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Was just wondering if there is a list of ratings for semi -auto handguns that are on the market, also prices/price guide's?????
Top Rated .380 & .40 cal semi auto's???
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57 Posts
stay away from sig in 380
the only 380 I have experience with is the sig 232.what a pos.better off shooting a pellet gun.not very accurate,jams,and was returned twice to sig for service,still doesnt shoot correctly.shoot my buddies taurus 40 caliber and like it alot,bought a pt 92 9mm for my wife,and she has a blast shooting it.I would prefer the 40 or 45 caliber,but she was leary of a larger pistol,so 9 mm it is.good luck choosing a pistol,there are alot of nice ones in the 40-45 caliber range.
the only 380 I have experience with is the sig 232.what a pos.better off shooting a pellet gun.not very accurate,jams,and was returned twice to sig for service,still doesnt shoot correctly.shoot my buddies taurus 40 caliber and like it alot,bought a pt 92 9mm for my wife,and she has a blast shooting it.I would prefer the 40 or 45 caliber,but she was leary of a larger pistol,so 9 mm it is.good luck choosing a pistol,there are alot of nice ones in the 40-45 caliber range.
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302 Posts
Just about every 380 i've wound up owning I have either sold, traded and gave 2 of them away. My carry gun is a CZ40, my wife carries a CZ75 9mm. Most of the law enforcement in Calif. (the state of cant afford you) are carrying 40 cal guns. The 9mm is fair but the 40 has a lot more going for it, also beings I reload I can scrounge a lot of brass at the range and from some of the law enforcement depts. This only my 2 cents worth.
Gun Runner
Gun Runner
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57 Posts
check out gunfinder.net,they have good prices with specs and pics of just abiout everything out there.if you can get a price match from a local dealer take it.
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106 Posts
It is not the smallest gun in the world, but have a older (pre enormous trigger guard) cz75 in pmm that is the most accurate handgun I have ever fired.
I can put a full clip (15 rounds) into the black at 25 feet without thinking about it a whole lot.
This is the gun that would have won the military's 9mm trials if not for the cold war.
I'd put it up against a beretta 92 any day.
When not practical to carry I stick with my .357 sp101.
I can put a full clip (15 rounds) into the black at 25 feet without thinking about it a whole lot.
This is the gun that would have won the military's 9mm trials if not for the cold war.
I'd put it up against a beretta 92 any day.
When not practical to carry I stick with my .357 sp101.
One of the finest .380 Autos brings derision when mentioned nowadways: the Walther PPK.
I have one, American-made, I purchased three years ago. It is the blued model PPK and a very fine firearm.
Some shooters hold the American-made PPK in disdain reportedly for lousy quality. I don't know about that, but that's NOT the gun I bought new.
It's very well made, accurate and extremely reliable.
The PPK is small, especially when the magazine without finger rest is used, and can actually be carried in the front jeans pocket. I know, I've done it.
Unfortunately, the PPK is no longer manufactured. It has been replaced by the PPK/S, which has a slightly longer grip and accomodates one more cartridge (seven, vs. the PPK's six .380 rounds).
I wanted a .380 a few years ago and set out looking at various models. Too many of the .380s were the size of a 9mm. Others has sharp corners or prominent sights that might snag on clothing during a draw.
Time and again, I kept returning to the PPK for yet another look.
Finally, I bought it and have never regretted my purchase.
Critics charge that the PPK is an old design (oh horrors!), has a long, creepy double-action pull (not the one I bought, but perhaps I got a fluke) and has a low capacity.
For years, FBI statistics have shown that most gunfights involve two or three shots before one or the other shooter goes down, surrenders or runs away.
In light of this, I don't consider 7 rounds (1 in the chamber, six in the magazine) a deficit.
Besides, higher-capacity .380s sacrifice portability and concealability for those extra rounds.
The Walther is quickly and easily reloaded, if necessary.
If you want a .380, I heartily suggest the Walther PPK.
Yes, it's old. But so is the Colt .45 Auto, yet few deride it as obsolete (and if they do, they're crazier than Hades).
The Walther's been tested in the field for nearly 75 years, in all different climates and under all kinds of conditions. It is noted for reliability.
