P380 Wanted

[boscobarbell]

I've got that urge again...looking to grab a P380 for light carry days. They seem to be hard to find around these parts, so hoping someone here has a safe queen that they no longer need.

I know from experience that those little guns can be finicky....so please please please no lemons!!

[tokuno]

I've got that urge again...looking to grab a P380 for light carry days. They seem to be hard to find around these parts, so hoping someone here has a safe queen that they no longer need.

I know from experience that those little guns can be finicky....so please please please no lemons!!

Yep, with my county relaxing its ccw policy I've been keeping an eye on gunbroker for a p380, but I'm patient. I speculate that Kahr's forthcoming model upgrades might lower their resale value as owners dump their unused or unwanted Kahrs. Bummer about the ones I already own but I'm hoping it'll be easier to find a p380 in the near future.

[boscobarbell]

Do we have any idea what the model upgrades may be, or when they are expected to hit the market?

I don't think any tweaks would change my mind about wanting an older P380, but if shiny new objects make the used market better for buyers, I'm all for it.

[tokuno]

Do we have any idea what the model upgrades may be, or when they are expected to hit the market?

I don't think any tweaks would change my mind about wanting an older P380, but if shiny new objects make the used market better for buyers, I'm all for it.

Haven't heard any rumors about P380 changes, but even - or especially - if the capacity increased I'd probably still prefer the current model.

[boscobarbell]

Yeah, same. 6+1 (or 7+1 with Magguts) is plenty for me.

[iWander]

PM sent

[boscobarbell]

Replied.....

[boscobarbell]

Still on the hunt!! Can anyone shake one loose?

[getsome]

Was at Adventure Outdoors 2500 S. Cobb Dr. Smyrna Ga. 770-333-9880 recently to shop for a Sig for my son and they had a few P380’s in the case along with several other caliber Kahr’s and I got my hands on a PM45 that I wanted real bad but had to leave it with them at $689.00 but it sure felt nice….Give them a call, nice folks

[boscobarbell]

Was at Adventure Outdoors 2500 S. Cobb Dr. Smyrna Ga. 770-333-9880 recently to shop for a Sig for my son and they had a few P380’s in the case along with several other caliber Kahr’s and I got my hands on a PM45 that I wanted real bad but had to leave it with them at $689.00 but it sure felt nice….Give them a call, nice folks

Thanks for the heads up.

[King Rat]

Amended-no Politics, my bad. Still I wish the best for Adventure Outdoors their customers and all supporters of the Second Amendment while under the Biden Administration.

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/georgia-lt-gov-burt-jones-adventure-outdoors-marjorie-taylor-greene/85-26b60cab-bfa8-4e6d-b5d7-ca8cb1a4f47e

[boscobarbell]

Deleted

[King Rat]

"Goon force?" More like brave law enforcement officers sworn to protect our country and put bad guys in jail.

Deleted-Political post not allowed.

[boscobarbell]

Deleted

[King Rat]

Deleted Sorry to post political post.

[boscobarbell]

Deleted

[Bawanna]

Lets get back on course here.

[King Rat]

Deleted, went back and saw that you were looking for a Used 380. That was a great price for new I posted. Good luck, hope you find one soon.

[yqtszhj]

Where have I been? Serving in federal LE agencies for over 30 years. And, in retirement, working in the same field as a contract investigator.

Anyway, still not seeing how any federal LE agency is inherently political. You disagreeing with someone's personal opinion...and not, to be clear, any of their actual policies...is not evidence. Curious...would you think that an ATF Director being IN FAVOR of AR-15 ownership was being "political?"

Anyway, none of this is getting me any closer to finding a reliable used P380, which was the point of this thread. Such is the way of Internet forums I guess! :)

Well, this is kinda back on topic. Given your past LE experience and such, would you carry your .380 as a backup or primary carry when feeling not in the mood for something bigger? If primary do you carry a backup mag? I carried a .380 in pocket for years due to work restrictions and being just lazy but have been carrying a 9mm the last couple of years mostly. This.380 talk caused me to pull out my cw380 and I forgot how easy it is to carry in the pocket. I may have to revert back during light carry occasions. Just curious on your thoughts.

[kenemoore]

You know, I'm not a ballistics guru, but for some reason, I feel better carrying a Snub Nosed 38 versus a .380. I would guess, performance is about the same and the .380 is easier to conceal, easier to reload.
I have a CW380 and an LCP 380, one shoots a little high, one shoots a little low. The CW380 locks open on last round, the LCP does not. I also have Beretta Jetfire .25ACP, that I used to carry to funerals and such. Slips right in a jacket pocket. But the 380's are about the same size, and more fire power too.

