Waiting for a P380 in CA? Old vs. New?

[steelpastor]

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Well... my primary carry gun is a PM9... simply LOVE the gun. I generally carry it in my front right pocket. Years ago, I bought a Kel-tec P32 (32ACP) as an option when I needed something REALLY small and lightweight for pocket carry. It has been a great gun and I do not have any complaints about it. However, the one thing that I am just not thrilled about is the 32 caliber. I want something with a bit more juice... a 380 that is close in size to the P32 (rather than the Glock 42 which is no smaller than my PM9!)

Here is my question... there is a new P380 that meets the requirements for CA... which means it has a magazine disconnect and a loaded chamber indicator. DOH! NOT a fan. So, as I see it... I have three options in order to get what is called an "off-roster" P380 that does not have either of these things.

1. A private-party transfer is exempt from the roster requirements... meaning that if I buy a P380 from a private party rather than a store, I can get a normal gun without the LCI or mag disconnect. This would be available from someone who has an older version of the P380. I guess my question with this centers around all the negative experiences with the older versions of this model. Can these issues be overcome and is it worth the grief?

2. I could be patient and purchase a newer model from someone coming into CA from out-of-state or from a LEO who no longer wants the gun (they are exempt from the requirements). This would also be legal for me to obtain and carry concealed. This WILL require patience and probably some willingness to drive to where the seller's FFL would be located. Most sellers will not ship to another FFL out of their area.

3. I could get a new CA compliant version of the P380 with the mag disconnect and LCI. From what I understand, once I own the gun I can make changes to the gun as long as I do not mess with the serial numbered part of the gun (the frame). Hence, I could change the slide and whatever parts are needed to get rid of these. However, I do not know what parts would be needed to accomplish this. Any ideas?


Recommendations? And no, moving out of CA is not an option. LOL.

Thank you for your help.


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[Cogburn]

You took the only viable option out of the game so I got nuttin. Good luck.

[b4uqzme]

I have just one gun with a mag disconnect and it's no big deal really - shouldn't be a factor for SD carry. I tried to shoot an IDPA match with it though and that was a real nuisance: you are expected to eject the mag, show clear, pull the trigger, then holster at the end of every round. I had to carry a spare empty mag just to drop the hammer (or release the striker) before holstering. But loading, chambering and making ready to fire was no problem with the disconnect. And that's what you will do for SD.

LCI is harmless IMHO. I wouldn't let that bother me either.

As for used model reliability? Any issues you might encounter can be worked through. And they really are reliable despite what you read on the interweb.

So, if I were you, I'd probably look around for a used one a bit. If none is found easily then go ahead and buy the CA compliant one. It should work fine.

[steelpastor]

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I understand. I am not that uptight about the mag disconnect. However, the Lci has got to gogo! LOL.

My County just says that the gun just needs to legally owned.

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[Bobshouse]

Actually the mag disconnect bothers me more on mine. I put a crimson trace on my p380, but before that the lci drove me crazy because it interferes with the visibility of the front sight. But as anything, having one is better than having none. I did get lucky recently and got my hands on a cm45, no lci, no mag release!

Buying an off roster gun in California is scary. If you need to send it in to Kahr and they have to change out the frame, you can't get it back. I wish they would re-serialize the gun with the original serial number like Ruger does (or did).