With my PPK and cast bullet loads, I can put all shots into a paper plate at 25 yards, offhand, in a matter of seconds. Jacketed bullet ammunition, which produces greater recoil, takes a little longer to empty a magazine but the accuracy remains.
If you want a .380, get a PPK or PPK/S. I can't comment on the .40-caliber, I have no experience with it.
I have one, American-made, I purchased three years ago. It is the blued model PPK and a very fine firearm.
Some shooters hold the American-made PPK in disdain reportedly for lousy quality. I don't know about that, but that's NOT the gun I bought new.
It's very well made, accurate and extremely reliable.
The PPK is small, especially when the magazine without finger rest is used, and can actually be carried in the front jeans pocket. I know, I've done it.
Unfortunately, the PPK is no longer manufactured. It has been replaced by the PPK/S, which has a slightly longer grip and accomodates one more cartridge (seven, vs. the PPK's six .380 rounds).
I wanted a .380 a few years ago and set out looking at various models. Too many of the .380s were the size of a 9mm. Others has sharp corners or prominent sights that might snag on clothing during a draw.
Time and again, I kept returning to the PPK for yet another look.
Finally, I bought it and have never regretted my purchase.
Critics charge that the PPK is an old design (oh horrors!), has a long, creepy double-action pull (not the one I bought, but perhaps I got a fluke) and has a low capacity.
For years, FBI statistics have shown that most gunfights involve two or three shots before one or the other shooter goes down, surrenders or runs away.
In light of this, I don't consider 7 rounds (1 in the chamber, six in the magazine) a deficit.
Besides, higher-capacity .380s sacrifice portability and concealability for those extra rounds.
The Walther is quickly and easily reloaded, if necessary.
If you want a .380, I heartily suggest the Walther PPK.
Yes, it's old. But so is the Colt .45 Auto, yet few deride it as obsolete (and if they do, they're crazier than Hades).
The Walther's been tested in the field for nearly 75 years, in all different climates and under all kinds of conditions. It is noted for reliability.
With my PPK and cast bullet loads, I can put all shots into a paper plate at 25 yards, offhand, in a matter of seconds. Jacketed bullet ammunition, which produces greater recoil, takes a little longer to empty a magazine but the accuracy remains.
If you want a .380, get a PPK or PPK/S. I can't comment on the .40-caliber, I have no experience with it.
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I have a sig p232 380 and love I mean LOVE it. I is very accurate and never malfunctions no matter how much I use it. I have had it for about 3-4 years now and don't have a single complaint with it. I think it is a quality gun that my wife really enjoys shooting. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to ya if you really want a 380. I Have obviously had a better time with mine than 1badmagnum has had. But everyone has a lemon. Well I can't speak to your other question with regards to the 40 cal but I do recommend the sig p232 380 with full marks GREAT GUN....
Brian
Brian
380
I have two Walthers and both are as accurate as I can hold at 15 yards which is where I shoot pocket guns for testing. I have never encountered any problems of any kind.I don`t favor 380`s but at times that size is about all I can conceal. The 380 is the one caliber thatI don`t reload for and I use Hornady`s hollow points. No complaints there either.
I have two Walthers and both are as accurate as I can hold at 15 yards which is where I shoot pocket guns for testing. I have never encountered any problems of any kind.I don`t favor 380`s but at times that size is about all I can conceal. The 380 is the one caliber thatI don`t reload for and I use Hornady`s hollow points. No complaints there either.
I agree with T.A.P. I own a 380 Walther PPK/S. Have never had any discharge problems and I too shoot at 10-15 yards with very good accuracy. It's loaded with Federal Hydra-Shok HP. If one knows how to handle a small auto pistol, I'm sure if needed, it could the job.
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518 Posts
The only autos I have experience with are the Taurus and Colt models.
Taurus 99 - hated it, too big anyway, traded for a SW 38 spl. (sweet shooter, gave it to Mom)
Taurus PT-111 - nice little 9 mil. though double action only, carrys nicely and not difficult to hold on target at 15 yards. Still have that one in the nightstand.
Colt Officers model - nice, not as compact as I would like for constant carry, not difficult to hold on target at 15 yards.
