WTB .380 Auto

J

J.T.Hartsfield

New member
Looking into getting a .380 automatic. It will be used by my girlfriend for concealed carry. Any suggestions on brand ? and what is the most I should pay. Any input is greatly appreciated.

------------------
Don't steal. The government hates competition.
 
I have a Colt customized Govt. .380 model by SM&A with a "PCP" Pocket Carry Package seen here: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=81821&a=6049111&p=20861201

Some of the custom work is listed here.

*Dehorn & Remove all sharp edges
*SM&A Stainless Guide-Rod system
*Wolff 12 lb. single recoil spring
*SM&A Alloy trigger installed
*Throat & polish feed ramp; adjust extractor
*Precision crown muzzle
*Add dot to stock front sight, contour rear
*Bevel magazine well
*Modify magazine release, add heavier spring
*Adjust thumb safety engagement/detent
*Adjust slide stop spring
*Complete matte refinish

Also added was

*Novak tritium Night Sights

This pistol was never fired before it was sent in for the custom work. It was only fired at SM&A for function testing. It hasn't been fired since then. It is a new custom pistol.

You can read a little more about the package here: http://www.colt380.com/mustang.htm

I bought this for the wife and before she could fire it she took a liking to the Glock 19 before it came back from the custom shop.

The Colt PCP .380 will be sent to your FFL dealer for $630 money order.

It comes with 2 factory mags and a Mitch Rosen "ARG".

I spent $1000+ on this pistol and holster combo.

I'm looking at selling this to get a base gun to have it customized up again.

Thanks
Ross T.
 
I recommend a Bersa or the new Firestorm. I have a firestorm and my cousin has a Bersa. Both are very well put together, very inexpensive, and very accurate for what it is. I paid $200 for mine and carry it in my pocket or in a SOB holster when wearing my shirt untucked. I think its the most unknown best-buy there is right now for concealed carry. Check one out!

Greg
 
I'm going to move this thread over to the Handgun Forum. Since you are not looking for any specific gun and are asking for "any input" at this point, I think you'll get more responses over there.

I saw a very nice blued Sig P230 at a gunshow last month. It was supposedly a European Police trade-in. The guy was asking $319. If you are looking for something cheaper than a Sig, I've heard some good things about Makarovs. Do a search in the Handgun Forum with ".380" in the subject line and you'll find a ton of information.

Good Luck

-Dave

------------------
RKBA!
"The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security"
Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 4 Concealed Carry is illegal in Ohio.
Ohioans for Concealed Carry Website
 
I would second the Bersa. I have the Thunder 380 and it is a very accurate and reliable weapon. For the price it is a great deal.
 
I would suggest the Sig 230 or 232. Reasonably priced,built like a Sig and shoot very well.

I have owned 2 different American made Walther PPK/S's ans they both were paperweights. Twice back to the factory at Interarms still didn't fix the problems. My advice is to aviod the American made PPK's.

CMOS

------------------
NRA? Good. Now join the GOA!

The NRA is our shield, the GOA will be our sword.
 
Get her a little Sig I love mine and so do all my friends. If you know what I mean :)

------------------
Shop Smart! Shop S-Mart
 
Every time I see a thread on here about a .380 auto, I feel the need to say something about my Bersa. I have grown quite fond of this weapon as it has been very reliable. I love my Bersa Series 95 and I would recommend it to anyone. They are really cheap and I have never had a jam after at least 300 rounds. Accuracy is as good as the shooter IMHO.
 
Thanks guys , now i know a little better what to look for. I'm definatly going to check out the Bersa

------------------
Don't steal. The government hates competition.
 
I'd go along with the Bersa also. I have a Md#83 and it was a great gun for the money. No problems with it what so ever. :)

------------------
We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
I have an american made PPK, and I don't know what all the fuss is about. Mine is accurate and works great.

The PPK's closest competitor is the Sig 230/232. Now, I know better to insult this fine handgun, so I will just say that I prefer the PPK over the Sig because of the safety/decocker (sig only has a decocker), size (sig is bigger) and "american" mag release (sig has the european style release).

Other .380's are the Bersa, Beretta (single or double stack) and the Colt Mustang. I haven't shot either, though.
 
Here is yet another vote for the Bersa Series 95. Slide to frame fit is tight, finish is a very nice satin nickle. In the accuracy dept. I achieve one ragged hole in the center of the target at 7 yds with CCI Blazers, American Eagle (Federal) and Winchester SXT's. I carry this in a nice leather Roma fanny pak. Mine was $189 NIB.
 
It seems a lot of people like the Bersa. I only have experience with a Colt Mustang .380. They nice little guns. They are of locked breach design instead of the blowback like the PPK and the Sig. This means that the liitle sucker doesn't kick nearly as hard as these other .380's. The only blowback I have shot was a Makarov ond the thing kicked way worse than my dad's .45. I'm not sure about what design the Bersa is, but you might want to check out a Colt Mustang, Pony, or Officer in .380. BTW this gun is very small and thin and is easy to conceal.
 
If you look at a Mustang or Colt Gov., beware the blued finish; stick to stainless. The blued steel may be too soft for the intended application. I sent a blued Mustang back twice for a new slide because of slide stop wear and finally got promised a refund. Colt customer service is almost nonexistent.

I say this as the satisfied owner of two Gov. .380's, one in s/s and one in nickel. My most carried .380 is a Walther clone made in Hungary by FEG and designated the SMC-380. It is similar to the FEG PA-63.

Also consider the CZ .380, made in Czekoslovakia (sp?), a fine gun for the money.

Ledbetter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top