Colt .380s

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

wbond

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2006
Messages
434
Hi. I'd like to learn everything possible about Colt .380s. They seem to have the potential to be very nice for a concealable, low recoil gun. This would be nice since my hands are arthritic and recoil sensitive.

I have held a used one at my local gun store and it feels really nice and fits my hand well. It seems smaller than my Firestorm (Bersa) .380. Seems thinner in slide width. Also shorter in barrel-slide length and grip-mag length. It is heavy for it's size (all stainless) and fires from a locked breech. So I think the recoil would be OK for me.

Colt Government, Colt Mustang, Colt Mustang +II, Colt Pony, Colt Pony Pocket-Lite, and any other versions...

Please tell me all you can about the above. I am looking for one as a deep concealment carry gun. So I am after good condition and reliability.

I have heard there are single action versions (like the one at my local gun store). I have also heard that there is a DA only version. Is this correct? Are there any DA/SA versions? What are various finishes? Weights? I heard there is also an aluminum version. However, the heavier steel or stainless versions might actually be better for me due to recoil sensitivity.

Mag capacity? Reliability? Accuracy? Barrel lengths? Other?

Info would be much appreciated. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
My oldest kid's girlfriend has owned a .380 Gov't. Model for awhile. I don't think it's a poor pistol, although I think it's got a heavy trigger pull for what it is. I've noticed a little hammer bite during firing, but not like the slide gotchas of a Walther PP series. Accuracy, in my hands was on the marginally acceptable side at 7 yards. Sights are pretty much a null value, to me. If heavy for a .380 is important, then the Gov't fits the bill. It's nice and flat. If it fits and you like it, it's a worthwhile investment because they hold their value- at least around here. I've seen them in shops for $350 and up to $450 locally.

I'd probably go Bersa and spend the difference on range fees and ammo...and I like Colts. I like the Mustang models, but as far as a daily carry item, I pass.

Once again, if YOU like it, and it works for you...

And yes, I have a .380. It's a Mauser HsC. Different set of problems there, and I'd be veering off-topic.

Regards,
Rabbit.
 
I have the Mustang Plus II and it is an excellent pistol for CCW. There is no doubt you would like it. On the other hand, for the about the same physical size, you could get a PPK and have double action on the first shot.
 
Although I've never handled one, the Pony has the reputation of having an abysmally stiff trigger pull.

The .380 Colts do tend to have pretty light recoil for their size, and the slides are easy to operate compared to most .380 pistols in the size range. If you can deal with an SA carry pistol, they're not a bad option.
 
Various models....

What are the barrel lengths and ammo capacities of each?

What is difference between Mustang and Mustang+II ?
 
Does this mean capacity of the magazine plus one additional round in the pipe?

Colt Government .380 - 3.5" and 7 rounds
Mustang - 2.75" and 6 rounds
Mustang +II - 2.75" and 7 rounds.
Click to expand...
Does this mean capacity of the magazine plus one additional round in the pipe?

i.e. - by 7 rounds, do you mean 7 + 1 ?

i.e. - by 6 rounds, do you mean 6 + 1 ?
 
I have a Mustang made 1990 . Their becoming collectible. My area pushing 500 if clean. Need to be carried Cocked and locked like a 1911a1 .
Accuracy at 10 yds ok not a target pistol. . Other than springs and grips parts are starting to dry up. I put mine up went to a PPK/S or my Bersa.
 
I CCW'd a Colt Gov't model .380 during the mid 80's, and really liked it. Shot accurately enough, easy to shoot, felt good in the hand, 100% reliable even with CCI Blazer aluminum cased ammo. I always thought that it was a cool little gat, wish that I still had it...let it go in a trade for an HK93 slidestock rifle. -FNR.
 
I CCW my Mustang Pocketlite. It has been 100% reliable both with cheap Blazer ammo for the range and Federal hollowpoints for carry. The trigger is very nice and I like the cocked & locked carry mode.

mustang_grips.jpg
 
I thinking I'd like to get a Colt Mustang+II

Interesting thing though:

The Mustang is a 6+1.

