P380 - any must have aftermarket parts?

[markg]

i have a new P380 that shoots great, and i want to keep it that way.

any aftermarket parts that i should install to make it as reliable as possible?

have seen a few that look good, but dont have any experience with them other than the Magguts magazine kits which i already installed.

The ones i have heard mentioned here in various posts:

• Lakeline Ultimate Striker
• Galloway Stainless Steel Striker Guide
• Stainless Steel Guide Rod (by both Kahr and Lakeland)
• Galloway spring kit (couldnt find this on their web page, discontinued? or bad data perhaps)

anyone have any thoughts on those 4 or any other accessory that might help the guns reliability? i have read a lot about broken strikers etc. and just want to do whatever i can to avoid anything happening when it isnt convenient...

thanks,

mark

[Bobshouse]

Only thing I have in mine besides the mag guts is Lakeline's Ultimate Striker. The striker upgrade is a must IMHO.

[geogecko]

I'd say the first on the list should be the Lakeline Striker. I also bought their SS guide rod (bought the longer one for my older style slide, because the shorter one was a hair shorter than I liked, and they exchanged it. I also installed the Magguts springs and followers and have had zero issues. Haven't heard about the Galloway parts, but may check them out. What is the striker guide?


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[geogecko]

Ah, I see now, that is nice, I always thought that was a cheap looking part when I've disassembled. Also thought several times I was going to break it getting the spring back in...


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[markg]

Lakeline Striker. I also bought their SS guide rod (bought the longer one for my older style slide, because the shorter one was a hair shorter than I liked, and they exchanged it.


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any reason you got the lakeland guide rod instead of the kahr one?

[geogecko]

I don't think Kahr had them when I got mine, which was about 2 years ago, if they did, I guess I didn't know about it.


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[markg]

Ordered the parts: Lakeline Ultimate Striker and stainless steel guide rod, and Galloway Stainless Steel Striker Guide. all are very high quality, and fit perfectly.
i had one stovepipe, but that could be because my hand was getting tired shooting all my mouse guns, and that was the first failure of any kind since new/over 400 rounds, so i'll reserve judgement on that issue until the next time i go to the range.
i got the lakeland steel guide rod instead of the kahr due to kahr's massive shipping fees.

[King Rat]

Why so many problems with the Kahr striker/firing pin? Could this need be from dry firing? The Pico has a problem as well IF you dry fire. Which their manual states to not do. I cannot imagine why the Kahr OEM part would be so susceptible to major problems. I always use snap caps in all my guns. Yes, some really may not need this and I am not looking for a internet debate on dry firing. Just wondering if this could be the cause? Thanks

[Ed M]

I replaced the striker in my CW380 with a Lakeline one as well. Mine didn't break - I just did it to ensure it wouldn't have the chance. Peace of mind kind of thing.

The problem area is the flat part where the pin is attached to the rest of the striker. The difference is obvious....

[King Rat]

Only thing I have in mine besides the mag guts is Lakeline's Ultimate Striker. The striker upgrade is a must IMHO.

Still trying to find out why this is a MUST. And what is going on with the OEM. I suspect dry firing, but is this just breaking at a certain point of the pin? Is it cracking? Has anyone called Kahr and are they saying yes, get the upgrade? Is this a chronic problem with all guns, or is this like a 5 or 10% breakage with owners. You hear so much on the internet. So many failures, break in problems. Ammo problems etc. For example I was expecting all kinds of problems with both my Khar and both Pico's but never had a problem yet. Almost 2000 rounds between the two Pico's without a failure of any kind and now with my new Kahr, 325 rds with no problems.
I always buy stainless steel guide rods for my gun, but they really are NOT a must. Just wear better over time and never need replacement. I always believe in changing out mag springs or buying new Mags, and changing out RECOIL springs is a MUST.
So, even If I use snap caps, I should expect a complete Failure if I do not get the Lakeland kit?

[Ed M]

Highly doubt you'll find the precise answer you're looking for, but it would be cool to know. Guess it all depends on if there's any flaws in the metal.

I think this is a MIM part due to the shabby appearance of that flat part that the pin sits on. Machining would give a look like the Lakeline unit.

Wanna let you know my Pico is doing great - very comfortable to shoot, and it's just, well......a Beretta. I still shoot my Kahr better, but the Pico blows away my Bodyguard for accuracy. I've got 100 rounds through it so far, and there isn't even a hint of wear at all. Cool little gun.

[King Rat]

Thanks Ed,I am really enjoying both of these fine guns. I did get the Night sights, and was thinking about just letting my gun smith put them on, He is more than fair with me on anything I do, and was thinking of ordering the striker and having him do the work. I am still bleeding from the Purchase of Two Pico's, the Khar, night sights for all, and more mags, lol.

[Bobshouse]

I don't dry fire mine either, and never have broken a firing pin, but every time you break it down, you have to pull the trigger on an empty chamber. You can see by the picture that Lakelines design is a lot more robust where the firing pin is joined to the actuator.

[topgun1953]

Last I checked Kahr will not admit to having a problem with the striker. I had a broken one in a CW380 before I traded it and then 4-5 in my P380 before Lakeline came out with theirs. I'm guessing that about in the 400-700 range it would break. I used to dry fire it a lot..with snap,caps. In their quest to solve the problem, they replaced the slide twice. I would suggest to all that if you do break your striker, get a shipping label and send it in on Kahrs dime. After awhile they may sit up and take notice.

[SlowBurn]

Highly doubt you'll find the precise answer you're looking for, but it would be cool to know. Guess it all depends on if there's any flaws in the metal.

I think this is a MIM part due to the shabby appearance of that flat part that the pin sits on. Machining would give a look like the Lakeline unit.

Wanna let you know my Pico is doing great - very comfortable to shoot, and it's just, well......a Beretta. I still shoot my Kahr better, but the Pico blows away my Bodyguard for accuracy. I've got 100 rounds through it so far, and there isn't even a hint of wear at all. Cool little gun.

Just goes to show everyone's experience is different. I've had my Pico in twice already for a problem with the trigger failing to reset. Then it just happened again today. By contrast I've had almost no issues with my P380 or CW 380 despite having shot them both maybe 10 times as much is the pico. And, The Kahrs shoot better for me by quite a lot.