Suggestions for a 380

[Behler17]

Ok lets loop this tangent thread back to the original. Pocket holsters aside, if it works for you great, but jeans front pocket carry just isn't an option for me...who knows maybe it's my abnormally large thighs...i just don't have the pocket room. the SOB holster is great because it works with all scenarios. and once you practice and train for different scenarios it will become a reflex to draw.

as for the shooting of a man in the chest with one .45 JHP. i never said that one shot was the magic shot with a 45. science/god/fate intervene and anomolies do happen. (this is why i practice double taps and failure drops) ..... i will look for your thread in the rifle forum once i leave work and we can discuss the 5.56 v 7.62 issue some more.

now coming full circle to the original issue. guy wants a recomendation on a .380 for his wife. the assumption is that it is for defensive carry. i say why bother with a .380 when the greatness of science and gun manufacturers have produced hicap very concealable and hand size friendly guns in more appealing calibers such as .357 sig, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. (note: i did not mention 9mm or .45 GAP, but that is a whole new thread).

also with that in mind i will comment on SNERT. yes most cases of having to actually pull your gun in defense will end with the violator disengaging at the site of the gun itself thus resolving the conflict without him wondering what caliber of bullet will be coming at him/her. BUT everyone who carries a handgun carries it for that "O SHIP" moment in life, the worst case possible. otherwise why carry. so in the event the crap hits the fan and your attacker is not intimidated by the mere site of your weapon, you have to ask yourself..."do i really want to bet my life or that of my family on a .380?" so carry a caliber of your choosing that has the power to do some damage and don't forget the spare magazines.

[synergy]

Originally Posted by Behler17

the SOB holster is great because it works with all scenarios. and once you practice and train for different scenarios it will become a reflex to draw.

Sorry, but your very mistaken there. It's very hard to draw with your opposite hand, it's the hardest spot to reach to on your belt line, and if you fall on your ass...you can cause yourself to have a spinal injury...and it's uncomfortable to sit down with. You have the worst chance of getting to that gun in a struggle, with the exception of ankle carry.

If you have good luck with it, for your body type, good for you. Bottom line is that it's one of the worst places to carry.

as for the shooting of a man in the chest with one .45 JHP. i never said that one shot was the magic shot with a 45. science/god/fate intervene and anomolies do happen. (this is why i practice double taps and failure drops) ..... i will look for your thread in the rifle forum once i leave work and we can discuss the 5.56 v 7.62 issue some more.i say why bother with a .380 when the greatness of science and gun manufacturers have produced hicap very concealable and hand size friendly guns in more appealing calibers such as .357 sig, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. (note: i did not mention 9mm or .45 GAP, but that is a whole new thread).

I'm not gonna waste any more of my time here then...you've made it abundantly clear which camp you subscribe to. If you think 9mm won't kill as effectively as a .45, and "double taps" are a worthwhile tactic, and that a heart shot with a .45 JHP will instantly take someone out of the fight unless God himself intervenes ....my words on the internet here surely aren't going to change your mind.

Glad you're happy with your carry gun.

[fultonCoShooter]

you all watch to many movies.

plenty of people get killed with small calibers 22 .25 .32 .380 etc

in fact in most major cities with gang problems im sure the coroner will tell you they see more .22 .25 and .380 killing people more than 9mm .40 .45 etc and barely ever see 38 spec and revolver magnum cals

The ones they see that are magnum cals ive been told are usually old retired men who have lived long enough and decided to end it

[colagrrl]

In all this arguing over the .380 being such an inferior choice for carrying, I have yet to see who's going to volunteer to be the one that I get to shoot with my CC .380 to see just how much damage there really is?

I mean come on; you're all tough guys and when I'm carrying my .380 I only have 16 rounds of FMJ, so who wants to test it out?

I know what you're thinking. Is she a good shot? I think I'd have to be, because after all, all I'm carrying is a little .380

[hltmd]

To return to the original question, I would like to recommend the original .380, which was Mr Browning's variation on the 1903 Colt, the 1908. These can be found at gunshows in reasonable condition, but are not as easily found as the .32 cal 1903. They shoot without much recoil, are reliable, and have both a thumb safety and a grip safety. They can therefore be carried cocked and locked safely. They are quite thin and easy to conceal. Another thought would be the Remington model 51, which is an extremely thin pistol, also reliable.

[fultonCoShooter]

Originally Posted by Mtbkski

Buddy wants to get his wife a 380. He is looking at the new Ruger that is coming out shortly, anyone know anything about it. Or, have a great suggestion from past experiance on a good 380 that won't break the bank?

The Ruger LCP feels sold in the hand

Im really looking forward to getting one

[Mentalcase]

Sig 232 my fav.

[Leeload45]

Originally Posted by Mentalcase

Sig 232 my fav.

+1!! The Sig 232 is hands down the best .380 I have ever shot. They are very solid, and handle the recoil well, even though they are blowback action. There is no external safety to worry about manipulating, and the decocker makes standing down after action a simple process. My 232 is quite accurate and has handled every type of ammo I have fed it without problems. As someone said in an earlier post, this gun will be live and active for your children and your children's children. Very solid! It is quite concealable as well.

[PocketProtector]

I really don't understand those that think the P3-AT is like a hand cannon or that the trigger is difficult. I find it easily controllable, surprisingly accurate, a natural pointer and a smooth easy to manage trigger. I have 2 of them and a P-32 and I couldn't be happier in how they handle.
I also have a P-11 whose trigger is admittedly abominable. At least until I added the Dial-a-Trigger mod found on the KTOG website. Huge improvement.

[Siggy]

Here are some thoughts on the Bersa .380 and .380's in general. I bought a Bersa Thuder .380 about a year ago with the plan of giving to my wife in the future when I bought a larger caliber for myself.
1) It is perfectly capable for self-defense - I have no reservations with carrying mine.
2) Very accurate prior post have stated how the .380 uses expenseive ammo, kicks suprisingly strong, and is not the easiest handgun to use (racking and clearing a jam caused by limp-wristing can require more effort than some women can/want to put into it).
3) I had a problem with the safety disengaging on my Bersa after putting about 100 rounds through it, until you clenaed it again. Bersa customer service was excellent and they paid the shipping and replacement of the firing pin and safety mechanism within 1 week.
4) All things considered, my wife is leaning towards the purchase of a .38 Special. She can handle the mechanics of the revolver much more easily and the risk of failure is almost nill. We both still love shooting the Bersa and anyone I let fire it at the range always seems impressed by its feel/accuracy, especially for a $225 pistol. For me it is a great backup to my Sig .40 S&W, but for my wife she is better off with something a bit easier to use.