And as my old friend Andy G., used to say, anything beats a pointy stick.

[boscobarbell]

Well, this is kinda back on topic. Given your past LE experience and such, would you carry your .380 as a backup or primary carry when feeling not in the mood for something bigger? If primary do you carry a backup mag? I carried a .380 in pocket for years due to work restrictions and being just lazy but have been carrying a 9mm the last couple of years mostly. This.380 talk caused me to pull out my cw380 and I forgot how easy it is to carry in the pocket. I may have to revert back during light carry occasions. Just curious on your thoughts.

I have struggled on and off with moving down to smaller calibers since retiring, after carrying a big Sig in 40 SW for around 30 years.

But once I put my bias aside and did some research (okay...a LOT of research) I'm convinced that any ammo that meets the FBI gel testing parameters is good enough for civilian use. Heck, a hollow point that penetrates 12-18" should certainly suffice, especially when follow-up shots can be much easier with a lower recoil. And, compared to the size of the human torso, the difference in bullet caliber sizes is truly minuscule

I still carry a bigger caliber when it is not overly burdensome (usually my Kimber K6s) when I wear heavier clothes and use a belt, but in warmer weather (or when I'm going to the gym) I'm perfectly comfortable with a 380 tucked in my waist, especially since I did my own gel testing and found that the right 380 ammo does exactly what it is supposed to. And, these days, I'm not rushing toward a gunfight. My job is to make the bad guy stop doing what he is doing so I can get away and get home to my family.

[boscobarbell]

You know, I'm not a ballistics guru, but for some reason, I feel better carrying a Snub Nosed 38 versus a .380. I would guess, performance is about the same and the .380 is easier to conceal, easier to reload.
I have a CW380 and an LCP 380, one shoots a little high, one shoots a little low. The CW380 locks open on last round, the LCP does not. I also have Beretta Jetfire .25ACP, that I used to carry to funerals and such. Slips right in a jacket pocket. But the 380's are about the same size, and more fire power too.

And as my old friend Andy G., used to say, anything beats a pointy stick.

I think you can squeeze marginally more performance out of the 38, but it is pretty close. And, while I LOVE revolvers for being so damn reliable regardless of what you feed them, I just tend to shoot semis better, especially when moving and shooting. And the other problem is, with a revolver, the better the ballistics of the ammo you choose, the harsher the recoil (yes, there are exceptions like the Underwood Xtreme Defender). You can abate this a bit by going with a steel snub instead of one of the higher alloys (I own a 360 PD), but then you're back to carrying a piece that is as heavy as a duty pistol.

[boscobarbell]

Deleted, went back and saw that you were looking for a Used 380. That was a great price for new I posted. Good luck, hope you find one soon.

Where did you post that link? Very interested......

[boscobarbell]

I think you can squeeze marginally more performance out of the 38, but it is pretty close. And, while I LOVE revolvers for being so damn reliable regardless of what you feed them, I just tend to shoot semis better, especially when moving and shooting. And the other problem is, with a revolver, the better the ballistics of the ammo you choose, the harsher the recoil (yes, there are exceptions like the Underwood Xtreme Defender). You can abate this a bit by going with a steel snub instead of one of the higher alloys (I own a 360 PD), but then you're back to carrying a piece that is as heavy as a duty pistol.

I just looked up my most recent gel testing. This is with Clear Ballistic gel and 8 layers of medium-weight denim:

Underwood Xtreme Defender 380 (shot out of a Remington RM380): 13.25"
Underwood XTP +P 380 (out of a Beretta Pico): 13.5" with full expansion
Underwood Xtreme Defender 38 (out of a Taurus 856): 14"

Like I said, the results are pretty darn close.....

[DavidR]

Are you looking to pocket or belt carry?

I belt carry and recently picked up a Sig P365-380. Loaded and holstered with 11 rounds of Lehigh Xtreme Defense it weighs 22 ounces.

Super soft shooting and accurate. Very little muzzle flip. I’m enamored with this pistol.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230401/1b3880ee260e2d194b73ab141072b33f.jpg

[boscobarbell]

Are you looking to pocket or belt carry?

