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Preacher Dave
06-23-2014, 12:01 AM
Went to the range today with a new CW380 after following the break in procedures as described on the forum. Shot 100 rounds of GAS 95 gr FMJ that was interestingly loaded in Win cases and 100 rounds of Win 95 gr FMJ white box. Experienced failure to feed on seven rounds with no particular pattern. Two were in the first two magazines and the other five were scattered throughout the session, with the last two being on shots 173 and 176. Was initially concerned with the last two, wondering if the firearm was getting dirty contributing to the malfunctions, but was able to complete the 200 rounds with no other failures. In all occurrences I was able to chamber the rounds by pushing forward on the slide and subsequent firing the round with a normal trigger pull.

Accuracy was very good, although unmeasured for group size. As I wanted to complete the break in session, I chose to utilize an 8" gong that was set up at 25 yards as an aiming point, not expecting to strike it very often. I was surprised that I was hitting it regularly, even though shooting rapidly. Upon shooting one magazine deliberately, I found I could ring the gong on every shot. The rapid firing found metal about 75% of the time.

The recoil was very manageable for such a lightweight firearm. I will be interested to see when I switch to defensive loads what the muzzle response will be, but with the standard velocity rounds it was easy to control and re-acquire a sight picture after firing a shot. While not rapid firing as one would do in a speed drill, I wasn't poking around either. I would expend the six round magazine in approximately 8 seconds, reload quickly, and fire another six round magazine in 8 seconds before stopping to load the two magazines. I got through the 200 rounds in approximately 20 minutes. Oh, by-the-way, I wore tactical shooting gloves for this range session to take up some of the recoil and prevent any abrasion. Just call me a WUS.

Following the range session I again dis-assembled the pistol, inspected, cleaned, and lubed it before re-assembling. There were no signs of anything unusual, just what one would expect with the frame and parts wearing in. The top of the bolt showed signs of burnishing that hadn't occurred during my 500 slide operations. The recoil springs had worn the guide rod a little, The rails had a slight accumulation of black poly from the frame.

My conclusion was that this particular CW380 stills needs more rounds through it before I would be able to rely on it, but it has great potential and I am very pleased with it.

wyntrout
06-23-2014, 12:52 AM
Nice report, PD, and welcome to the forum.

That IS kind of wussie to wear tactical gloves with a .380, but will be appreciated for +P ammo. :D

I've put several hundred rounds of +P through mine in the last 4+ years and it CAN be jarring in that little frame.

The P380 seems to like cleaning more often and can start having problems with "dirty" ammo after 50-60 rounds. I've found that just wiping the feed ramp through the ejection port can help.

My favorite defense load is Speer Gold Dots loaded to +P by Buffalo Bore or Underwood. BB has been having trouble getting GD's and the Underwood loads are cheaper at under $30 a box of 50, when in stock.

I haven't really had any problems with any of the ammo I've tried. I don't use steel-cased stuff at all, though. Any brass or aluminum-cased ammo works for me. I try not to use the flat-nosed stuff, though I did get some flat-nosed BB 95-gr +P FMJ for possible northern carry. I've been trying to sell what I have left of that, though.

My P380 is my constant wear in and around the house in an Uncle Mike's soft IWB holster, and I wear it when I might need to take it off or want the smallest pistol for maximum concealment, but usually in my C.O.M. Kydex IWB or Crossbreed Mini Tuck holsters. I usually carry its larger siblings for regular carry, though... P40, P9, or PM45.

Wynn:)

Bill K
06-23-2014, 08:45 AM
Welcome to KahrTalk forums!

Very good report, thanks for sharing. I agree with your conclusion.

berettabone
06-23-2014, 12:17 PM
Welcome.................sounds like you did all the right things. Keep shootin.

jocko
06-23-2014, 06:19 PM
IMO keep ur range sessions to 50 rounds. theswe guns are small and shooters get tired and grip changes etc, and then sh! happens that is not the guns fault MAYBE. Try a box of at leat a couple mags of defense ammo, It is hotter than fmj and will givbe u a better eedback as to how the gun is handling to. I prefer the corbon power ball due to just great feed ability. Feeds like a fmj. Lots of good 380 ammo though, find the one brand tha works right fo ru and juyst stick with it. This is a defense gun, not realy a range gun, so keep sessions short and sweet. Ur report IMO is excellent. the gun willget smoother as the bang things happens more to..

Preacher Dave
06-23-2014, 11:32 PM
Thanks all for the positive feedback and suggestions. I have some Buffalo Bore +P Barnes and also some Win JHP that I will try after a few more boxes of the FMJ. Looking for some Speer Gold Dots, but haven't located any yet.