Which .380?

5917 Views 51 Replies 42 Participants Last post by sixgun, Jun 25, 2006

jabo2818

Discussion Starter · Jun 19, 2006

I am kicking around the idea of getting a more concealable gun and thought a .380 would be good. Does anybody have any suggestions or thoughts?

1 - 20 of 52 Posts

Redneck Repairs

· #2 · Jun 19, 2006

I hate to say it but for concealibility no .380 beats the little kel-tech p3AT. Mine is reliable and shoots where it looks at realistic distances .

I just hate the cheap looking and feeling little sucker but it is my allways gun . I may parkerise the slide on it and see if i like the looks of that better lol .

To shoot with all other considerations aside my german walther ppk/s will hold its own on accuracy with any other pistol i own . but my khar pm9 is both smaller and lighter than the ppk/s .

jarhead79

· #3 · Jun 19, 2006

As far as size and concealability, you can't beat the P3AT. I don't have one, but it's definitely on my list. You could probably carry it in your hand and not get made.

I'll put a plug for a gun that I can vouch for. The Bersa Thunder .380 is amazing. It runs about $250 these days and is super reliable and incredibly accurate. I put 35 rounds into a fist sized group with zero fliers at 15 yards. And I'm not even a good shot. There are many proud Bersa owners here.

hlh1

· #4 · Jun 19, 2006

Just bought a P3AT a month ago. It's a great little gun that easy to conceal. I find it also easy to shoot and it's accurate for it's size.

P95Carry

· #5 · Jun 19, 2006

While a bit bigger and heavier I too will extol the virtues of the Bersa .380 - mine is now my wife's :wink: - I also organized one for one of our friends and then got another for my step daughter's new carry.

If tho size/weight limitations are extreme then yes, I guess the P3AT must be the choice.

Freedz

· #6 · Jun 19, 2006

Im another one for the bersa. Best bang for buck in my book. I shoot the crap out of mine and I've never had any problems. The keltec is also a good option if you want more concealability. The bersa conceals pretty nice though.

QKShooter

· #7 · Jun 19, 2006

You guys have this one covered. :yup:

glocksmygun

· #8 · Jun 19, 2006

I agree with everyone else. I own three bersa's and they all work very well. I even carry one as a backup when I am on duty. I know of at least 5 other officers that use them as a backup weapon.

Captain Ray

· #9 · Jun 19, 2006

I am not sure why anyone would want to carry a .380.. correct me if I am wrong.. but we are basically talking about a 9mm short, right? Why carry a smaller version of a 9mm? Why not just carry a 9mm?

I do like the Bersa though.. they are kind of fugly.. but they have a reputaion for going "BANG" when you pull the trigger!!

It's just an odd, and expensive round?! I don't see the sense in owning it...

Raymond

Freedz

· #10 · Jun 19, 2006

I feel that the .380 is slightly easier to control than the standard 9mm. Thats the advantage in my opinion. It is pretty much the bottom of the ladder when it comes to defense calibers but it is still fairly effective.
And on another note im not sure what you mean by the bersa being fugly? Maybe its just me but I think they're kinda sleek and classy looking. Everyone is different though. Your right too - they do go bang every time.

rocky

· #11 · Jun 19, 2006

.380 is a smaller size gun than the 9mm. Many favor a .380 over a .32. Personally, if I could get a keltec P3t siize in a 9mm i would. since it isn't made that small, I will most likely get the .380

Scott

· #12 · Jun 19, 2006

Captain Ray said:
I am not sure why anyone would want to carry a .380.. correct me if I am wrong.. but we are basically talking about a 9mm short, right? Why carry a smaller version of a 9mm? Why not just carry a 9mm?

I do like the Bersa though.. they are kind of fugly.. but they have a reputaion for going "BANG" when you pull the trigger!!

It's just an odd, and expensive round?! I don't see the sense in owning it...

Raymond

My wife is 105lbs and 5'4" and a half, don't forget the half let me tell you. The grip size and concealability of a 380 works well for her where the compact 9s just don't. I can't put my finger on it, but at 6' 2" 230lbs I cannot shoot her 380 either. The 380 platform for some reason works for some people. I guess that's why they still make them.

Rick707

· #13 · Jun 19, 2006

Love the P3AT, I ride the mountain bike all over the city trails, its very comfortable tucked away in the smart carry. Had a couple FTE problems in the first 100 rounds, now it has worked perfect the last 500 or so rounds.

RSSZ

· #14 · Jun 19, 2006

KelTec P-AT is the thinnest and is the lightest. Long DA so I carry mine with rd. in chamber,in small Uncle Mikes $9 pocket holster.

You got 6+1 to sling at the BG. For my idea of a CC type shoot,7yds. PLENTY accurate. Even double taps or unload the 6+1 very fast. This for males with med to large hands. Would not suggest this weapon for a female. This is not a weapon to be used for extended range sessions. But ok to train with.(recoil) Look for a used weapon. They are $200-$225ish.

Do a F&B on a very clean weapon. Put 300(or so) rds. thru it for brake in. Blaser brand will do.

Make sure you get a GEN.2 weapon. Pick up a couple extra mags and rotate them. Paint the mag floor plate white. Also a belt clip if needed(not for me).

When invited to a gunfight you WILL always have a gun. --------

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jwkimber45

· #15 · Jun 19, 2006

My wife prefers her Colt Mustang .380 over all else. Good luck finding one for decent price these days.......

Urkslaven

· #16 · Jun 20, 2006

Hi Jabo2818

I carry the Sig P230 and would highly recommend it - The Kel Tec I have is the P-32, and is very concealable - but Kel Tec's P-3AT .380 is almost the same size - and when I had them side by side, I couldn’t tell them apart - I like the belt clips - helps me CC better - here’s a few pics to let you see the size of the P230.

Good Luck

~Urkslaven~

Kevin

· #17 · Jun 20, 2006

Colt Mustang or Government Pocketlite

Walther PPK/S

Browning BDA .380 (best shooter of the bunch - but the biggest also)

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3

frankmako

· #18 · Jun 20, 2006

go with the kel-tec p3at.

dimmak

· #19 · Jun 20, 2006

My stepdad just got a Bersa with some kind of carry melt from the factory.... Pretty neat....

dr_cmg

· #20 · Jun 20, 2006

dimmak said:
My stepdad just got a Bersa with some kind of carry melt from the factory.... Pretty neat....

That would be the new Bersa Thunder .380 Concealed Carry. It is pretty neat. And weighs almost 6 oz. less than the regular Thunder .380.

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