I belt carry and recently picked up a Sig P365-380. Loaded and holstered with 11 rounds of Lehigh Xtreme Defense it weighs 22 ounces.

Super soft shooting and accurate. Very little muzzle flip. I’m enamored with this pistol.

I've actually been considering one. I've got one in 9mm, and it is one of the best pistols I've ever owned, I've also got a Glock 42, which is about the same size. I've got the mags set up with the Magguts internals and a Pierce extension, so they carry a total of 8 rounds. Still 2 less than the Sig. Like the Sig, it's virtually without recoil and crazy accurate. I load mine with either the Underwood Xtreme Defender +P or the Underwood XTP +P, both of which are pretty close to 9mm in power.

And I also like the idea of having the same platform for both 9mm and 380. It's just that the Kahr is so much smaller overall, and can get to 7+1 with the Magguts. My biggest concern is ammo selection, as the P380 I ended up selling would only shoot the mildest of 380, and would choke on the Underwood loadings or anything +P. No such concerns with the Glock, or the Sig from what I've been told.

I don't pocket carry, so everything is AIWB for me. Still, size there is very important. The Glock is okay but not great, whereas my Remington and Beretta Pico really disappear there. (Both are decent shooters, but not nearly as pleasant or accurate as the P380).

[DavidR]

My CT380 is a soft shooter and conceals well but I’m more accurate and faster with the Sig.

[boscobarbell]

My CT380 is a soft shooter and conceals well but I’m more accurate and faster with the Sig.

Yeah...shooting the Glock makes me feel like I'm cheating. So damn mild and accurate. Plus, last time I went out with my son, just for fun we started to see how far away I could get and still ring the steel targets. I got to about 50 yards and was still hitting the majority of my shots, which is just crazy considering that a) I'm no Annie Oakley, and b) the gun is so tiny to be more than adequate at that range.

[yqtszhj]

Are you looking to pocket or belt carry?

I belt carry and recently picked up a Sig P365-380. Loaded and holstered with 11 rounds of Lehigh Xtreme Defense it weighs 22 ounces.

Super soft shooting and accurate. Very little muzzle flip. I’m enamored with this pistol.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230401/1b3880ee260e2d194b73ab141072b33f.jpg

Darn, one more gun I need now.

[yqtszhj]

I just looked up my most recent gel testing. This is with Clear Ballistic gel and 8 layers of medium-weight denim:

Underwood Xtreme Defender 380 (shot out of a Remington RM380): 13.25"
Underwood XTP +P 380 (out of a Beretta Pico): 13.5" with full expansion
Underwood Xtreme Defender 38 (out of a Taurus 856): 14"

Like I said, the results are pretty darn close.....

Thanks for all the provided info. :amflag:

[King Rat]

Where did you post that link? Very interested......

Lock and loaded

https://i.imgur.com/eY6c3VK.jpg

[boscobarbell]

Ummm….that’s an image, not a link! :)

[King Rat]

Ummm….that’s an image, not a link! :)

Lol, LOCK AND LOADED

https://lockedloaded.com/

If you need more help let me know.

[DavidR]

The P is obviously more expensive but I’ve always liked the machining on the slide better than the CW.

[King Rat]

The P is obviously more expensive but I’ve always liked the machining on the slide better than the CW.

A couple of factors to think about The P will get you another magazine, night sights and a lifetime warranty. For myself, I want this great 380. for life and pass it on. (provided Kahr is still around)

Another thing. Lock and Loaded is one website to always check. They will have some incredible deals that you do not see anywhere else. My recent purchase of the Beretta APX A1 Carry for $239.00 was insane. I believe they are the same place I bought my P380 a few years ago on sale.

PS also pick up this mag while you are at it.

7 rd for $28.00

[King Rat]

I've actually been considering one. I've got one in 9mm, and it is one of the best pistols I've ever owned, I've also got a Glock 42, which is about the same size. I've got the mags set up with the Magguts internals and a Pierce extension, so they carry a total of 8 rounds. Still 2 less than the Sig. Like the Sig, it's virtually without recoil and crazy accurate. I load mine with either the Underwood Xtreme Defender +P or the Underwood XTP +P, both of which are pretty close to 9mm in power.

And I also like the idea of having the same platform for both 9mm and 380. It's just that the Kahr is so much smaller overall, and can get to 7+1 with the Magguts. My biggest concern is ammo selection, as the P380 I ended up selling would only shoot the mildest of 380, and would choke on the Underwood loadings or anything +P. No such concerns with the Glock, or the Sig from what I've been told.

