p380, do or don't?

[BOBBO268]

I see a lot of negs for this gun, should i get one or not, reliability wise? I like the slim body, but if its a problematic gun, i'd rather stay away....

[cesande]

See this post for MY opinion.
http://kahrtalk.com/showpost.php?p=126329&postcount=3

Or this one

http://kahrtalk.com/showpost.php?p=126330&postcount=2

Again my opinions.....

and I will work to make it a range toy as much as I can but realize that it is really a 1 or 2 mag sword when needed (fully cleaned and lubed and ready for service)....

[BOBBO268]

Very good read, thanks for the help. It makes sense, only the first mag or two count when it matters. Interested to hear if anyone has problems with those first 2 mags....

Also, does anyone who owns a p380 also have a taurus 380 lcp? I've also been looking at these, and for under $200, i can add a crimson trace laser for $180 and still be way under the price of the kahr. Any opinions/experiences?

[kerby9mm]

Around here the p380 is close in price to the Sig p238 which now is known to be reliable and fun to shoot for way more that 2 mags worth. It is too bad the p380 has so many issues. The Ruger Lcp is small enough for pocket carry,cheap and has a better track record than the p380. There is also the Keltec so you have other choices.

[Ninjatarian]

Save yourself the hassle... and money. I own a P380. I now also own the S&W bodygaurd. The P380 had a few major failures. The Bodyguard had a couple minor failures that wouldn't keep it from still functioning (slide didn't lock back on empty mag, for example). The Bodyguard was half the price and comes with a built in laser. It also has real adjustable iron sites unlike the Taurus. I also like the Taurus, but the lack of real sites kills it for me.


If someone already owns a problem child P380, then 50/50 on keeping it. If you don't and know they are a problem ahead of time... you would be silly.

As far as that 1-2 mag sword comment, I partially agree. What you say is true only needing 1-2 reliable mags. But also, how long does your gun stay squeaky clean and oiled when you carry it every day in your lint filled pocket, gumming up the works and soaking up the oil? Second, carrying is a major peace of mind thing. I'm not sure I would have peace of mind knowing the gun I chose to take with me is only good for 1-4 mags... on a good day.

[rogerthedodger]

Save yourself the hassle and money. Buy a CM9, or if in Commiefornia, get a PM9. Best of the best, my opinion. I have CW9, PM9, P380, LC9, LCP, LCR, and many others.
PS And if you really gotta have a P380, I'll make u a deal on mine. LOL

[BOBBO268]

I have a bodyguard, and i've only shot it once, I hate the trigger, i mean HATE!!!, it is horribly long and between 8 and 10 lbs, thats crazy. The laser's are prone to failure and once again, should have done a lot more research, like i'm doing this time. From what i've read the cm9s are very reliable, however, thicker than the p380 and probably a lot harder to carry inside a waistband or inside a pocket, right?

[JFootin]

I have a bodyguard, and i've only shot it once, I hate the trigger, i mean HATE!!!, it is horribly long and between 8 and 10 lbs, thats crazy. The laser's are prone to failure and once again, should have done a lot more research, like i'm doing this time. From what i've read the cm9s are very reliable, however, thicker than the p380 and probably a lot harder to carry inside a waistband or inside a pocket, right?

My CM9 disappears IWB. In an El Paso Pocket Max horsehide holster, there was no printing when standing, but a large and noticeable (to me at any rate) lump on top of my leg when sitting. Too big to be mistaken for a wallet. Some people can get away with it, but I can't with my thin legs. Try it for yourself. The gun is light enough that it rides very comfortably in the pocket. Jocko carries his PM9 in his left front pocket all the time.

For IWB carry so comfortable that you literally cannot feet the gun and holster there at all, get a PJ IWB Holster with over the belt clip. Just $40 shipped and the best holster you can get for the CM9. Paul will work with you on cant, ride height, clip style, whatever it takes to satisfy you.

[jjmc2001]

I bought a P380 in slightly used condition a few weeks ago. It is an RAXXX serial number and looked to be lightly used. I already own a Kahr CW9 and love it. I figured even if the 380 had issues Kahr would make it right. I have a little over 300 rounds through it as of yesterday with only one stovepipe which was casued by me limp-wristing with my off-hand (first shot). The P380 is a true pocket pistol. The CM9 is not. I aslo have an LCP and the P380 is a huge step up in terms of trigger, sights, and overall finish. The Sig238 is a fine weapon and it appears the kinks are now worked out of it. I just thought it was too heavy and I never warmed up to the single action/safety issue for a pocket gun. If you always intend to carry IWB go with a CM9 but for pocket carry the P380 is excellent. The problem with reading about problems is the satisfied owners rarely comment. So far I am satisfied and if it has issues I will send it back to Kahr.
My first 300 rounds were with the crappiest ammo I had including Fiocchi, Privi Partizan, Winchester white box, and UMC. I did clean it after 200 and then went back to the range a few days later with some higher quality ammo. Same excellent results. I am sure there are problem P380s out there I guess I just got lucky.

[Tank]

I have a P380 that I guess I must have gotten lucky with, it's even in the "bad S/Ns" at S/N RB69XX. I had some issue in probably the first 100 or 125 break in rounds but by 200 it was working fine and I'm around 400-450 now with no issues.

One of my issues was my gun doesn't like flat nose wwb ammo. Don't limp wrist it, and I make sure I always close the slide using the slide lock and allowing the spring to close the action and load the 1st round. Kahr recomeneds this method but I caught myself closing the action slowly to watch the 1st round load. I fixed these minor issues and have had good luck. Maybe I'll develope prolems later but so far so good.

I do find that I have been only shooting this gun about 30 rounds at the end of the session about the last 3 or 4 times out, just to stay up on it. Next time I'll try a hundred or so to see if there are any problems.

This .380 fits my hand better than any I looked at. I get 2 full finger on the gun without using a mag extention that moves around on my second finger. I'm still in awe over the accuracy with a 2.5" barrel the P380 is cappable of.

The gun world is full of almosts. There are .380s almost as small as .32s, 9mms almost as small as .380s, .40s almost as small as 9mms.......

It's a personal choice on the size of frame you are looking for for what you are going to do with the gun. Some cases a half inch longer and 4 ounces heavier aren't a concern and you can move up a caliber. Others this is a deal breaker.

Let us know what you go with and how it turns out for you.

[kpm9]

Mine was a problem from day 1 and I sold it and bought a LCP.
The LCP has been 100%, not as accurate but reliable. And that is what I need for a close up backup gun.

[Longitude Zero]

I am no fan of the 380 in ANY weapon. I would never trust my life to anything less than a 9mm or bigger.

[Disapointed]

D-O-N-T

Trust me on this one.
SG

[Disapointed]

I am no fan of the 380 in ANY weapon. I would never trust my life to anything less than a 9mm or bigger.

I know everyone has heard this before, but it is true. I'd much rather have a .380 that is always on my person, than my .40 or 9mm that is with me a few times a year.

[kpm9]

I'd much rather have a .380 that is always on my person, than my .40 or 9mm that is with me a few times a year.

True, just not the P380. With the PM9 and CM9 around, you can do much better.