The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: mrmatt2you on February 22, 2010, 09:03:09 PM
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I was on their website tonight and cannot for the life of me figure out why you cannot buy a .380 Glock in the US. Can anyone answer that for me? How is it that you can get a Ruger .380 and a Kahr or any other small .380 but the B.A.T.F.E.?
Thanks,
Matt
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It has t have a certain number of points via BATFE's rating scale before it's legal to import. I've been told the 25 and 28 don't have enough import points. Things like Finger grooves, barrel length, and capacity are on the list I'm told.
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To be imported into the US, a handgun must "earn" enough points from an established grading system. Meant to keep out cheap, poorly constructed firearms, it also limits the ability to import a polymer framed pistol in certain calibers. Every imported Glock pistol was wearing an adjustable sight when it came into the US. Those models in .380 can only be sold to law enforcement agencies willing to do the paperwork. Most won't. Why carry a .380 when the same size pistol is available in 9mm Parabellum.
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Get a glock 26 i did and its a tank.
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From what I read, the .380 is a blow-back design and that scores low points. Too low to be brought up to requirements by adjustable sights or other means.
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Here is a breakdown of the points system and a good explination of how it works:
http://www.glockfaq.com/content.aspx?ckey=Glock_FAQ_Glock_Model_Info#points
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You would just think if the other glocks meet the standards, you would think a .380 would also. Same type of gun but different caliber. Just one of those things that made me go Hmmmm. Not that I would go out and buy one. Trying to figure out why it is not importable.
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You would just think if the other glocks meet the standards, you would think a .380 would also. Same type of gun but different caliber. Just one of those things that made me go Hmmmm. Not that I would go out and buy one. Trying to figure out why it is not importable.
It is the way the point system is designed. It is designed to keep cheap, unreliable and ineffective guns out of the hands of criminals.
It is simply our Gov.'s effort to upgrade the capabilities of the bad guys. We should thank them for taking such good care of us.