Colt Government 380 - very nice, very comfortable, very easy to hold on target at 15 yards, carrys well inside waistband. Downside is; it is no longer in production, though they can be gotten in good shape. The replacement is the series 80 or some such thing, and personally, I don't like it.
Taurus 99 - hated it, too big anyway, traded for a SW 38 spl. (sweet shooter, gave it to Mom)
Taurus PT-111 - nice little 9 mil. though double action only, carrys nicely and not difficult to hold on target at 15 yards. Still have that one in the nightstand.
Colt Officers model - nice, not as compact as I would like for constant carry, not difficult to hold on target at 15 yards.
Colt Government 380 - very nice, very comfortable, very easy to hold on target at 15 yards, carrys well inside waistband. Downside is; it is no longer in production, though they can be gotten in good shape. The replacement is the series 80 or some such thing, and personally, I don't like it.
I'll second 445 supermag DW's post.
The SIG 232 380 that my wife packs has worked flawlessly for 3 years now.
If the round fits in the magazine the 232 will feed/fire/eject it.
The SIG 239 40 S&W & 357 SIG that I pack has worked flawlessly for years.
I prefer to pack my S&W 1006 or 1076 10mm Auto.
I like the added "horsepower" of the 10mm.
180gr Speer Gold Dots at 1300fps,can't be achieved with a 40 S&W.
The SIG 232 380 that my wife packs has worked flawlessly for 3 years now.
If the round fits in the magazine the 232 will feed/fire/eject it.
The SIG 239 40 S&W & 357 SIG that I pack has worked flawlessly for years.
I prefer to pack my S&W 1006 or 1076 10mm Auto.
I like the added "horsepower" of the 10mm.
180gr Speer Gold Dots at 1300fps,can't be achieved with a 40 S&W.
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518 Posts
Dans40X,
Funny you should mention fit and feed! Just this past Friday I took my wife to an indoor range, bought ammo (made by Federal, but not that name on box - red and white box) and we went a'shootin'! The 9 had a problem seating correctly at least 8 out of fifty shots. I started to get po'd at the weapon first, but remembering that with UMC it fed and fired fine, I concluded that the 9 didn't like a few of those other brand.
In another interesting turn of events, after shooting the 9 and shooting my Colt Trooper III, she has decided (even though MY revolver grip is entirely too big) that she wants a hammerless revolver. She does not want to deal with a snag, or a misfeed, or the chance, however remote, that the pistol may go off if dropped, AND she does not want to deal with a safety. I am agreeable, it goes in her nightstand, and because of it's simplicity, I won't have to maintain it.
The second (and best) part of this story is that when she wanted to shoot the Colt, she asked me how it kicked, and I demonstrated, with empty hands, the recoil I am used to from that revolver. She nodded, and wanted to try. I should point out that I am 6', 250 lbs, and she is 4'11" and less than 135 lbs. The Colt is so big in her hands that she has to use her off hand to pull the hammer back. Ok, no biggie - with her feet planted and shoulders squared, she fired the first round, and her eyes got big as saucers, and she gave me the "OH my!" look at the plume of flame, AND it was a good thing I was right behind her - she got pushed back an inch or two. Then, she turned around and fired the remainder of the wheel, put it down and asked to go again. What a woman! Even though that revolver was too big for her, she decided from this experience that she wanted a revolver over an auto. I am happy and relieved.
So, now, even though I sorta like the little Taurus, I think it will go in favor of a S&W hammerless. The FFL in our area has a S&W day coming up this month, so I hope to find a revolver for her, that she is comfortable with, and either trade or consign the Taurus.
P.S. This was my wife's first ever handgun shooting experience. Her only previous shooting had been once, twenty years ago with a 12 ga. that knocked her down. But she is one game woman!
Funny you should mention fit and feed! Just this past Friday I took my wife to an indoor range, bought ammo (made by Federal, but not that name on box - red and white box) and we went a'shootin'! The 9 had a problem seating correctly at least 8 out of fifty shots. I started to get po'd at the weapon first, but remembering that with UMC it fed and fired fine, I concluded that the 9 didn't like a few of those other brand.
