Do many people purchase an $800.00 380 pistol?
- Thread starter george burns
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UpperAtmosphere
Member
Me personally? Nah. I have one .380 and that's all I think I want.
BSA1
member
Seecamp's are the gold standard by which all other pocket semi-auto are measured to. It is a specialized deep cover handgun made for specific self defense and conceal carry purposes. Seecamp's even refuses to put sights on the gun because they believe it will encourage people to use it for longer range and purpose than it is designed for.
$800.00 for one of the finest made deep cover handguns? Well I probably have $600.00 invested in my Seecamp's 32 acp.
$800.00 for one of the finest made deep cover handguns? Well I probably have $600.00 invested in my Seecamp's 32 acp.
hAkron
Member
My wife's Beretta 85 Cheetah Inox was like $900. She shot that thing like 3 different times before she decided it was less comfortable to shoot than any of my 9mm guns. Now it hangs out in the safe.
I did not
IT COST A LOT, BUT NOT THAT MUCH.
I paid $579.00 for a new SIG 232 blued aluminum framed model with night sights and thought is was a bargain. I still do.
It probably comes down to what you are willing to pay and what you think you are getting. My agency issued gun is an H&K P2000 with night sights. These go for around $800.00 a piece and are not worth it in my opinion. I would be just as happy or happier with my old SIG 225 or WALTHER P-99 AS which both cost me a lot less than $800.00.
I would pay $800.00 for a .380ACP if it offered a real advantage over my GLOCK 42 which cost me $379.00, but I am not sure what that would be.
Jim
IT COST A LOT, BUT NOT THAT MUCH.
I paid $579.00 for a new SIG 232 blued aluminum framed model with night sights and thought is was a bargain. I still do.
It probably comes down to what you are willing to pay and what you think you are getting. My agency issued gun is an H&K P2000 with night sights. These go for around $800.00 a piece and are not worth it in my opinion. I would be just as happy or happier with my old SIG 225 or WALTHER P-99 AS which both cost me a lot less than $800.00.
I would pay $800.00 for a .380ACP if it offered a real advantage over my GLOCK 42 which cost me $379.00, but I am not sure what that would be.
Jim
$800 for a .380? Not likely. I'm not wealthy, and I'd have to carefully weigh how much value I could get for that $800. A pocket pistol would lose against another Garand, an AR, a nice 1911, big revolver, reloading supplies/tools, etc.
I already have a .380, a Bersa Thunder that cost me $230 brand new, so I've got the pocket .380 thing covered.
I do like the looks and appeal of the new .380 mini-1911's, but the likelihood of me buying one is nil.
I already have a .380, a Bersa Thunder that cost me $230 brand new, so I've got the pocket .380 thing covered.
I do like the looks and appeal of the new .380 mini-1911's, but the likelihood of me buying one is nil.
Paid about $600 for a P380 for my girlfriend. This was after buying and selling 2 other pistols, renting several pistols, and lots of shooting practice. She's confident with the P380, she shoots it better than any of the other guns we tried and its small enough she actually carries it. Money well spent. If it had ended up being an $800 gun that I was describing I'd have figured out a way to come up with another $200. Spending 400 on a gun she can't/won't use would be the real waste of money.
For myself, I shoot a lot more than her, I'm functionally accurate with just about any pistol at self defense ranges and recoil isn't usually an issue. If I'm carrying a 380 its going to be pocket carry, and I'm liable to be baling hay, working on tractors, rolling around under trucks etc. The finish on the gun is trashed. For me I chose an LCP, no reason to spend more.
Everybody has different wants and needs.
For myself, I shoot a lot more than her, I'm functionally accurate with just about any pistol at self defense ranges and recoil isn't usually an issue. If I'm carrying a 380 its going to be pocket carry, and I'm liable to be baling hay, working on tractors, rolling around under trucks etc. The finish on the gun is trashed. For me I chose an LCP, no reason to spend more.
