.380 choices

V

voodoo

New member
Before I get flamed here, let me preface this thread by stating despite its less-than-favorable status, my past experiences with the .380 have been very positive.

At one time, I had a Browning BDA. Note the word "had" - I sold it (and regret selling it to this day). It was a good looking gun, fun to shoot, and utterly reliable.

Well, the .380 bug has bitten once again, and I'm in the market for one. I was once again considering a Browning BDA, but I am also intrigued by the offerings from Beretta, namely the 85FS.

Haven't really looked at anything else, thought I know the Sig 232 seems to be very popular.

Anyone have a Beretta 85? Are there any other .380s I should be looking at?
 
Sig P232, look no further, truly a lovely little gun, yours for just $400 or so.

The 85 just isn't so well proportioned and I know of many people who have had feed difficulties with the PPK/s . Most notably Princess Anne's bodyguard during an abortive kidnap attempt in England during the 1970's.

Regards

Mike H
 
voodoo - I have both a P232 and Beretta 85F. Like them both, both hold 8+1, are eminently reliable, very accurate and have eaten everything I've fed them (just factory JHP & ball, no reloads)The SIG is a bit lighter (16.9 oz empty), so there's a bit more muzzle flip and felt recoil, but thoroughly controlable. The 85 has a lovely DA trigger (better than the SIG's, SA are about equal) and has a frame mounted ambidexterous safety(like a 1911) and a slide lock (the SIG has niether the external safety or slide lock, but does have a decocker, which the 85 lacks). Aesthetically, I prefer the SIG. I had a Interarms/Walther PPK/S, but it was a jamomatic POS, and a nasty gun to shoot (recoil and slide bites) when it shot at all.

At any rate, I put the Beretta up in the "Handguns for Sale" forum last week, it's LNIB and should go to someone who will shoot it more than I do, drop me a line if you're interested. M2
 
If you must have a .380, why not something like the Colt Mustang Pocketlite? It's one of the smallest .380 pistols around, and since it fires from a locked breech, the apparent recoil is very mild. I had mine worked over by SM&A with their PCP treatment, it's my favorite deep cover gun. All the other .380 pistols under discussion are bigger and heavier.

If you wanted something the size of the PPK, why not carry a Keltec P11, 11 rounds of 9mm in a very similar sized package.
 
I've got a CZ 83 that I really like. It holds 10 plus one, which is nice for a 380. I haven't had a single failure with a variety of ammo. It's not small, but it's a nice shooter. It costs considerably less than a Beretta. I almost bought a Beretta but liked the feel of the CZ in my hand better. Good luck on your choice.
 
Nah, get a Makarov. Even though the 9x18 is a better caliber, you can get these little gems in .380. For the money, you're getting a pistol that shoots better and is more reliable than a lot of high dollar guns.

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Guyon
NRA & GOA Member
Vote for your rights!!!
 
I agree with Timbo, take a good hard look at that CZ 83. A very sweet .380 in my humble opinion.

If concealed carry is your goal, however, the Sig 232 can't be beat, 380-wise. If I were to carry it a lot, I'd go with the stainless unless weight is a big consideration. The blued version is very light.

You might also consider an FEG PMK 380 or similar, which costs less and is quite decent. Just ask Dr. Rob.
 
Don't apologize for liking the .380--it's a fine round. Put one in the right place and it will do everything that you need done.

My only .380 is a Walther PPK in stainless.

I have no need for any other. Some will argue that their _______ (fill in the blank) is better because it's smaller or bigger or faster or lighter or handier or whatever. There ain't a one of 'em that can say their's is prettier with a straight face.

Mine's accurate, reliable, thin, concealable, and a da** fine looking piece of firearm design.

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Take the long way home...
 
The advantage to a .380 is that a gun designed for this round can use a blowback action, no tilting barrels etc.. This makes for a much more reliable gun and generally more accurate. I just picked up a bunch of 9x18 ammo at a gun show for $6 a box, but .380 is available at any sporting goods store and is usually pretty cheap. I've been thinking about getting a .380 too - how much are the CZ 83's going for?

[This message has been edited by makarov (edited October 05, 2000).]
 
I have a Walther PPK/S and a SIG P232, both in .380ACP. I am husky and have large hands. Recoil is no problem, but both guns have a lot more muzzle flip than larger guns, because they are so light. I think that the Walther flips more than the SIG. The Walther looks elegant, but in shooting it, you will find some rough edges. And the slide will bite you if you hold it wrong. For overall subjective feel, the Walther just seems to shoot a little rougher than the SIG. The rounder form and edges of the SIG and its lower profile hammer make it easier to carry too. I have had no jams with either. I prefer the SIG to the Walther, but not enough to think about getting rid of the Walther. It is, after all, the handgun of choice for Bond, James Bond. Or as close as us American cousins can get these days.
 
I have a Sig 232 stainless. It is a great little gun. Feeds corbon and Hydra Shok no problem. One down side, the stock grips are slipperier than snot.

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Shop Smart! Shop S-Mart**** That's right I'm a gear whore and proud of it***
 
I got a Bersa Thunder .380 a couple of months ago. Shoots great - accurate, reliable, and comfortable to shoot. Carries well too.
 
My only .380 is the PPK. I love it. I bought it for concealed carry, and it works great in an ankle holster. It's about the size of my J-frames (60 and 342), but I shoot it better. I also looked at the P230, but went with the Beretta because it was smaller, lighter, had a safety, had the "American Style" mag release, and the whole Bond thing. From what I've heard, the PPK is nicer to carry, while the P230/232 is nicer to shoot.
 
I agree that the Sig P232 is hard to beat for a nice quality .380

I mean come on,,,,,its a Sig :)


~Jason
 
You had a Browning BDA380 and you SOLD it :eek: I don't know what to say ... I think I'm going into shock ;)
380-3.jpg
 
Awwww, man,FUD......How could you do that to me!!! ;)

Actually , I am in negotiations with the individual that purchased the BDA from me - I'm trying to buy it back!

We'll see...
 
I've been thinking about getting a .380 too - how much are the CZ 83's going for?

makarov, I picked up my CZ 83 NIB a few weeks ago for $350. The shop I bought it from is usually higher than others, but he was the only one with any in stock. The gun shop I usually buy from said they used to sell for about $200 and they quit stocking them when the price went up and now stock FEG and Makarov in that price range.

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I like my Colt gov't model .380. I also have a Daewoo .380 imported by Kimber that shoots better then the Sig and the Walther. I would carry it except it has those cheesy thumb rest grips. I am searching for some replacements.
 
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