My "NEW" P380 Range Report

[SGT5711]

I had to send my P380 (serial # RB66XX) back to Kahr recently after experiencing FTRB, light strikes, and slide lock issues (either early or not after the last round). I had a few light strikes during my initial break-in period, but these problems began after approximately 400 rounds.

After e-mailing Kahr about my issues, they sent me a pre-paid shipping label. Next, I received a call from Kahr that they found my frame was broken and they replaced the frame which of course required a new serial number. They shipped my P380 back to my FFL, and I got it back last Thursday.

The Technical Service Work Sheet which was returned with my P380 described the issues I reported accurately, but then listed the following under Action Taken: "Inspected firearm (found frame broken) - New Frame S/N RD23XX - Complete parts update, replaced; cocking cam, cocking cam pin, ejector, extractor, striker block, H/D recoil springs, slide stop and two magazines - lubed and test fired - OK."

I got it cleaned, lubed, and back to the range today. In the past I had used mostly Fiocchi 95 gr FMJ which is readily available at my range. It would not load the Fiocchi at all today. I then fired 19 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense JHP, 25 rounds of Remington Golden Sabre 102 gr JHP, 50 rounds of Remington 95 gr UMC FMJ (round tip) and 50 rounds of Winchester Super X Target 95 gr FMJ (flat tip) with zero malfunctions. I tried the Fiocchi again, but it still would not load at all. I compared the Remington UMC to the Fiocchi, and they appeared to be nearly identical. Obviously I won't try to use Fiocchi again.

Overall, I was extremely pleased with Kahr's customer service and that my P380 appears to work fine, with the exception of Fiocchi ammo. The frame was definitely different than my original. Recoil springs were also notably stronger. Obviously, I want to put some more rounds down range, but so far so good.

I just about forgot to mention the accuracy is amazing, especially for such a small firearm. For fun, I fired one magazine at 25 yards. All 6 rounds struck the torso, but 2 were in the X ring. Also had a 4 round, 1 inch group in the head at 10 yards.

[rjt123]

Mine won't eat the Fiocchi either. But that's the only thing I've found that it doesn't like. Glad yours is back and running like a top! The P380 is an amazing shooter for it's size and weight. I think it is Muggsy that calls his "The L'il Bastard". Seems appropriate to me. :)

[ReManG]

The P380 is quite the shooter, smallest accurate pistol I have shot. I did put a box of the Fiocchi JHP through the one I shot with no apparent issues during a break in I was helping a friend with.... It also fed WWB flat solids, RWS ball, Blazer Brass as well as Lawman ball. The P380 was a trade a friend had gotten and initially did not like to return fully when hand cycling, nor would it chamber from the slide release 100% of the time. I did the preps and follower mods on it, hand cycled it about 200 times, lubed and cleaned several times during the break in and it has been running fine. The serial is a RAxxxx, so I don't know if there were any major issues like the frame crack you experienced. Glad yours is up and running!

[berettabone]

Find it a bit suprising that you had trouble with Fiocchi..........I used 150 rds. of it to break in my Kahr, and had no issues, plus it feels a bit snappier than other fmj ammo...............

[SGT5711]

Find it a bit suprising that you had trouble with Fiocchi..........I used 150 rds. of it to break in my Kahr, and had no issues, plus it feels a bit snappier than other fmj ammo...............

I agree, because that was the only range ammo I had used before sending it back, and it worked fine. Yesterday, the very first round fed, but that was it. It was like I was trying to feed the wrong caliber of ammo or something. I would almost be willing to bet that rjt123 has a newer P380 (RC or RD serial #) and ReManG's was an older model (RA or RB serial #). That's the only thing I can think of, the updated parts in the newer P380's just won't work with Fiocchi. I have never had a problem with Fiocchi in my K9 either.

[wyntrout]

I haven't noticed any problems with the Fiocchi/Herters/MFS made at Ozark, MO. But, use whatever you can get that works. I stay away from steel-cased stuff, though.

When Kahr released the P380 I noticed the reviews about the light weight and its being like a full-sized pistol with ALL of the features I wanted. I ordered and paid for one with night sights and then had to wait 11 months, by then though, I had bought my first polymer pistol the PM9 and then a PM45. I love the polymers and the P380 is the one I carry the most because it's next to me or on my hip almost 24/7 at home and for short trips or when I need the smallest CCW possible.

It shoots as well as any of my larger Kahrs and with the +P Gold Dots, it's plenty powerful... Buffalo Bore shown in Avatar and I also have +P Gold Dots by Underwood that are even stouter.

Wynn:)