Everybody has different wants and needs.
CapnMac
Member
It's actually a flawed question for presuming a universality in perception of value.
There are those who will expound that the only EDC 1911 is a $3K STI, and might as well just carry pocket lint if you can't front the freight. (I suspect none of those people ever spent $150 to buy their first truck, either--to each their own.)
A similar argument always seems to brew up over building an AR from parts. There's always an argument over whether it is better to spend $400 or to spend $800 or more on the parts. This then derails off into various tangents which reflect upon definitions of quality (like is "MilSpec" the Acme, or the penultimate, or just a step along the value/quality curve.
If a person has $800 to spend, and finds a .380 they like, then spend the money--iI've no dog in that hunt.
There are those who will expound that the only EDC 1911 is a $3K STI, and might as well just carry pocket lint if you can't front the freight. (I suspect none of those people ever spent $150 to buy their first truck, either--to each their own.)
A similar argument always seems to brew up over building an AR from parts. There's always an argument over whether it is better to spend $400 or to spend $800 or more on the parts. This then derails off into various tangents which reflect upon definitions of quality (like is "MilSpec" the Acme, or the penultimate, or just a step along the value/quality curve.
If a person has $800 to spend, and finds a .380 they like, then spend the money--iI've no dog in that hunt.
MedWheeler
Member
Countless things that sell for far less can last several lifetimes.
Unfortunately, I'm not one of them.
zerobarrier
Contributing Member
I guess it depends on what you get for that. I think I spent around 700 for my p238 Equinox and I would do it again. Then 40 more for and nice set of grips(purely for cosmetic reasons, black and white swirley marble), another 40ish for a 7rd mag with pinky rest, another 150 for a nice custom leather OWB holster and mag pouch, and another 70ish for a crossbreed IWB mini tuck. So yeah I would totally spend the money if it was worth it. That and a Taurus 617 7-shot 357, loaded with 38s, have become my main carry pistols.
I would so buy that Kimber micro blue sapphire, I think they are around 900 or more. I didn't realize they made the sapphire in a 380, I found out within a week of buying the sig
, so I can't justify buying it. Yet at least....
I would so buy that Kimber micro blue sapphire, I think they are around 900 or more. I didn't realize they made the sapphire in a 380, I found out within a week of buying the sig
, so I can't justify buying it. Yet at least....
guyfromohio
Member
You can't go into a purchase like that finding the one true gun and having multiple caliber/platform options. "I want a CCW. Do I spend $800 on a .380?" is a different question than "I have my needs covered, but I WANT a higher end .380". A brand new Beretta 84/85 in blue with plastic grips can be had for sub-$700, but stainless models can get you closer to $800. And yes, I would and have paid that for a quality handgun.
For some people, $800 is "whiskey money".
Not necessarily me, but I have lots of guns over $800, and if it was something I wanted enough, I would. In fact I paid almost that for a steel framed Mustang several years ago, because I wanted one.
Right now though, I consider the Glock 42 the best .380 on the market, regardless of price.
Not necessarily me, but I have lots of guns over $800, and if it was something I wanted enough, I would. In fact I paid almost that for a steel framed Mustang several years ago, because I wanted one.
Right now though, I consider the Glock 42 the best .380 on the market, regardless of price.
The Old Fuff has deduced that many of the "no" opinions are as much based on a perception that the .380 cartridge is insignificant as a defensive round as they are about the supposedly excessive cost. While the little .380 is dismissed out-of-hand, a similar pistol in 9MM might justify consideration.
Generally the cost of any firearm is related to how much it takes to make it, and in a defensive arm the question of reliability.
The advantage of many - if not most - .380 pistols is that they are more likely the one you happen to have, when something larger and more powerful has been left at home. The cartridge's power and recoil is also well balanced in consideration of the usual platform's size and weight. If one is going to stake their life (and perhaps the lives of others) on this particular size of weapon the .380 option has a lot to offer - especially in the hands of someone who can hit exactly where they intend to, with a minimum number of rounds fired.
