The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Big Frank on May 20, 2012, 02:12:05 PM
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When I bought my 75th anniversary PPK I planned on shoooting it, not keeping it as a safe queen. I bought 6 boxes of of ammo and never got around to shooting it. Now I've changed my mind about shooting it and will either trade it in or keep it unfired. I'm not decided yet, but I need another .380 to use up my ammo. That's a good enough excuse to buy another gun. ;) Any suggestions?
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You gotta budget in mind? My co-worker has the S&W Bodyguard and I've shot it many times, and its built in CT laser is solid, and the gun works great.
My other co-worker has the LCP and loves it, I like it also, although he doesn't shoot as much anymore: (New Daddy),... :-\
If there is not much of a budget to work with, I endorse my Kel-Tec P3AT, had it for several years now, and shot every kind of .380 ammo through it. Prefer the extended mags and it is usually my khaki shorts pocket pistol in the swamps of S. Florida suburbs.
Those would be my suggestions for fair priced .380's,......
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OTOH, if budget is no object, try the Sig P238! ;D
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Trade the ammo and buy a 9mm...
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Bersa underrated bargain price.
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Kel - Tec.
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Let's move up in size beyond the pocket midgets. How about something that's got a little more heft and size. Something you can hold on to and would be more fun to shoot than the tinier ones?
For inexpensive, how about:
Accu-Tek HC-380 or AT-380
Bersa Thunder either regular, Plus, Deluxe or CC
Cobra Patriot
Firestorm 380
Hi-Point 380
All of these under $400, one even under $200 (BUT REMEMBER you get what you pay for)
Moving up in price and in size a bit.
CZ83
Beretta Cheetah (mucho $)
Sig P232
Walther PK380
Taurs 58HCSS
Or you could just get a plain Jane PPK/s
Wait. I've got an idea. How about finding a PP ... oh wait, they're all pretty much collectibles too.
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Kel Tek P3AT or Bursa Thunder Slight size difference, Both reliable and in expensive.
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Just bought a new Bersa Thunder the other day for $288, seems fine so far. Needed something a little smaller than the 1911MS for ultra concealment, and this fit the bill perfectly!
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Maybe I should sell my PPK. I saw some online going for $800-1000. I'd have plenty of cash to buy a replacement and maybe a 9mm too, but that's not on my shopping list at this time. The top contenders right now are PPK or PPK/S, LCP, and 3AT.
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Maybe I should sell my PPK. I saw some online going for $800-1000. I'd have plenty of cash to buy a replacement and maybe a 9mm too, but that's not on my shopping list at this time. The top contenders right now are PPK or PPK/S, LCP, and 3AT.
Fondling them all might help in your decision, get what feels good to you! ;)
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It really depends on what you want it for.
If you just want a CC pistol that will ALWAYS be with you , any of those mentioned would be fine, however the High Point is a little large.
Also,
http://www.jgsales.com/handguns-c-16_155.html
But, if you are looking for something for DEEP CONCEALMENT, Kel-Tec and the Ruger LCP win since they are about the lightest and smallest.
Both have good reputations and you can carry in the top of your sock if they're reasonably tight, or your shirt pocket.
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It really depends on what you want it for.
If you just want a CC pistol that will ALWAYS be with you , any of those mentioned would be fine, however the High Point is a little large.
Also,
http://www.jgsales.com/handguns-c-16_155.html
But, if you are looking for something for DEEP CONCEALMENT, Kel-Tec and the Ruger LCP win since they are about the lightest and smallest.
Both have good reputations and you can carry in the top of your sock if they're reasonably tight, or your shirt pocket.
+1
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The top contenders right now are PPK or PPK/S, LCP, and 3AT.
Alright, I have the S&W/Walther PPK/S...and it is the very accurate. (See my .380 day posting from Oct. Nov. last year.)
But it's heavy for a "Bond,,,,,James Bond" pistol...I have a great Don Hume IWB holster that fits it like a glove, but in shorts can create the "droop" unless I go another hole on the belt.
Jeans aren't a problem just shorts, this may not be an issue for you I'm just sharing my personal exp. The LCP and P3AT are so close that Ruger was almost sued by KT, so Ruger put in a slide stop, and a slightly different mag release. The KT doesn't have a slide stop.
The PPK/S also holds the best resale value, as good used ones are almost always over $400 and NIB, are $5 and change or more.
