I'm not much for doing reviews, but I know when I went looking for anything on this model, there just was not much out there. So this is just my little bit to add to the limited first hand reviews out there.
I knew I wanted an all metal, or as close to an all metal, pocket pistol. It had to be small enough to slide into a pocket and fit comfortably without having to talk myself into believing it. And, it had to be DA, or at least the first pull had to be DA. So, I did the whole Guardian, Seecamp, Magnum Research, etc. search for reviews and first hand encounters. I was able to hold a couple of the examples I was looking at, but did not shoot any. I was ready on numerous occasions to complete the search process by deciding on a Seecamp 32acp, but the purchase just never happened. I kept focusing on the 32acp because I just didn't want to move to a bigger physical size (e.g, Guardian 32 vs the Gaurdian 380)
I was intrigued by the Masterpiece Arms MP380 because it had the size of the Seecamp and Guardian 32 but with a 380 caliber. The Seecamp 380 is the same size as their 32, but the cost was twice that of the Masterpiece Arms 380. I finally made the decision and did purchase the MPA 380. It is machined and built in the US by the company more known for its tactical looking arms. I have the latest version, which is labeled MPA380B-II. The modifications to the initial design included a beaver tail, a ported barrel, and a finger extension on the magazine.
The few reviews I read of the gun were all from the original version, minus the recent design enhancements. There were a few complaints of harsh recoil. The ports must have changed that because there is definitely not a recoil issue now, at least not to me. I also own an LCR 38sp and the recoil on the MPA380 is less than that with my LCR. I always read about the heavy triggers on these all metal small 32/380's. As a comparison to my Ruger LCR, MPA380 trigger feels very similar. It feels smooth, not overly heavy, and a natural break point at the end of a not too long trigger pull. Suffice to say I have no issues with the trigger. If you like the LCR feel, I cannot imagine not liking the MPA380B-II trigger feel.
While this gun has no sights, only a channel on top, it most certainly can hit center of mass pretty consistently at 7 yards. In the target pic I attached, the shots within tha 4 inch cluster close to the center were at 7 yards. The hits further out were at 30'. These shots represent the first 20 or so shots I took with the gun. I took the gun out of the box, loaded the magazine put the target up and took a gamble I didn't make a big mistake with the purchase. So far, no regrets.
I ended up shooting about 50 rounds. I had one Fail to Load and one stove pipe on the last round, like I have seen on other similar style blowback pistols. The grip is comfortable, the weight is balanced and feels substantive. Weight is a subjective thing. It feels heavier than it is. It weighs right about even with the Seecamp and a fair bit less than the NAA Guardian 380. The fit feels tight and smooth. There are no burrs or rough edges. I am more pleased that I expected to be. Very solid feel, limited recoil, all metal, manages a four inch grouping in the center of a target at 7 yards ( can probably improve that with practice).
Price was less than $300 including shipping to my FFL. I am amazed this beautiful little .380 is so little known. Shoots well, fits in just about any pocket, great grip, smooth firm trigger. Nothing not to like. I will come back to give an update after about 500 rounds.
To cover the politics and religion of caliber, I am not recommending or suggesting what anyone else should or should not use. This is just my impression of my new gun.
I knew I wanted an all metal, or as close to an all metal, pocket pistol. It had to be small enough to slide into a pocket and fit comfortably without having to talk myself into believing it. And, it had to be DA, or at least the first pull had to be DA. So, I did the whole Guardian, Seecamp, Magnum Research, etc. search for reviews and first hand encounters. I was able to hold a couple of the examples I was looking at, but did not shoot any. I was ready on numerous occasions to complete the search process by deciding on a Seecamp 32acp, but the purchase just never happened. I kept focusing on the 32acp because I just didn't want to move to a bigger physical size (e.g, Guardian 32 vs the Gaurdian 380)
I was intrigued by the Masterpiece Arms MP380 because it had the size of the Seecamp and Guardian 32 but with a 380 caliber. The Seecamp 380 is the same size as their 32, but the cost was twice that of the Masterpiece Arms 380. I finally made the decision and did purchase the MPA 380. It is machined and built in the US by the company more known for its tactical looking arms. I have the latest version, which is labeled MPA380B-II. The modifications to the initial design included a beaver tail, a ported barrel, and a finger extension on the magazine.
The few reviews I read of the gun were all from the original version, minus the recent design enhancements. There were a few complaints of harsh recoil. The ports must have changed that because there is definitely not a recoil issue now, at least not to me. I also own an LCR 38sp and the recoil on the MPA380 is less than that with my LCR. I always read about the heavy triggers on these all metal small 32/380's. As a comparison to my Ruger LCR, MPA380 trigger feels very similar. It feels smooth, not overly heavy, and a natural break point at the end of a not too long trigger pull. Suffice to say I have no issues with the trigger. If you like the LCR feel, I cannot imagine not liking the MPA380B-II trigger feel.
While this gun has no sights, only a channel on top, it most certainly can hit center of mass pretty consistently at 7 yards. In the target pic I attached, the shots within tha 4 inch cluster close to the center were at 7 yards. The hits further out were at 30'. These shots represent the first 20 or so shots I took with the gun. I took the gun out of the box, loaded the magazine put the target up and took a gamble I didn't make a big mistake with the purchase. So far, no regrets.
I ended up shooting about 50 rounds. I had one Fail to Load and one stove pipe on the last round, like I have seen on other similar style blowback pistols. The grip is comfortable, the weight is balanced and feels substantive. Weight is a subjective thing. It feels heavier than it is. It weighs right about even with the Seecamp and a fair bit less than the NAA Guardian 380. The fit feels tight and smooth. There are no burrs or rough edges. I am more pleased that I expected to be. Very solid feel, limited recoil, all metal, manages a four inch grouping in the center of a target at 7 yards ( can probably improve that with practice).
Price was less than $300 including shipping to my FFL. I am amazed this beautiful little .380 is so little known. Shoots well, fits in just about any pocket, great grip, smooth firm trigger. Nothing not to like. I will come back to give an update after about 500 rounds.
To cover the politics and religion of caliber, I am not recommending or suggesting what anyone else should or should not use. This is just my impression of my new gun.