380 ACP PISTOLS

[Marine24]

Was rummaging around in my ammo locker and came across a couple of boxes of 380 ACP ammo. I had a Colt Mustang Mark IV, but ended up selling it. Just too small for my taste. Instead of just selling the ammo, thought I would explore options for a pistol in 380. It will spend most of its time in the safe with the occasional trip out to the range. I have my preferred conceal carry piece and never been one to rotate pistols as my daily carry.

My interests favor pistols that offer a full grip length to accommodate all my fingers, which is why I never warmed up to the Mustang even with the pinky extender. My tastes also lean more towards the older style pistols like the Walther PP or Sig P232.

Just looking for input on possible 380 pistols.

[crays]

PK380 can be had for fairly cheap. Good enough for a range plinker. Good for the kids and ladies, as well.

[.40isthenew.45]

Browning BDA .380 is worth looking at.
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[Zundfolge]

I've always wanted a Beretta 86

http://www.deactivated-guns.co.uk/images/Beretta%2084/84.jpg
http://www.deactivated-guns.co.uk/images/Beretta%2084/84_5.jpg

[Monky]

Check out the new M&P 2.0 in 380.. it's roughly the same size as the shield.

I was finger banging one at DF the other day... I was hoping for a pocket pistol, but if I'm gonna have one the same size as a 9mm.. I'm going with the 9mm..

[izzy]

The only one I've ever had is the sig p238 which I think is basically the same thing as the colt mustang.

[Zundfolge]

Oh, also almost forgot, for a while I owned a SIG P232. I'd take one of those again (or a P230) over a PPK any day of the week.

http://www.weaponspecialists.com/files/Sig%20P232.jpg

[trigger alert]The PPK is crap. (there ... I said it)[/trigger alert]

[SAnd]

Rock Island Armory makes the Baby Rock which is a scaled down 1911. It has the proportions of the full size 1911 only about 80% size. My Baby Rock took about 75 rounds to break in.

CZ made a model 83. It is the CZ82 9mm Mak in .380. 12 rounds double stack mags that are the same as the CZ82 mags. They were available surplus fairly inexpensive but I haven't seen any around lately.

The Beretta 84 is the parent to the Browning BDA380. 13 round double stack mags that don't extend beyond the grip. My BDA380 has "Browning Arms Company", "Fabrique National Herstal", and "PB Made in Italy" all marked on the slide. Kinda interesting.

[izzy]

Every single PPK I've ever fired jammed on me. I'm with you Zundfolge.

[Marine24]

I saw a Beretta Cheetah Model 84 down at Magnum, which is similar if not the same pistol to the Browning BDA and FN 140DA. It is a nice looking pistol and definitely one you can get a full grip on. Definitely reminds me of a scaled down Model 92/M9.

Just saw where Classic Firearms has the surplus CZ 83 available but the Sig 232 is still at the top of my list. Like that is has the lines of a Walther PP but improved reliability.

[Great-Kazoo]

If you can find one, a Mauser HsC

[sroz]

CDI and Robertsons trading post are selling Surplus Beretta 84bb and 84F models on Gunbroker at really good prices. Look thru them all and you can find some good ones at the $300-350 range. Beats paying $650-700+. R-Guns also has surplus 85F for $350.

[mattiooo]

I have both a Ruger LCP II and a Bersa Thunder. I use the Ruger for when I need something really small to hide. The Bersa Thunder was just because I wanted a Bond Gun, and it was about half the price of a fair condition PPK. Happy with both choices.

[Marine24]

If you can find one, a Mauser HsC

Now that is a cool pistol. GB has a few ranging from $400 to $4000.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[crays]

Dang, I forgot about the Bersas.

They were everywhere for a while, for about $200. The "compact tactical" , or whatever name they gave it, came equipped with Hogue finger-groove grips and actually felt pretty good in the hand.

Sent from somewhere

[Big E3]

I think you should look at breach locking action as opposed to the blow back design of the PPK’s and all it’s clones. BL is much milder as far as recoil. Have you tried the old Mustang II or Government 380 Colts that have the longer grip frame nice shooters? I would like to find a Browning or Beretta in 380 those are nice.

[mattiooo]

Dang, I forgot about the Bersas.

They were everywhere for a while, for about $200. The "compact tactical" , or whatever name they gave it, came equipped with Hogue finger-groove grips and actually felt pretty good in the hand.

Sent from somewhere

It is the Combat model you're talking about. I got one of the standard models in FDE when it was on sale at PSA for $209.

[mattiooo]

I think you should look at breach locking action as opposed to the blow back design of the PPK’s and all it’s clones. BL is much milder as far as recoil.
This is worth considering. I find my polymer midget Ruger softer shooting than the twice as big and much heavier all-metal Bersa.

[Marine24]

I think you should look at breach locking action as opposed to the blow back design of the PPK’s and all it’s clones. BL is much milder as far as recoil. Have you tried the old Mustang II or Government 380 Colts that have the longer grip frame nice shooters? I would like to find a Browning or Beretta in 380 those are nice.

I'll have to check on the Colts. I favor the 1911, so that is a plus but my Mark IV was just too small for my taste. A Colt 1908 might be an interesting addition.

[Colorado Osprey]

Oh, also almost forgot, for a while I owned a SIG P232. I'd take one of those again (or a P230) over a PPK any day of the week.

http://www.weaponspecialists.com/files/Sig%20P232.jpg



Could not agree more, plus you wont need a band aid from hammer bite.

[Marine24]

Appreciate the advice. Ended up going the Sig P232 route.

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[ChadAmberg]

I think you should look at breach locking action as opposed to the blow back design of the PPK’s and all it’s clones. BL is much milder as far as recoil. Have you tried the old Mustang II or Government 380 Colts that have the longer grip frame nice shooters? I would like to find a Browning or Beretta in 380 those are nice.

I have a Gov't 380, and it's... perfect. All those years back now when Sig came out with the p238, all I could think of is why didn't they bring out the bigger brother version?

Closest now is the Browning and the RIA baby rock.

[10x]

A glock 42 works well with a mag extension and lighter striker and safety spring.

[vossman]

I didn’t know this was a thing. I think this will be perfect for the wife. Thx Monky.


Check out the new M&P 2.0 in 380.. it's roughly the same size as the shield.

I was finger banging one at DF the other day... I was hoping for a pocket pistol, but if I'm gonna have one the same size as a 9mm.. I'm going with the 9mm..

[Nagant1984]

Oh, also almost forgot, for a while I owned a SIG P232. I'd take one of those again (or a P230) over a PPK any day of the week.

http://www.weaponspecialists.com/files/Sig%20P232.jpg

[trigger alert]The PPK is crap. (there ... I said it)[/trigger alert]


I second this. I love the P232SL with wood grips especially.

[Nagant1984]

Appreciate the advice. Ended up going the Sig P232 route.

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Very nice choice! Hope you got a great deal on it.

[Nagant1984]

Appreciate the advice. Ended up going the Sig P232 route.

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Now you just need a nice set of wood grips...