But for an everyday lightweight wallet, keys, cellphone, pocketknife, "pistola", out the door,.....the KT, or LCP would be the ticket. I use a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster, and its comparable to having a pack of Marlboro's or deck of cards in your pocket.
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I use the LCP in jeans in a Nemesis and it isn't there! It rides a little low in cargo shorts but that is just me and I put up with it. I was going to get a LC9 but would need a belt holster of some kind so I bought the S&W Shield instead. It is a little larger but fits my hand better. I'd like to have both because both have their place but can't afford both. If you want a larger .380 I would go with a small 9. Wish Sig would have been able to ship the 938 when it was announced...would have liked to compare before I bought but I am happy with the Shield no matter.
FWIW
Richard
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I'm all for the Ruger LCP, an awesome little gun!
Andy
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The S&W Bodyguard has CT laser incorporated, below $400, shoots like a top, does not change the profile of the pistol, so no holster mod is needed.
Fits the hand like most of the recent S&W's (like a glove)......
There is also the KT PF-9, very slim and lightweight single stack. Very effective. Also in the $3 and change range.....The Trayvon/Zimmerman case involved a single shot from this brand of pistol. FWIW....
Just another option....
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Anyone have experience with the NAA Guardian?
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Anyone have experience with the NAA Guardian?
Yes, they are way to small for real use.
The model with the folding grip may be OK but the standard model is darned hard to grip and fire.
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Don't forget the LCR Frank! I've forgotten I have it on my hip on occasion. A bit different to reload but it's manageable.
It too disappears into the pocket of cargo pants or shorts. I bought the Ruger holster and belt from Mitch Rosen and it's a great combination!
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I have been happy with my Interarms Walther PPK/s in stainless. Haven't tried any of the others. A cop friend carries an old Beretta 1934 or 34. Forget its official designation. Definately old school.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beretta_M_1934
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Bersa underrated bargain price.
I am a big fan of Bersa. I have 2 of them. there are Crimson Trace grips available for them as well. light, easy to carry, and you can choose between 7 round, 9 round or 13 round I believe. mine have never had any trouble, even shooting third world country reloads (Peru).
Deepwater
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Have to go along with the S&W Bodyguard 380 for several reasons. Replaced a Bersa and Ruger LCP with the S&W for the advantage the S&W grip, stainless slide and laser feature. Overlays can be found on line showing basically the same footprint aiding with concealability. I carry with a Hogue, Paddle holster and at times nearly forget it's there. Guess I originally bought the LCP as more of a novelty. Quickly learned the shape of the grip was not comfortable or easy to control. As a daily carry, it required continuous oiling to prevent corrosion. Not a problem with the S&W. The built-in laser on the S&W trumps the Bersa and Ruger for features.
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I have three .380s. The first I bought was a Bersa Thunder. It is reliable but doesn't have a rear sight. This might not be important to you. The only issue I have with my Bersa is the safety is kind of confusing when compared to most other small autos. I'm a lefty, making it worse.
Next I bought was a Ruger LCP. I haven't shot it much as it is mostly my wife's purse gun. What little I have done is I need to be no more than 10 feet away, prefer 5 ft. Maybe with practice accuracy would improve but sights are for the most part non-existent.
The one I carry most in an ankle holster is a Kahr P380. Good sights and the rear is drift adjustable. Only issue with it is it takes couple hundred rounds through it to get it loosened up plus a bit of 600 grit sandpaper de-burring the slide. It is now accurate, reliable and since it is striker fired, no safety. The trigger pull is a bit long for my tastes but considering it is not a reach out there gun, satisfactory.
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Yes, they are way to small for real use.
The model with the folding grip may be OK but the standard model is darned hard to grip and fire.
I was talking about this one.
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I was talking about this one.
I forgot they even made that.
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I like my PPKS better than my LCP....
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Get one that accepts 45 acp.
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Get one that accepts 45 acp.
Let me explain the diff....
OH, you're a guitar player....never mind.
;D
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It's true...to much rock & roll in the old days. Anymore I have to shoot at least 9mm to even hear the gun going off.