The Mustang +II is said to hold two more rounds. That should make it an 8+1.

However, I've been told by some people that the +II is a 7+1. Others have told me it's an 8+1. Which is it?

I'm thinking the Mustang+II must be an 8+1, but I'm not sure. It uses the same mags as the Government Model. So how many rounds does the G model hold?

What would a Mustang+II stainless cost if in good condition? How about NIB? Yes there are some NIB, occasionally, I'm told.

Please advise. Thanks.
 
Although I'd received confusing info, here's what I think is the case:

I think the Mustang holds 5+1. The Mustang+II holds 7+1. I think this is the situation.

I think the confusion was because some had told me the Mustang holds 6. I assumed they meant 6+1, but in fact they meant a total of 6, as in 5+1=6.

I understand now.

What about the DA-Only Colt Pony? Did they ever make a 7+1 version of the Pony? I know the Pony has a crappy trigger pull, but supposedly there are spring kits that will make it reasonably good. Does the Pony have a safety? A decocker? Possibly stupid questions, but can't hurt to ask.
 
The government model is slim, light and has plenty of pop, in fact with lead bullets it's a handful. With jacketed bullets it's a dream... much smaller overall than most 380's. Never had a jam with jacketed ball ammo.

If you get a stainless one you'll need to blacken the front sight. It's hard to see.

Also the safety doesn't lock the slide like on a full sized 1911.
 
IMO, this is one of the designs that I'd wish another manufacturer would "pick up" and start producing since Colt dropped the line.

A good manufacturer anyway. ;)
 
I'll post a couple of thoughts based on my PPK/S and Mustang.

  • The Mustang is smaller than the PPK and easier to conceal.
  • No DA first shot on the Mustang.
  • PPK's blowback design means much more recoil.
  • PPK needs a good dehorning, Mustang is go to go right out of the box.
  • Mustang parts can be hard to find. Many are no longer made and not available.
  • My Mustang is a picky eater, does not like hollow points or flat nosed ammo; PPK eats anything.
  • Mustang is not very accurate, whereas the PPK I have is very accurate.
  • Mustangs seem to be increasing in prices lately. Around here, the SS ones are going for $700+ and the blue ones for $600+ (beaters are less).
  • PPK has one more round than a Mustang, unelss you get the Plus II - which makes it bigger. Both are excellent pocket carries.
 
What about the DA-Only Colt Pony? Did they ever make a 7+1 version of the Pony? I know the Pony has a crappy trigger pull, but supposedly there are spring kits that will make it reasonably good. Does the Pony have a safety? A decocker? Possibly stupid questions, but can't hurt to ask.

The Pony does not have a safety or decocker....It is double action only...
The Mustang mag fits on the Pony. They made 7 round mags with a extension on them for both of them. 10 rounders will fit.
Ponys come with a 10 lbs trigger pull, but you can get Wolfe spring kit to reduce it to 8. Mine came used with a 8 lb pull. I can hit plates out at 15 yards, and carry mine with a front pocket holster. Remember, it is not a target gun...All Mustang/Pony's are a locked breech action, that's why they have less kick, and more acuratecy to them.
If you can find a decent Pony for under $500, buy one....
 
Greg 531Mi

How is the trigger pull with the Wolf spring kit? I know you said 8 lbs, but that's vague. Is is smooth, jerky, creepy, what? Is it OK? Is it good?

What about a pro trigger job?
 
Colt, MA, $200 ????

Ed, which one of your other guns were you holding at the guys head to get a Colt for two bills in the Commonwealth? - mac
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

L
  • Locked
Pocket sized 380s. Pics & info.
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
VA27
VA27
N
  • Locked
Colt Pony
Replies
5
Views
1K
Orion8472
Orion8472
W
  • Locked
.38 Super Cool
Replies
18
Views
1K
natedog
N
S
  • Locked
Help me decide SIG P238 or Colt Mustang XSP or standard Mustang
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
Mainsail
Mainsail
ak-kev
  • Locked
Mustang Owners
2
Replies
30
Views
1K
HisSoldier
HisSoldier
Back
Top