I don't pocket carry, so everything is AIWB for me. Still, size there is very important. The Glock is okay but not great, whereas my Remington and Beretta Pico really disappear there. (Both are decent shooters, but not nearly as pleasant or accurate as the P380).

Once the 380. get's past the past the the pocket size of the the Kahr 380 or the Pico, I have no use for the cartridge. They no longer become the "pocket gun" which is IMO a huge defensive carry gun Weapon. Concealment at it's very best!. A gun that you can actually carry in the palm of your hand and no one would ever know. Walk to your car at night? Carry the Pico or Kahr. A gun in the hand is the fastest to the draw Period.
I will disagree with you on the Kahr and the Pico " (Both are decent shooters, but not nearly as pleasant or accurate as the P380).[/QUOTE] The Pico is every bit as accurate once diligent training with both are used. The only reason to say they are not is experience with the DAO trigger.Become totally familiar with both and the same diligent time shooting and the Pico will do as well or better. Given the choice between the two pocket guns I love, the Kahr and the Pico, I will choose the Pico every time and for MANY REASONS. Thank Goodness I own three of them.The Kahr P380, CW380 and three Pico's, The Pico is a far superior pocket gun in many ways. One of the most underrated gun';s every made. And a mis-understood firearms from the General Public (internet). There has never been the quality, the perfection in a Pocket gun like the Beretta Pico.

And that my friends is coming from a Kahr Fanboy of the 380 Kahr with thousands of rounds between both of them.

[boscobarbell]

"I will disagree with you on the Kahr and the Pico"

I'm confused...with what are you disagreeing?

[getsome]

I’ll try to explain, I carry a PM9 in the pocket everywhere I go except for those times like a funeral or wedding when you want to be armed but need the smallest pocket pistol available……My PM9 has been 100% reliable from the box even without the break in period but when I started thinking about a .380 pistol and after reading about all the problems with the P/CW Kahr .380’s and even though I love my Kahrs I bought a Beretta .380 Pico and it’s been 100% perfect from day one and a super thin, reliable pistol that I really like a lot……..If you want a .380 pocket pistol that works every time and as much as I would like to recommend a Kahr, the Beretta Pico is the way to go for a .380 pocket pistol…….

[boscobarbell]

I’ve got a Pico…I’ve owned one for the past 5 years or so. Mine wont feed Xtreme Defender ammo, but otherwise it is utterly reliable. Easy to carry, too.

My only gripe is that it just feels quite different in the hand than my other pistols with that oddly thin grip and high bore access. Certainly not disqualifying, but for me the Kahr just seems to fit and point better. Plus the ability to get one extra round with either Magguts or the extended mag is a bonus. Now, if it were to prove finicky (like my previous one) then all that would be moot.

[yqtszhj]

To the point of shoot ability of the Kahr, I took my cw380, rm380, and original 2010 LCP on my monthly range visit today. After a few mags through the LCP and rm380 which wasn’t fun, the rest of the 150 rounds went pleasantly through the cw380 and the group was not bad at 21 feet. About the size of a softball and 6 inches high. It had been years since I’ve shot it. Only problem is I can’t see crap anymore so I need to put a dap of orange paint on the front sight like I have done to my other pistols over the last year or so.

I gotta start pocket carrying that again now. Shoots good one handed too and I’ve never had a problem with it.

[boscobarbell]

To the point of shoot ability of the Kahr, I took my cw380, rm380, and original 2010 LCP on my monthly range visit today. After a few mags through the LCP and rm380 which wasn’t fun, the rest of the 150 rounds went pleasantly through the cw380 and the group was not bad at 21 feet. About the size of a softball and 6 inches high. It had been years since I’ve shot it. Only problem is I can’t see crap anymore so I need to put a dap of orange paint on the front sight like I have done to my other pistols over the last year or so.

I gotta start pocket carrying that again now. Shoots good one handed too and I’ve never had a problem with it.

Surprised you found that the RM380 "wasn't fun." Mine is exceptionally mild to shoot, and has been 100% reliable for 6 years of ownership.

[yqtszhj]

I think it’s just me. I never could shoot it well and the fit in the hand is odd, probably because I have these giant mitts. It’s one of the few micro guns that when I shoot it I feel it in some nerve in the web of my hand. I have an officer size 1911 that does the same thing. Those are the only two guns that do that. I’m probably a mutant of some type.

