P380 -The Third Iteration

[racuda]

The first one was RA3756 and it had many problems. Failures to eject, fire and load. I tried to shoot it into perfection but it only got worse. I sent it back and it was returned somewhat improved, but still had numerous problems.

I sent it back again and it was returned with a new frame, RC0270. It was much better with no jamming problems, but this time was plagued with light strikes, about one every 10 rounds.

Sent it back for a third time and this time they kept it for four weeks. I got it back today with another new frame also a RC series in the mid 2000's. The work order said "replaced frame, striker block, extractor, lubed test fired good". Although it wasn't mentioned, they also replaced both magazines. The rounds don't seem as wiggly in the new mags.

I just returned from my range in the woods and I'm happy to report that it seems to be finally fixed! I shot 50 rounds of commercial reloads with no problems. Then I shot 50 rounds of flat nosed WWB, also problem free. I still had 30 rounds of the WWB and at round 110 or so I had one failure to feed. I think it was because the gun was pretty dirty at that point. The reloads are way dirtier that factory ammo. I finished up with a mag of Buffalo Bore +P.

If anybody has a problem P380, go ahead and send it in. THEY KNOW HOW TO FIX 'EM NOW! http://tomsastroblog.com/images/2010/04/yippee.gif (http://tomsastroblog.com/images/2010/04/yippee.gif)

[JFootin]

IMO, drop the reloads and only feed it premium commercial ammo, and shoot it like you stole it!

[jocko]

The first one was RA3756 and it had many problems. Failures to eject, fire and load. I tried to shoot it into perfection but it only got worse. I sent it back and it was returned somewhat improved, but still had numerous problems.

I sent it back again and it was returned with a new frame, RC0270. It was much better with no jamming problems, but this time was plagued with light strikes, about one every 10 rounds.

Sent it back for a third time and this time they kept it for four weeks. I got it back today with another new frame also a RC series in the mid 2000's. The work order said "replaced frame, striker block, extractor, lubed test fired good". Although it wasn't mentioned, they also replaced both magazines. The rounds don't seem as wiggly in the new mags.

I just returned from my range in the woods and I'm happy to report that it seems to be finally fixed! I shot 50 rounds of commercial reloads with no problems. Then I shot 50 rounds of flat nosed WWB, also problem free. I still had 30 rounds of the WWB and at round 110 or so I had one failure to feed. I think it was because the gun was pretty dirty at that point. The reloads are way dirtier that factory ammo. I finished up with a mag of Buffalo Bore +P.

If anybody has a problem P380, go ahead and send it in. THEY KNOW HOW TO FIX 'EM NOW! http://tomsastroblog.com/images/2010/04/yippee.gif (http://tomsastroblog.com/images/2010/04/yippee.gif)

assuming u had to go through a new gun registration process when u got new frames. glad it is right, nice gun when they work as designed. I wold also think tha tmaybe `110 rounds when issue start to arise, it could be a tired shooter to. not much gun to hold on to and the slightest variation in one's grip can cause things to happen that never happened in the first 40 rounds..:blah:

[TominCA]

If you watch your empties ejecting (rather than the target) you will notice that "range FMJ" often has a lot of variation and a small percentage of the cartridges don't have enough power to activate the p380. This is probably not so big an issue on a pistol designed with a heavier slide mass such as a Bersa because they can be springed lighter. The p380 is right at the edge of what the 380 acp can operate. I like Corbon 90 g HP - It is reliable all the time every time and has enough oomph to overcome a "girlie" hold on the gun. It must be difficult to build a gun that can shoot both Bufalo Bore +p and WWB! and weigh in at less than 10ozs!

[Cokeman]

Can you tell any differences between the 3 frames?

[racuda]

Can you tell any differences between the 3 frames?


No, nothing other than the side plate difference between frame 1 and 2. The difference must be minute. It would be interesting to directly compare a good frame with a bad one.

[jocko]

any chance of a photo showing that side plate frame??

[racuda]

any chance of a photo showing that side plate frame??

Sure. It's not a new change though. It happened sometime last year.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k304/racuda00/Kahr/sideplate.jpg