380 recommendation

K

Kingcuda

Inactive
Im going to be getting a 380 for my mother this christmas as shes wanted one for a while now. Ive looked at a few of them that are out there but want to know what people would recommend. I have about a 400 dollar budget and want something that will hold up to hundreds of rounds. Something reliable that isnt going to leave me with empty pockets after buying. I would also like to find her something with a grip that she can get all of her fingers around even if that means getting one with a grip extension on the magazine. Give me some ideas people
 
Ideally she'll do some shopping with you so you can put a few different 380s in her hands to determine the best fit for her. It's like ring shopping, without the pain!

The Glock 42 has a great feel, with or without aftermarket extensions. I believe, like the 43, it comes with one mag that already has a pinky extension (but I could be wrong).
 
If it is for your mom, make sure to have her choose it. Take her out shopping and have her hold them, and, if possible, rent a couple for her to try out. Many men make the mistake of choosing for the women in their lives, and they end up buying what they like instead of what she likes. That being said, take a few things into consideration:
1. Will she be carrying the gun? If so, then how will she carry it? Lighter options are easier to carry and conceal, but are often more difficult to shoot, so a balance must be achieved there.
2. What is her experience level? If it is low, you may want to pay for a class for her, or better yet, take a class together, even if you already have the knowledge/experience.
 
Thanks for the replies. But unfortunately having her choose the gun really isnt an option because she knows im a boke mofo and will not let me buy one for her. So I have to buy something I think she would like and force her to take it after it already been paid for. I will also add that she does not have low experience with guns. She can shoot better than me and has a few high end sigs in her collection and can shoot them like a boss, so getting her a gun thats simple to opperate really isnt necessary.
 
Bersa BP380CC. 8 round single stack mag. Same size as BP9CC. Nice gun for the money. Larger and easier to control than the G42, IMO. Nice trigger. No safety or mag disconnect. You'll think your shooting a Glock. If you pick one up, you'll buy it. I bought one strictly for my firearms training classes for those shooters who could not handle 9mm recoil. I'm tempted to get the 9mm version for myself...
 
Witness Pavonna. Not too small. Double stack that feels thin for the capacity. DA/SA, Light and easy to rack. If she might like some silly colors they are available as well.
 
Knowing that she is an experienced shooter, and that she likes Sigs, I'm going to go with the Bersa Thunder. Metal frame, hammer fired, good reputation, and in your price range.
 
Why .380? Is it her favorite caliber?

I am NOT starting a caliber war.


My lone experience with a .380 made me like my 9mm Kahr better: except when racking the slide.

I can't offer any better suggestions for the .380 handgun, as I know nothing about them. All I wonder is why you have identified this caliber to get her.
 
The cheapest Sig P238 model is the "Sport" or "Sports". If you search for that, you'll often see prices below $500 (some around $450, if in stock). I know you set a budget, but it might be worth a little extra if she already uses and like Sigs.
 
Another vote for the EAA Pavona. Designed specifically for women -- easy-to-rack slide, feminine frame colors, a grip that should fully accomodate her hand.
 
My G42 and Sig 238 are 100% reliable and the smallest and most easily concealed available, my Bersa (.22) on the other hand has never fired a full mag without failure. Just my experience I'm sure others will react differently.
 
My vote would be for the Glock 42 if you want to keep it at around $400. They do not come with pinky extensions, but those can be had for $10 or so.
 
OP;

While I've gotten some great deals on LN firearms that were originally bought for somebody's wife or mother, then it sat unused in a drawer for several years until it was sold off, you should get in contact with your local "Well Armed Women" shooting chapter, and they will help mom find the right firearm;

https://twawshootingchapters.org/

I see this group at one of the the indoor ranges I go to, and the ladies absolutely enjoy it, no kidding!
 
Kingcuda ...... Give me some ideas people
Click to expand...
First, WHY does she want a .380?
Is it intended for concealed carry?, House gun? Backup?
Concealed carry or backup gun means size will be a priority. If intended as a gun to keep in her nightstand not so much.

Second, does she have the hand strength to rack the slide?
Blowback designs are significantly more difficult to rack than locked breech.
 
DA/SA Fan said:
Witness Pavonna [sp]... Light and easy to rack.
Click to expand...
You sure about that last part?

As I've discussed (critically) in past threads, the .380 Pavona is NOT locked-breech. I've not handled one, but my past experience with "small-service-size" .380 blowback pistols—Beretta Series 81, SIG P230, Walther PP, Astra Constable—does NOT bode well; all are significantly harder to rack than a P238 or G42, or an M&P9c or 9mm Pavona for that matter. See Dogtown's comments above.
 
Slickguns had a dealer selling the Kimber Micro .380 in black with rosewood grips for $449.99. I know it's slightly over budget and may be a tad more complicated because of the thumb safety, but it's a very nice looking pistol that should hold up to thousands of rounds.
 
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