket 9MM 0 -
As Nunn stated the Colt Government .380 is a great self defense tool, if you can find one. They are easily concealed and should be plenty for close up self protection. The downside is that they seem to be going up in price pretty fast. If youcan find one in good shape for $300.00 or so I would get it. Kel-tec's are also worth looking at. Good luck
Worry is the interest humans pay on the debt of miscalculation.0 -
For Lead: I have had the chance to hold but not shoot the Bersas and was impressed by them even though Gun Test Mag panned them for their decocker not working well. The Gun store said they have never had to send one back for service as well. Its an idea. I am still concerned about the potential for this round to work in self defense situations. 0 -
For Gotstolenfrom: My concerns exactly. I do have a .380 (Manurhin bought in 1984). What I think I may do is go ahead and buy the Smith 908S (same price) and let her shoot that. Then, let her shoot the Manurhin. If she still wants the Walther....
I realize that a perfectly placed shot can bring down almost any attacker. But, perfect in a high stress situation is unlikely and the scenario becomes more complicated if an attacker is high on drugs or sedated by alcohol. I have a Kahr MK40 which is small but a real handful.0 -
For groovinmonkey: Thanks for the heads up. That really helps. Are the Kel Tecs all polymer? I think the 9mm is probably the way to go. No criticism but my wife kind of judges a gun (like cars) pretty much on looks. 0 -
Are the Kel Tecs all polymer?
No, they have a strong aluminum frame and a lifetime warrantee. They are not showpieces, they aren't polished like some other pistols, but thats how they keep the costs down. I got my P11 for $210 and its been the best spent $210 ever on a gun. You can however,(tell your wife this) get all types of different frame colors(including pink) and slide finishes. Also if you need, S&W hi-cap mags work in it.(59 series)
Monkey says:
crowded elevator smells different to a midget0 -
I have a Star 380 that I am happy with. It also has a locked breach and is very thin. You may find one for less than $200.
Bamavol0 -
My favotire .380 is my Beretta 84 FS. Mine is satin nickel w/ wood grips and it shoots/looks beautiful. Also holds 13 rounds. That said, at over $600 they are about the most expensive .380 you can get. I really like my Kel-Tec P3AT for light clothing days, but it is not so pleasant for extended range sessions.
It's easy to spot liberals-they are the ones who have no assets to protect and need every handout they can get. They have forbeyed themselves ascendence to a productive lifestyle.0 -
For Perry Shooter: Thanks for the important information. I realize this is somewhat subjective and I will have to make up my own mind. Again, I asked because I don't know. I was curious about why you believe the .380 jhp is as good as the 9mm jhp. Again, I am not questioning what you say. I have a .380 and I want what you post to be accurate in case I decide to go that route with my wife. I have shot .380 for years and know the blow back design can get old but I must say my Manurhin is super accurate. But it does recoil.... 0 -
For Robin: I would agree as well with you and Nunn. I didn't comment
on the Colt because I know how hard they are to find and
they are not cheap. I tried to find the PP that fires (if I have this right) a .380 super but so far they run close to $1000. Thanks for the advice, I will have to think this over some more.0 -
For Bamoval:Is that a pistol made in Spain? Its not related to the Bersa is it? I seem to have heard a lot of good things about the Star. 0 -
For Groovinmonkey: Hey thanks, I didn't know that. A friend showed
me his Kel Tec and it was polymer. He had some problems with the magazines fitting flush or something. Sounds like you have had great luck with them I certainly plan to look into them as well. Again, thanks for the great advice. I am on may way soon to check their website out. Colors, huh? hmmmmmmmmmmm0 -
For Hunter375. Gun Test Magazine tested a bunch of .380s and they chose your's as the hands down winner. They loved it. I held one and had to admit it was real nice. Good quality too. But the price. Still, its something to think about. I had an acquaintance that gives me a good discount. I got a brand new stainless steel Kahr MK40 $535 out the door including taxes, shipping, etc... not bad. 0 -
Hello you missed the fine print I stated that 380 "JHP" IMHO was as good as "BALL" 9MM most of the cheap 9 mm is not hollow point. 0
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