380/32 Comparison

R

Roland Thunder

New member
I have a Kahr PM9 that I carry (when I carry). I had been thinking about selling and getting something lighter and smaller. So, I put together this matrix comparing the various 380/32 pistols.

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It looks to me like I would have to settle for a Kel-Tec or Ruger LCP (or something else not in this comparison) if I want to go smaller/lighter. I love the looks of the Walther PPK and CZ-83 but I would be giving up power for something bigger with less power. Single action cocked and locked are not an option for me.

As a disclaimer, the specs came from the following website:
http://whichgun.com/pistols/

This is a nice website for comparing gun specs.
 
I like the BG 380 & G42 380,and I keep them loaded with hollow points.Can't speak for others,but I thank they are the best.:):D
 
If you want a small .32 or .380, don't forget Seecamp. Much small than the Kel Tec or Ruger. Very reliable and well made.
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Almost 50% heavier, and twice the price of the three best choices on the list.
For a truly small, and light, easy to carry pocket gun, stick with the Kel-Tec P32, P3at, or Ruger LCP.
 
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At my local indoor range, I have rented and fired several light weight double-action-only 380's with blow back actions, and I hated them all. Nasty trigger pulls and nasty recoil. That forced me to consider single-action-only, such as Sig 238 or Colt Mustang; even though I am not totally comfortable with carrying cocked and locked. Or to consider single/double, such as the Walther PPK or its clones. I have not made a final decision yet, but I am certain that I will not be choosing a double-action-only. I might go back to my S&W J frame revolver for my concealed carry gun.
 
At my local indoor range, I have rented and fired several light weight double-action-only 380's with blow back actions
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Then you haven't shot a P3at, or LCP!
They are locked breech, tilting barrel delayed blowback. Just like the Sig 238.
Or to consider single/double, such as the Walther PPK or its clones.
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That one is a blow back action.
 
"Power" is not all it's purported to be.
Having a gun is the most important thing.
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True.

And having a more realistic gun as the primary is higher on the list.

Quote:
If you want a small .32 or .380, don't forget Seecamp. Much small than the Kel Tec or Ruger. Very reliable and well made.
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Almost 50% heavier, and twice the price of the three best choices on the list.
For a truly small, and light, easy to carry pocket gun, stick with the Kel-Tec P32, P3at, or Ruger LCP.
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Ive had a number of "small" back up guns over the years, including a P32 and LCP, and the Seecamps are still the one the others wish they were.

As far as Im concerned, the Seecamp is the one that sets the bar, and so far, none of the others have beat it.

Nasty trigger pulls and nasty recoil. That forced me to consider single-action-only, such as Sig 238 or Colt Mustang; even though I am not totally comfortable with carrying cocked and locked.
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You may also want to consider the Glock 42's. Very soft shooters and as accurate as their bigger siblings out to about as far as you can shoot those.

One of the "zack" type trigger guard holsters makes them more palatable to those who are Glock phobic. Would also work for the P238, etc too.

That one is a blow back action.
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Most of the .380's are blowback. Some more comfortable to shoot than others. Those are usually on the larger side, and with better grips.
 
The CZ82 IS a blow back designed DA / SA pistol chambered in 9X18 Makarov. It can be carried in the cocked and locked fashion or in the DA mode (hammer down) first round will be DA all subsequent shots will be in SA mode. While I love my CZ82 to no end, I would strike it from your list due mainly to ammo availability. And most small 380's ARE NOT blow back. The LCP, P3AT, TCP, etc are locked breach. While your CZ82, 83, PPQ, Makarovs, etc are blow back design. With all that said if you want a small, light, highly concealable pistol you're gonna get some recoil to go along with it. It's a trade off. I don't like firing a bunch of rounds through the TCP but it's not a range hound and I love carrying it.
 
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Most of the .380's are blowback. Some more comfortable to shoot than others. Those are usually on the larger side, and with better grips.
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Over ten years ago, prior to the Kel-Tec P3at.
The ones most popular now are all delayed blow back,locked breech, tilting barrel actions. That is what enables them to be so small! The larger,newer designs like the Ruger LC380, based on the LC9, the Glock G42, and the Walther P380 to name a few are all locked breech,delayed blow back, not blow back. The difference is the tilting barrel vs the fixedbarrel of tthe Walther PPK, CZ 83, PA63, and other bigger, older designs.
 
Locked breach pistols are most certainly not delayed blowback.

They use a design called short recoil. The slide and barrel are locked together as they recoil and then the barrel disconnects from the slide, which continues back while the barrel stops.

The term long recoil is used for those where the barrel travels back more than the length of a cartridge. At least I think that it what separates short from long recoil guns. Long recoil is not a common design in pistols.

Bart Noir
 
If you're happy with your PM9 why not consider a Kahr 380? There is the deluxe model P380, the budget CW380 and the slightly larger budget CT380. Kahr triggers are very consistent across the product line and the bar dot sights are too.
 
I believe that you should ignore the .32. I draw my personal line there, I don't think that a .32 reaches a level of damage that is acceptable for a six round handgun a big knife can do as much damage, maybe more.

Either the lcp, the bodyguard, or some other compact .380 will stand far above the .32, at a very similar size. The bodyguard and lcp are not blowback, you should avoid blowback operated guns, imo.

Even the tiny .380 pistols carry seven rounds, can fire top quality ammo. It's not a 9 or 38, but the tiny little thing will be fine for deep cover when you aren't willing to carry larger.
 
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