380 concealed carry choice
What are some really good high quality 380's that could
be used for a carry pistol. The new ammo's have superior
power and seem good enough to use a 380.
I would like to find a really accurate dependable pistol with
a great trigger pull/
Thanks
Eric
thats'me
be used for a carry pistol. The new ammo's have superior
power and seem good enough to use a 380.
I would like to find a really accurate dependable pistol with
a great trigger pull/
Thanks
Eric
thats'me
0
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Colt Mustang Pocketlite. 0 -
I picked up a Bersa this afternoon. I was impressed with the way it looked and fit into my hand. I don't have any experience with one, but understand they are well regarded.
Taxation WITH representation isn't so hot, either!0 -
Eric, I like a man who says he wants something high quality- rather than the usual "something good...but CHEAP". For my money you simply can not go wrong with a SIG/Sauer P230/32 in .380. With the exception of different grips (grooved vs. stippeled) and the slide serations, they are pretty much identical. The workmanship on these little pistols is excellent all around and only the actual GERMAN made Walther's can compare.
I own both the P230 and four different Walther PP/PPK pistols so it is
easy to compare the two models, and these will no doubt be your two choices for a high quality .380. The P230 weighs in (on my Ohaus scale) at 1 lb. 2.20 oz. while the Walther tips in at an even 1-1/2 pounds. This lighter weight gives the SIG an edge for carry-ability. I feel that the P230 has a much better trigger- smoother, lighter, and with near zero creep- both single and double action. I also prefer the decocking lever on the P230 to the conventional slide mounted safety of the Walther. The P230 does have the less popular bottom of the grip magazine release. I don't mind that, but others favor the push button on the Walther. The sights on the two pistols are pretty much a toss up, but the P230 hammer extends very little- maybe a 1/4" and that helps to prevent snags when you have to draw in a hurry. Don't get me wrong, the Walthers are fine guns...but I feel the P230 is better.
Mark T. Christian0 -
sig p230 has my vote 0 -
Seems odd the communist world has had NO problems with the Makarov which is offered in .380 as well as the Mak caliber and it's not good enough? Sig is a fine gun, but not everyone is rolling in cash, interested in making a fashion statement or wants to be trendy. The Hungarian .380's, Bersa, AMT Back-Up, Colt, Makarov, and many many more are well made and about as reliable as you will find. Hard to find a bad one in those types and designs and they can and do serve well. The .380 isn't that hot of a round to beat a gun badly and most are not fired to such an extent they are stressed from use.
For the job at hand they serve well. The ultimate key is to find a gun that fits your hand as best as possible, and is of the size you need for the job at hand. My .380 Makarov is like a Timex and I paid $4 or so for each new magazine and it's simple and rugged as a brick. I have $109 or so into the gun. If spending another $200 or more would give me an edge I'd think about it. Nobody has shown me yet that it would. Back to grumpy olde man chat.0 -
Here we go again discussing .380 pistols bigger than some 9x19 pistols. The SIG P230/232 is as big as most compact 9x19 pistols, is blow-back so it kicks as hard or harder, and holds fewer rounds than many. A Kel-Tec P11 is smaller and lighter than a P230, holds 11 rounds of 9x19 and costs less. A similar size/weight/recoil comparison applies to the .380 Bersas, Walthers, etc..
If one is going to go down to .380 power, I feel one should get a much smaller pistol as the power trade-off. The Colt locked-breech .380 pistols are the only .380 choices in my opinion. I prefer the DAO Pony PocketLite over the SA Mustang PocketLite, but that is personal preference.
As I have said before, price no object, here is my power/size hierarchy:
NAA .22LR Mini Revolver
Kel-Tec P32
Colt Pony PocketLite
Kel-Tec P11
Steyr GB
USAS-12 with 20-round drum
GE Vulcan 20mm canon
Opps, never know when to stop!
Next.0 -
No doubt there are good gun for less money. I choose the sig because it's one of the few semi-auto that my wife could easly work the action. However the gun was bought a few years ago so I have not really looked at anything newer on the market like the kel-tec. I still feel the sig is a good gun that suited my needs. That is what it all basically comes down to what suits your needs. 0 -
Amt .380 D/A Stainless (two mags). Next a Colt Pocket lite. I am in the Merchent Marine so I have put some thought into this. Best, Robert
"Endurance"0 -
I've got both a SIG and a Walther. The SIG was bought for the lady of the house and the Walther was bought so I could practice weakhand shooting. Both are good, but I really cannot recommend a .380 for concealed carry--you would be much better served by an S&W J-frame gun like a model 60.
The issue isn't the caliber, it's one of reliability. 380 autos are somewhat finicky and you really want something of maximum reliability. While I would feel adequately armed, I just don't have that deep gut level of confidence in a .380 as I would with a small revolver of proven performance with +P 158 gr hollowpoints. I'm probably overcautious but I'll lay it down with the understanding that you aren't likely to have a backup to something this small. I also think that those in the know would be inclined to agree.
Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead0 -
Colt Mustang PocketLite or the Pony if the SA Mustang is an issue.
AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY0 -
Looks like the Colt Mustang Pocketlite has it hands down. Excellent choice but now locate one for a good price. 0 -
I think I'd go along with Darrell here.....but instead of .380, I'd prefer the 9x18 Makarov round. It's power falls between the .380 and the 9mm parabellum.
More bang for the buck.0 -
I'll put a vote in for the AMT Backup. Perfect size for a pocket/last ditch gun and mine is very reliable.
Buy low, short high...0 -
Kel Tec DOES make a 9mm and a .40 S&W that would make anyone wonder why they would settle for a .380 when the Kel Tec is just as compact and light as any .380 out there. However, Kel Tec has a wicked DAO trigger pull. My mom will fire 2 magazines at the range and have a tired finger. I'm getting her something else for Christmas.
FEG makes great guns for the price. Check out their .380. If it is anything like the Hi-Power clones they make you won't be disappointed!0 -
Just my opinion.
I carry a older 380 Llama IIIA. Locked breach not blowback, a scaled down 1911. I have owned this for 30 years never a problem with it. I have added a Ace trigger shoe. Which I like the feel of the wider trigger.
I recently bought a CZ70 32 ACP to carry and found it bulker and heavyer than the Llama.
I Refuse to be a VictimGrumpy old man
Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of All Those that Threaten it0 -
My Colt 1903 .380 Pocket Hammerless auto is like my American Express Card, I never leave home without it!!
Accurate, reliable, light and the easiest to conceal handgun going.
Charlie
"It's the stuff dreams are made of Angel"NRA Certified Firearms InstructorMember: GOA, RKBA, NJSPBA, NJ area rep for the 2ndAMPD. njretcop@copmail.com0
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