Generally the cost of any firearm is related to how much it takes to make it, and in a defensive arm the question of reliability.
The advantage of many - if not most - .380 pistols is that they are more likely the one you happen to have, when something larger and more powerful has been left at home. The cartridge's power and recoil is also well balanced in consideration of the usual platform's size and weight. If one is going to stake their life (and perhaps the lives of others) on this particular size of weapon the .380 option has a lot to offer - especially in the hands of someone who can hit exactly where they intend to, with a minimum number of rounds fired.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
Would I? Nope but I can see someone else spending that much if it's something they want and it trips their trigger. The only 380 ACP around here is a Walther PPK (Interarms) older gun my wife got maybe 25 years ago. Today I see them in the $500 to $600 range around here. I guess it is just a matter of personal taste and what someone may want. I remember when the 32 ACP Seecamp guns came out. Never wanted one or cared for the gun but had friends foaming at the mouth for the things. Go figure.
Ron
BSA1
member
There is iron in Old Fuff's words of wisdom.
There are many discussions about how superior higher cost handguns are. Gun Magazines are particularly bad about featuring expensive custom 1911's on the cover and articles bragging on them. Yet truth be known very view of this $2,000+ handguns are carried for what they are designed for.
With winter coming on I'll be carrying my SIG P239. With night sights and SRT it's msrp is $1,000. I figure I'm worth it.
browningguy
Member
Not many, but enough. To some people buying the lowest priced acceptable pistol doesn't mean much, they are looking for something special (looks, design, finish, etc) and to be honest the difference in real dollars between a nothing special and a something special just isn't that significant.
I spent almost 3k on one pistol simply because when I was shopping for a new match pistol my wife actually did say, "ooh, I like that one you should get it". So I did, it's a little flashier than I would normally buy, and the extra money was all about the bling. I could have gotten the same model for about $800 less without the bling. But a happy wife means a happy life you know.
I'm certainly not rich and still work for a living, but the kids are grown and on their own, I max out my 401k contribution every year, put money into regular savings every payday, so why not? And I think there are other people like me that think whether you spend $300 or $800 on a pocket pistol just doesn't matter much.
I spent almost 3k on one pistol simply because when I was shopping for a new match pistol my wife actually did say, "ooh, I like that one you should get it". So I did, it's a little flashier than I would normally buy, and the extra money was all about the bling. I could have gotten the same model for about $800 less without the bling. But a happy wife means a happy life you know.
I'm certainly not rich and still work for a living, but the kids are grown and on their own, I max out my 401k contribution every year, put money into regular savings every payday, so why not? And I think there are other people like me that think whether you spend $300 or $800 on a pocket pistol just doesn't matter much.
Buzznrose
Member
I'm not a SA/1911 guy as far as concealed carry goes, so I really don't see the draw for the .380 Sig/Colt/Kimber. But they are certainly popular, so I must be missing something. But then again, I prefer my home grinder/brewed coffee over Starbucks, so I'll chalk it up to my personal taste (or lack thereof....?)
The single stack summer CHL I ended up buying was a Sig P290RS in 9MM. Nice little gun. A bit heavy, even with the poly frame, but handles recoil well and I can easily hit 6" plates at 15 yards.
YMMV.
The single stack summer CHL I ended up buying was a Sig P290RS in 9MM. Nice little gun. A bit heavy, even with the poly frame, but handles recoil well and I can easily hit 6" plates at 15 yards.
YMMV.
Tallball
Member
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I have never paid that much for any firearm and doubt that I ever will. I am too much of a bargain hunter, and there are far too many good pistols out there for much less money. I have four very reliable 380 pistols:
Russian Makarov - $149 new
Kel-Tec P3AT - $225 new
Berretta 84 - $230 used
Colt Government 380 - $440 gently used
The first three cost about $604 combined. I would much rather have all three of them and $200 worth of ammo than one $800 pistol.
