Dark Thoughts

[mser]

All of the negative posts and reviews frequently fuel my thoughts about selling my P380 and replacing it with an LCP. That is until I take it to the range and shoot it. I love this little gun. The frame was replaced by Kahr after 300 rounds. I've put 470 rounds through it since them. Put 50 rounds through it yesterday and experienced 1 stovepipe and 3 or 4 premature slide locks. I'm pretty certain the stovepipe was my fault, but not sure what to make of the premature slide lock. However, it just dawned on me (DUH moment inserted here) I should've determined if the slide lock problem occurred with only one certain magazine or both of them I was using. Guess I'll pay a little more attention next time out. Even with those failures, and my shortcomings that I believe caused the stovepipe, I'm still smitten with the Kahr.

During the several week time period the Kahr was getting it's frame replaced I purchased a S&W Bodyguard 380. Put 50 rounds through it and sold it within a week. Great little gun, but I was spoiled by the Kahr trigger and sights.

The P380's not going to replace my PM9 or M&P 40C, but it's not supposed to do that. All in all it's a great little gun and nicely fills a slot in my concealed carry regimen when warranted.

[LaP]

Perfect example of the old saying : If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

As with any mechanical device, things can break. If your particular weapon serves your needs adequately, then just carry on.

[Bill K]

Getting a PM9 has largely replaced my P3AT carry as a primary but there are times when only the .380 will do. If you've confidence in your P380 then for sure keep it as it'll make a decent primary when you can't or won't carry something bigger and a great secondary when carrying two guns makes sense.

[Squib]

I would not carry a CC pistol that had failed, and had yet to prove itself after repair. Another parameter I choose to follow is if I need to send a pistol in a second time, it will be sold as soon as it returns. Regretfully, I had to do that recently with a CW45.

[kahrlover123]

I would not carry a CC pistol that had failed, and had yet to prove itself after repair. Another parameter I choose to follow is if I need to send a pistol in a second time, it will be sold as soon as it returns. Regretfully, I had to do that recently with a CW45.
I totally agree. If I depend my life on my piece, I accept ZERO failure. If the failure is NOT due to my fault, I will kiss that piece goodbye.

[josp]

All the "new" little 380's on the market are really a engineering marvel when you consider that until recently a small 380 was a Walther PPK.

The guns are made so small as to be easier to carry, that if the slightest thing is off either in design or manufacture (of weapon OR ammunition) the result is mechanical failure. AND you also have to factor in the human error in grip, fingers too big to get a proper grip on such a small weapon, bumping levers and such, it's a wonder they work at all.

I had a P3AT that worked perfectly for 30 to 40 rounds before it would hang up. Clean off the feed ramp and it was good for another 30 or so. Now I only carried 6 rounds with me so I felt it wasn't a big deal, but I just wasn't comfortable with the caliber. I've seen enough uses of the 380 to know that it works, just the 9/40/45 work better, and faster.

The local candy store has a P380 that I check out every now and again, but my PM9 is as low as I'll go, and will opt for the P45 in any case that I can.

The trick is deciding on what you can live with, no pun intended. :D

[roscoguy]

All of the negative posts and reviews frequently fuel my thoughts about selling my P380 and replacing it with an LCP. That is until I take it to the range and shoot it. I love this little gun. The frame was replaced by Kahr after 300 rounds. I've put 470 rounds through it since them. Put 50 rounds through it yesterday and experienced 1 stovepipe and 3 or 4 premature slide locks. I'm pretty certain the stovepipe was my fault, but not sure what to make of the premature slide lock. However, it just dawned on me (DUH moment inserted here) I should've determined if the slide lock problem occurred with only one certain magazine or both of them I was using. Guess I'll pay a little more attention next time out. Even with those failures, and my shortcomings that I believe caused the stovepipe, I'm still smitten with the Kahr.
What did you do that could have caused the stovepipe? Just wondering because I had a similar problem with my P380 (if the spent casing hangs up horizontally is it still called a 'stovepipe'???) that I believe was caused by over-lubing.