I picked up these this past weekend on a whim. I had started reading up on the 380 and thought it would be nice to have a smaller carry weapon when I didn't want to carry the Glock. I had heard about the issues that were present in the earlier ones, but wanted to see one for myself.
First off:
They are much smaller than you think. Photos don't do it justice. I couldn't believe how small it was in person. I'm 6' with fairly big hands and I was able to get a comfortable grip on it without much issue.
I also made sure that mine was a newer pistol with a higher serial number. Mine starts with EAFxxxx. Myself and my friend shot it along with my new to me J-frame, and my standard carry gun, the Glock 26.
Let me tell you I was very impressed! My buddy, who has only shot handguns one other time was grouping 5-6" at ~40 feet with the 380. It was crazy. I am no where near that good. Laser worked well and was right on point after a slight adjustment. I fed it Remington FMJ without any issues and after that day and cleaning I felt comfortable enough to carry it out for a few days without the Glock on my hip. It totally disappears IWB. In the pocket might be a bit different depending on your pants.
The J frame was purchased used and it had Pachmayr "The Gripper" grips on it. I would like to get a set of the wood grips as well. I can't figure out what exact model it is or what year it was manufactured so any help you can give is apprecated. I believe it is a square butt and not a round butt. The serial number starts with J and I can get photos of the other numbers I find. Bluing looked very good (photos are of it once I got it home before I cleaned it) and it didn't look like it was shot very much. I put a box of Critical Defense .38 +P through it, but after hearing it isn't rated for that I plan to stay with standard loads for carry ammo. I shot 100 rounds of standard .38 SPL FMJ through it flawlessly. It shot very nice as well. I look forward to getting some speed strips or loaders and carrying this as well. Looking at a nice Don Hume IWB holster for it.
Being a relativly young guy I always preferred semi-autos over revolvers, but there is just something about a "snub nose" I really like.
Here are some photos I took when I got home after the purchase.
First off:
They are much smaller than you think. Photos don't do it justice. I couldn't believe how small it was in person. I'm 6' with fairly big hands and I was able to get a comfortable grip on it without much issue.
I also made sure that mine was a newer pistol with a higher serial number. Mine starts with EAFxxxx. Myself and my friend shot it along with my new to me J-frame, and my standard carry gun, the Glock 26.
Let me tell you I was very impressed! My buddy, who has only shot handguns one other time was grouping 5-6" at ~40 feet with the 380. It was crazy. I am no where near that good. Laser worked well and was right on point after a slight adjustment. I fed it Remington FMJ without any issues and after that day and cleaning I felt comfortable enough to carry it out for a few days without the Glock on my hip. It totally disappears IWB. In the pocket might be a bit different depending on your pants.
The J frame was purchased used and it had Pachmayr "The Gripper" grips on it. I would like to get a set of the wood grips as well. I can't figure out what exact model it is or what year it was manufactured so any help you can give is apprecated. I believe it is a square butt and not a round butt. The serial number starts with J and I can get photos of the other numbers I find. Bluing looked very good (photos are of it once I got it home before I cleaned it) and it didn't look like it was shot very much. I put a box of Critical Defense .38 +P through it, but after hearing it isn't rated for that I plan to stay with standard loads for carry ammo. I shot 100 rounds of standard .38 SPL FMJ through it flawlessly. It shot very nice as well. I look forward to getting some speed strips or loaders and carrying this as well. Looking at a nice Don Hume IWB holster for it.
Being a relativly young guy I always preferred semi-autos over revolvers, but there is just something about a "snub nose" I really like.
Here are some photos I took when I got home after the purchase.