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over the years, I 've tried several .32 and .380 pistols... brief recap
Seecamp .32... early gun, magazine looked like it was made in Afghanistan and kicked to the US... inside of pistol carved out with a Dremel tool
PPK...heavy and too much recoil for a 9x17
Colt Pocketlite... didn't like the way the hammer was dropped to the sear when taken off safe...very accurate... carried it empty chamber... somewhat counter productive
KelTec .32... very dependable and accurate... should have stopped when I was ahead
KelTec .380... problem with the trigger to axis bar pin slipping and not going bang
LCP... current carry... fixed the potential for the same problem as the KelTec....don't know how you can get a much lighter locked breech autoloader
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My LCP has been great, with exception of poor sights. But the little gun fits its intended purpose well. Has gone bang every time.
Dad's similar Taurus had all sorts of hang-ups out of the box. He sent it back to Taurus and it has been a star ever since.
Just walked in the door with a Kahr CM9. Feels good and is barely bigger than the LCP, but 9mm. I hope it shoots!
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.380 being my favorite i'll chime in (if'n you don't mind).
for comfortable shooting & accuracy: the Bersa Firestorm.
<back in February 2008 "Gun Tests" had an article on 380s: "FireStorm Beats Walther PPK, Hi-Point CF" (www.gun-tests.com kinda like consumer reports for guns)> & for "feel" there is a difference between the thunder & the firestorm. the only down side i have on it is the safety is a real stinker to disengage.
If you can find a Browning (really a Beretta) BDA - it's not a "carrier" (IMO) but what a hoot to shoot!
Kel-Tec P-3AT is my daily back pocket pistol - fits perfectly in the Sig P238 Leather Pocket Holster & allows quick access.
Adding the pinky extension on the mag for comfort. Being in the heat of florida this thing can be worn in shorts & no problems. the downside is i HATE cleaning it.
Ruger LCP w\ Crimson Lasergrip (the brides) same as the keltec except it has a slide lock & it cost more.
Sig P238 this was one that when it came out i just had to have it (its a shrunk 1911, how cute!) but it will get traded. it shoots fine but it just doesnt make me giggle like all the others when it goes bang.
& lastly the Astra Constable - for me one of the most accurate i have shooted (!) why it even punches holes in paper at 75ft !
one of my friends has the ppk & every time we've been @ the range it has had jamming problems.
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I have three .380s. The first I bought was a Bersa Thunder. It is reliable but doesn't have a rear sight. This might not be important to you.
Mine came with a white dot drift rear sight, you must've got an older one.
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Ater taking another look at my bankbook I won't be buying anything soon. Eventually I'll probably get an LCP. Do you need a holster to pocket carry? I heard that you do.
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Ater taking another look at my bankbook I won't be buying anything soon. Eventually I'll probably get an LCP. Do you need a holster to pocket carry? I heard that you do.
YES! Get a holster. I have an Uncle Mikes (~$20) and I really like it.
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A pocket holster and NOTHING else in that pocket.
The holster guarantees the pistol will always be in the same position when you put your hand in the pocket.
Nothing else in that pocket guarantees there will not be a stray dime behind the trigger when your life depends on it going bang.
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for those of you that did not read my comment about the slipped axis pin....UNLOAD your P32, P3AT and LCP...the pin that connects the plastic trigger to the axis pivot ( that works the draw bar) can slip down... out of contact with the top side of the axis pivot, and if it does, the trigger may contact the frame before the sear releases the hammer...the pin is visible on the back of the trigger....push it up if loose... I placed a drop of two part epoxy to lock the pin in place on both my pistols
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Bersa underrated bargain price.
The Bersa, or a Sig 232 if you don't mind the weight..
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for those of you that did not read my comment about the slipped axis pin....UNLOAD your P32, P3AT and LCP...the pin that connects the plastic trigger to the axis pivot ( that works the draw bar) can slip down... out of contact with the top side of the axis pivot, and if it does, the trigger may contact the frame before the sear releases the hammer...the pin is visible on the back of the trigger....push it up if loose... I placed a drop of two part epoxy to lock the pin in place on both my pistols
Took a good look at my P3AT and couldn't see the pin.
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Hazcat...it is located on the rear side of the trigger, there is a slight channel moulded in the trigger... if it is not that visible, it is in the correct position...it is not a roll pin, so there is no tension to hold it in place... go to the Kel Tec web site, and check the exploded view.. the parts ... 252, 253,254.. the pin 253 connects the trigger to the axis pivot 254
just wanted to notify about a problem that I had, and offer a possible solution....
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Thanks, Les.