looking for thoughts on a 380
- Thread starter muddmutt
- Start date
I recently purchased Sig Sauer p238 Equniox with factory installed Hogue wraparound rubber grips with finger grooves. It is SAO so you carry it cocked and locked just like a 1911. The recoil is really light with most of it being absorbed by the grip. The trigger pull is also light and crisp. The only problem she may have is operating the safety, but I don't think it should be much of an issue. It comes a tritium fiber optic front sight and rear night sights. It also comes with 2 magazines,1 a standard 6 round and an extended 7 round with a rubber but plate that fits perfectly with the rubber grip to help with her grip. The price was $499.00 at Palmetto State Armory.
EDIT - I forgot to mention that the racking of the slide is very easy.
EDIT - I forgot to mention that the racking of the slide is very easy.
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rclinton46
New member
I just recently purchased the wife a PK380. It was the progression from a SR22. She actually picked it out. Recoil is very light, more importantly the racking of the slide is the easiest for her to manipulate.
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Bikenut
Guest
Ok... please take the following for what it is... food for thought and nothing more.
If a person is recoil sensitive (regardless of the reason) the caliber becomes a secondary concern next to the ability to actually physically manipulate the gun and the ability to hit the intended target. After all ... 8 hits with a .22 is better than no hits from a .380, or a 9mm, or a >insert favorite caliber here< .
So may I suggest considering the lowly .22?
My wife has a problem controlling recoil of anything larger than a .22 but can put all 8 rounds from her J frame Smith... or all 10 rounds from her Walther P22... in center of mass. While moving. And since she can't do that with any larger calibers (and since hits with small bullets are better than misses with big bullets) it is best for her to use the .22.
If a person is recoil sensitive (regardless of the reason) the caliber becomes a secondary concern next to the ability to actually physically manipulate the gun and the ability to hit the intended target. After all ... 8 hits with a .22 is better than no hits from a .380, or a 9mm, or a >insert favorite caliber here< .
So may I suggest considering the lowly .22?
My wife has a problem controlling recoil of anything larger than a .22 but can put all 8 rounds from her J frame Smith... or all 10 rounds from her Walther P22... in center of mass. While moving. And since she can't do that with any larger calibers (and since hits with small bullets are better than misses with big bullets) it is best for her to use the .22.
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Bikenut
Guest
I understand.. I firmly believe each person's situation is different, even if only slightly, and they must find a solution that works for them.
Naybor
New member
If she has arthritis in her hands, she may have trouble racking an auto pistol as did my wife.
She may have to go with a revolver, also, as did my wife.
At least, before you buy, let her try a good (Ruger SP101?) .38/357. You can buy reduced recoil loads in .38 that are a pleasure to shoot. See if you can find some for her to try in your present .38. They will be called "reduced recoil" or "Cowboy" loads. If you can find .38 shorts, they will work too.
Also, Bikenut has a good idea with a .22LR or .22WMR.
Again, the key is let her get something SHE likes and will/can use.
She may have to go with a revolver, also, as did my wife.
At least, before you buy, let her try a good (Ruger SP101?) .38/357. You can buy reduced recoil loads in .38 that are a pleasure to shoot. See if you can find some for her to try in your present .38. They will be called "reduced recoil" or "Cowboy" loads. If you can find .38 shorts, they will work too.
Also, Bikenut has a good idea with a .22LR or .22WMR.
Again, the key is let her get something SHE likes and will/can use.
Purple
New member
I have arthritis in my thumbs and occasionally switch to a .380 (Walther PPK) or .32 (Bersa Thunder) for carry. The recoil is not an issue when I'm having a flare up and I can rack the sides without any trouble. I seem to prefer the .32 because of how it feels in my hand and the accuracy of the gun and ammo. Might check on a .32, its a nice step up from a .22 and one step below a .380.
My wife has the same P238. While the recoil isn't heavy I found it to be fairly snappy. I wouldn't exactly call the trigger "light" either. My guess is, it is somewhere around 8 pounds. I really have to concentrate on trigger control to make an accurate shot with it. (I'm spoiled.. Kimber.. enough said).
That said, I like it. A lot. The Equinox model in particular has a GREAT front sight; hybrid fibre/tritium that is really easy to see, day or night. I will be picking up it's big brother, a 938. Hopefully they make an Equinox model. I love that front sight.
edit to say - I read somewhere that Colt is resurrecting the Mustang, which is essentially the same design.
Errokk
New member
I'd have to say the PK380 is an excellent choice! I bought one for my wife who had never even held a pistol before, 8 for 8 first magazine. Light slide manipulation, light recoil and a solid reliable design. Hell, I even enjoy shooting it. I wouldn't buy one until I tried out the Walther PK380!
You want fries with that!?
You want fries with that!?
You make some very points. I have limited experience with 380's and was comparing the Sig p238 with my other 380 which is Ruger LCP. While the LCP is an excellent conceal carry gun the recoil is much more pronounced compared to the Sig p238 and trigger pull and control is much easier since it is SAO vs the DAO of the LCP.
Rocketgeezer
New member
The PK380 along with a Bersa thunder 380, and any that are of simalar size would most likely work out fine, the two I mentioned rack very easly
lilmule
New member
Most likely if having pain from a 38,will have some with a 380 as well.
The pt 138 is considered problematic during break in by many.
Consider any of the top break open(tip up barrel) semi autos taurus pt 22($225),beretta 22,25,32 calibers and a mid size frame 86 in 380($500 bucks).old arthur doesnt like racking slides often.
The pt 138 is considered problematic during break in by many.
Consider any of the top break open(tip up barrel) semi autos taurus pt 22($225),beretta 22,25,32 calibers and a mid size frame 86 in 380($500 bucks).old arthur doesnt like racking slides often.
Bighouse Doc
New member
Try a BERSA 380. They are well made and fit comfortably!
-Doc
-Doc
My wife has arthritis in her hands and there is no way that she can rack the slide on any compact 380. I can always rack it for her and leave it in condition 1, as the slide racks open after the last shot. However, I don't think she can operate the slide release latch either. And even worse for her, the recoil is wicked on arthritic hands. I'm with bikenut. For bad hands, go with a 22lr. I read somewhere that there are more people killed with 22's than any other caliber. Again, even 3 or 4 in the chest should get the job done. If not, there's still a few more rounds left. Weight of the gun is not a problem for her, only the strenght needed to rack the slide or to cock a hammer. She's ok with most of the decent trigger pulls on dao, such as her S&W 642 snubbie, just too much recoil.
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