[boscobarbell]

I think it’s just me. I never could shoot it well and the fit in the hand is odd, probably because I have these giant mitts. It’s one of the few micro guns that when I shoot it I feel it in some nerve in the web of my hand. I have an officer size 1911 that does the same thing. Those are the only two guns that do that. I’m probably a mutant of some type.

Makes sense. That's sorta the issue I have with the Pico. Not the pain part (it's very mild), but the odd shape just feels like it's gonna squirm around in my hand (even if it isn't).

[King Rat]

Makes sense. That's sorta the issue I have with the Pico. Not the pain part (it's very mild), but the odd shape just feels like it's gonna squirm around in my hand (even if it isn't).

This topic of the grip on the Pico has been discussed before. I have a size large hand and long fingers. Wear a size xtra LG glove. The slim design actually anchors very solid with the grip going into the meaty tissue of my hand. I have some pictures some where I will try and find. Also the Pico, surprisingly has very large real-estate for the OFF hand which also is important for control. One thing about the Pico, is the fact that it is about as simple to work on as any firearm I have known. And I have all the spare parts. I also own three of them. I also like the extended magazine. Most people do not realize how it benefited for fast draw. A lever so to speak to quickly lift the gun out.
I also own a number of Grips. Some I did my own stippling. (I cracked so many grips with LCP's that I was alway's concerned that I would crack one with heavily shot Pico, but it never happened.)

https://i.imgur.com/ZLdECHO.jpg?4


https://i.imgur.com/B8Gt9W9.jpg?3

Bosco, this is your pic of the Pico with a grip. Did it not work out for you?

https://i.imgur.com/2Igh8qP.jpg?4

[boscobarbell]

I've got the Pico, a number of spare parts, and a second disassembled Pico that I purchased as a spare parts gun. I'm also thinking of getting a second one that will serves as my "range Pico" so my carry Beretta gets less wear and tear (although they are little tanks of a gun, and seem to be very, very durable).

As to the grip...like I said, I think it's the combination of the VERY narrow grip and the rather high bore axis that makes it feel top-heavy and prone to wobbling when fired. I've been lifting and doing martial arts since I was in pre-school, so grip strength is not an issue for me, but it still has that odd balance that makes it FEEL like it is insecure in the hand. Still shoots great and is utterly reliable, so it has certainly earned a place in my carry rotation. But it doesn't feel like the other pistols I own, and thus requires familiarization every time I shoot it.

I hope that explains it a bit better.

p.s. I took that idea for the grip and actually used some epoxy on one of my grips and widened the profile just a bit. And that is covered by that Hogue Beavertail sleeve. I think it improves one facet of the grip, but at the cost of making the Pico a bit wider. I still can't decide which profile I prefer, and go back and forth between my different grips.

[King Rat]

I've got the Pico, a number of spare parts, and a second disassembled Pico that I purchased as a spare parts gun. I'm also thinking of getting a second one that will serves as my "range Pico" so my carry Beretta gets less wear and tear (although they are little tanks of a gun, and seem to be very, very durable).

As to the grip...like I said, I think it's the combination of the VERY narrow grip and the rather high bore axis that makes it feel top-heavy and prone to wobbling when fired. I've been lifting and doing martial arts since I was in pre-school, so grip strength is not an issue for me, but it still has that odd balance that makes it FEEL like it is insecure in the hand. Still shoots great and is utterly reliable, so it has certainly earned a place in my carry rotation. But it doesn't feel like the other pistols I own, and thus requires familiarization every time I shoot it.

I hope that explains it a bit better.

p.s. I took that idea for the grip and actually used some epoxy on one of my grips and widened the profile just a bit. And that is covered by that Hogue Beavertail sleeve. I think it improves one facet of the grip, but at the cost of making the Pico a bit wider. I still can't decide which profile I prefer, and go back and forth between my different grips.

Well, I would say that like all firearms, one shoe does not fit all,and for your personal preference. Sounds like the Kahr is a better fit for you. Kahr makes a great 380. And like the Pico, even the manual say's it will shoot Plus P. Not so much that I shoot Plus P (which I do) but a testament to the durability and strength/build quality of the firearm. Most of the competitors do not recommend it and rightly so. They cannot handle it. Kahr went the extra yard by adding steel inserts into the grip frame. Yea, cost more to manufacture, and what separates other's in quality.

https://i.imgur.com/moVl4xW.jpg?2