Russian Makarov - $149 new
Kel-Tec P3AT - $225 new
Berretta 84 - $230 used
Colt Government 380 - $440 gently used
The first three cost about $604 combined. I would much rather have all three of them and $200 worth of ammo than one $800 pistol.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I might. I paid $650 for this Beretta 84 and then another $50 for walnut grips. I don't see much correlation between the cost and the chambering.
OP
OP
george burns
Member
By the way Remington just came out with a new pocket 380 that is all metal, just happened to see one after I asked the question, but it looks sweet for less than half the price. On Seacamps, I had one, it hurt to spend a grand on that gun and wait it loose it's value after guys waited a year or two on a list to get one, and I almost never carried it, unless I was going to a wedding or a funeral, and had a suit on.
But that was an innovation in small guns.
Until the Larry Seacamp came out with that gun, there was nothing near that size until the LCP came out in 380. I also learned a lesson on that one, to go with your gut, if it feels like it costs too much, keep looking, or wait a while and it will come down. After 45 years of carrying a gun, I have "as many here have" seen some crazy prices on firearms that people just had to have, that were a disappointment once purchased and could have been had for half the price a year later or sometimes a month later. I have carried a PM9 for several years now, and find it to fit the bill as far as all the things I need, weight ,size, caliber, night sights and it shoots every time. It's a light gun that spoiled me.
I can't see lugging around a larger gun anymore all day, unless you feel like you need to. I will at night if we go out, "which is getting rare these days, take a Glock with me like a 30S. Or if I had some reason I felt it necessary to have something larger, but really if I felt that way, I probably wouldn't go there.
But that was an innovation in small guns.
Until the Larry Seacamp came out with that gun, there was nothing near that size until the LCP came out in 380. I also learned a lesson on that one, to go with your gut, if it feels like it costs too much, keep looking, or wait a while and it will come down. After 45 years of carrying a gun, I have "as many here have" seen some crazy prices on firearms that people just had to have, that were a disappointment once purchased and could have been had for half the price a year later or sometimes a month later. I have carried a PM9 for several years now, and find it to fit the bill as far as all the things I need, weight ,size, caliber, night sights and it shoots every time. It's a light gun that spoiled me.
I can't see lugging around a larger gun anymore all day, unless you feel like you need to. I will at night if we go out, "which is getting rare these days, take a Glock with me like a 30S. Or if I had some reason I felt it necessary to have something larger, but really if I felt that way, I probably wouldn't go there.
aarondhgraham
Member
The answer is yes.
To give a literal answer to your question,,,
The answer is yes.
If not enough people would spend that money,,,
The company would quit making them.
I did get a chuckle reading some of the replies,,,
Many of the examples of "pricey" guns were Beretta Cheetahs.
The reason I chuckled is because that was the example I was going to use.
A few years back I spent $600.00 on a brand new Beretta 87F,,,
It is a lovely gun that I enjoy shooting quite a bit.
But it isn't any better a shooter than my $300 Ruger 22/45,,,
Or my Bersa Thunder 22, or my Ruger SR22.
I just wanted the gun and since I could afford it,,,
I did spend way more than was practical.
Aarond
.
To give a literal answer to your question,,,
The answer is yes.
If not enough people would spend that money,,,
The company would quit making them.
I did get a chuckle reading some of the replies,,,
Many of the examples of "pricey" guns were Beretta Cheetahs.
The reason I chuckled is because that was the example I was going to use.
A few years back I spent $600.00 on a brand new Beretta 87F,,,
It is a lovely gun that I enjoy shooting quite a bit.
But it isn't any better a shooter than my $300 Ruger 22/45,,,
Or my Bersa Thunder 22, or my Ruger SR22.
I just wanted the gun and since I could afford it,,,
I did spend way more than was practical.
Aarond
.
BruiseLee
Member
The Kakr P380 California edition is about that much money after DROS and taxes, and I passed on it.
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