Your favorite .380

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Demitrios

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I've got a fever! And the only prescription is a new pistol! I recently saw the .32 NAA and while I love "wildcat" cartridges I'd rather stick with something traditional this time thus I've been kicking around the idea of getting myself a .380 to add to my collection. However outside of the Walther PPK and my Dad's Bersa (a clone of the PPK) I really don't know a thing about .380 pistols. I was hoping you guys could help me out and tell me what .380's you like and why, be it as your carry, back-up, collector's piece or just plain plinking. Any help and advice is always appreciated.
 
.380 Colt.
Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless
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Colt Pocket Hammerless

Pocket Hammerless in .380 ACP Caliber
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin United States
Production history
Designer John Browning
Manufacturer Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut
Produced 1903-1945
Variants M1903, M1908 (Types 1-5)
Specifications
Weight 33 oz (936 g)
Length 7 in (178 mm) (Type I)
6.75 in (171 mm) (Types 2 - 5))
Barrel length 4 in (102 mm) (Type I)
3.75 in (95 mm) (Types 2 - 5))

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Cartridge .32 ACP (M1903)
.380 ACP (M1908)
Action single-action Blowback
Feed system 8-round detachable box magazine (M1903)
7-round detachable box magazine (M1908)
Sights fixed front, rear drift-adjustable for windage
The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is .32 ACP caliber, self-loading, semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning and built by Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless is a variant introduced five years later in .380 ACP caliber.

These pistols were popular civilian firearms for much of their life, and also served as United States General Officer pistols from the 1940s until their replacement by the M15 General Officers pistol in the 1970s. The Office of Strategic Services issued the Model 1903 to its officers during World War Two.

Many gangsters of the pre-World War Two era favored the Model 1903 and Model 1908 because they were relatively small and easily concealed. It is said that Al Capone kept one in his coat pocket and Bonnie Parker used one to break Clyde Barrow out of jail after smuggling it into the jail by taping it to her thigh.

Note: There was also a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer pistol in .38 ACP, but this design is unrelated. The FN Model 1903 pistol design is related to the Colt Pocket Hammerless, but it is physically larger due to its chambering in 9x20mm SR Browning Long.
 
These are some of my favorites. The Beretta 84 and Sig P232SL are especially nice.

My380s.gif

The one I wish I had, a HK P7K3.
HKP7K3.jpg
pic borrowed from photobucket
 
I love my Browning Model 1910. It never ceases to amaze me the quality of both the materials and craftsmanship that went into making this gun.
 
If "going" price is any indication of "collectible/heirloom" status, the Beretta 84/85/86 are hard to beat. This 84 has been absolutely flawless....A real gem! :)

FS-84.gif
 
My favorite would be

my old Colt Mustang which I sold a long time ago, unfortunately. I now own two LCP's which I like a lot because they fit in a pocket and you don't even notice it.
 
I just bought a new Walther PK380 last week. I have ran 300 rounds through it without a problem. It's a great shooting gun.
 
Here are my two favs:

380_left.jpg


1908.jpg


-Matt
 
I've only ever owned one .380. The LCP and it's been flawless, so I guess it's my "favorite". The only reason I have it is because of how unbelievably small it is.

I see no reason for me to own a mid-sized or bigger .380.
 
I just purchased a Bersa Thunder yesterday for my wife. My wife is recoil sensitive and I wanted a lighter recoil gun with acceptable stopping power. WOW!!!:eek: I am a believer. That gun shot beautifully. It felt just right in my hand, pointed naturally, and fired nice groups at 7 yards. Recoil was a little heavier than a .22LR and it fired flawlessly with my first 50 rounds. ANd it only costs $275!!

We always have been taught that the bigger caliber the more efficient stopping power. Yes, that is entirely true! But modern technology has helped in keeping the small .380 a good defense caliber. I have read countless reviews on the Hornday XTP defense cartridge. It is comparable (not equal) to the performance of the 9mm hollow point.
 
Those are some great looking suggestions. While I'm really attracted to that Mustang and the P232, the Mustang is way expensive for a .380, even the P232 is kind of pricey. Thank you guys, you really helped me out a lot.
 
BP Hunter, I have to admit, my father's Bersa really is a beautiful thing. I enjoy the feel of it in my hand and how well it shoots too.
 
Like the Kahr P380 for pocket carry. Light, has real sights and a very
smoooooth DA trigger. A little pricey though compared to Keltec P3AT and LCP
 
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