In another interesting turn of events, after shooting the 9 and shooting my Colt Trooper III, she has decided (even though MY revolver grip is entirely too big) that she wants a hammerless revolver. She does not want to deal with a snag, or a misfeed, or the chance, however remote, that the pistol may go off if dropped, AND she does not want to deal with a safety. I am agreeable, it goes in her nightstand, and because of it's simplicity, I won't have to maintain it.
The second (and best) part of this story is that when she wanted to shoot the Colt, she asked me how it kicked, and I demonstrated, with empty hands, the recoil I am used to from that revolver. She nodded, and wanted to try. I should point out that I am 6', 250 lbs, and she is 4'11" and less than 135 lbs. The Colt is so big in her hands that she has to use her off hand to pull the hammer back. Ok, no biggie - with her feet planted and shoulders squared, she fired the first round, and her eyes got big as saucers, and she gave me the "OH my!" look at the plume of flame, AND it was a good thing I was right behind her - she got pushed back an inch or two. Then, she turned around and fired the remainder of the wheel, put it down and asked to go again. What a woman! Even though that revolver was too big for her, she decided from this experience that she wanted a revolver over an auto. I am happy and relieved.
So, now, even though I sorta like the little Taurus, I think it will go in favor of a S&W hammerless. The FFL in our area has a S&W day coming up this month, so I hope to find a revolver for her, that she is comfortable with, and either trade or consign the Taurus.
P.S. This was my wife's first ever handgun shooting experience. Her only previous shooting had been once, twenty years ago with a 12 ga. that knocked her down. But she is one game woman!
I recently bought a Bersa .380 for my wife. After shooting it a few times, I was impressed with the feel, the accuracy, the light recoil and it's perfect size as a carry gun. It has proven so reliable that I went out and bought another one for myself.
At $200, they are very affordable and actually a much better gun than I expected.
Beaver
At $200, they are very affordable and actually a much better gun than I expected.
Beaver
40cal,
I don't have experience with the autos that have been mentioned here, but I'll offer some advice if you're interested in concealed carry. I have a Taurus M85, 5 shot, 38 Special revolver in stainless (high polished "pimp" finish). It shoots point of aim to 25 yds and would make a bad joke of many revolvers or autos, accuracy wise, with twice the barrel length at that distance. It can be concealed with ease by nearly any manner and it has NEVER failed to work with over 2000 rounds through it. I have autos with that good of track record, but they are all .45's and all full size. The trigger pull is very easy to use at typical gunfight distances. If you need more than five shots you're in a situation that typically wouldn't be called "self defense", but it can be reloaded quickly enough. When I carry it, it's full of Cor-bon 125gr +P's. I like the slimness of an auto, which are verly slightly skinnier than this revolver, but I also like the idea of it going BANG until it's empty with no exceptions whatsoever, 2000+ rounds, period. Oh, and it's economical to boot. I'm glad I've never had to use it, but I have no doubt it would stop a fight with a decent shooter behind it, as well as a .380 or .40 at least.
Sorry not to have input to your direct question, but I figured this info might be useful to you.
I don't have experience with the autos that have been mentioned here, but I'll offer some advice if you're interested in concealed carry. I have a Taurus M85, 5 shot, 38 Special revolver in stainless (high polished "pimp" finish). It shoots point of aim to 25 yds and would make a bad joke of many revolvers or autos, accuracy wise, with twice the barrel length at that distance. It can be concealed with ease by nearly any manner and it has NEVER failed to work with over 2000 rounds through it. I have autos with that good of track record, but they are all .45's and all full size. The trigger pull is very easy to use at typical gunfight distances. If you need more than five shots you're in a situation that typically wouldn't be called "self defense", but it can be reloaded quickly enough. When I carry it, it's full of Cor-bon 125gr +P's. I like the slimness of an auto, which are verly slightly skinnier than this revolver, but I also like the idea of it going BANG until it's empty with no exceptions whatsoever, 2000+ rounds, period. Oh, and it's economical to boot. I'm glad I've never had to use it, but I have no doubt it would stop a fight with a decent shooter behind it, as well as a .380 or .40 at least.
Sorry not to have input to your direct question, but I figured this info might be useful to you.
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