second strike worth an extra 100?

[Cotillion]

I've been planning on buying one of the 380 pockets this month for my cc and was pretty set on the Taurus TCP ( slide lock, internal safety for kids, 2 mags and a cool carrying pouch ) but as everyone knows you run the risk with cheaper guns for a failure to fire. More often than not it doesn't happen, especially after a few hundred rounds and proper cleaning. However I was reading the review for the bodyguard 380 which I initially ruled out due to not wanting to pay an extra hundred for a garbage laser and found out it is hammer fired and allows for second strike like most higher ends. Sadly it only comes with 1 mag, doesn't have the carrying case and lacks the internal safety but it does lock after empty and has an external safety, does having that second chance in an oh s%& situation worth the extra hundred plus the extras from the Taurus, or is it such an uncommon thing after proper break in that I shouldn't worry about it

 

[Patriotpapa]

I purchased the BodyGuard because 1) it is a S&W 2) Double strike/Double action. I felt the DA only coupled w/the external safety compensated for the lack of internal safety. I also wanted a small semi-auto rather than a wheel gun. If I purchase a wheel gun, it will probably be the S&W Mod 60 because my wife likes how it feels in her hands... As far as the laser, mine quit working with the first round downrange... I will say S&W responded very promptly when I inquired about it (folks on this forum strongly suggested I do so) as it is still under warranty. If the laser quits working on the replacement, well, not sure what I'll do quite honestly...

Good luck!
Bruce

 

[Patriotpapa]

Oops... I purchased three extra mags from the dealer. They had them in stock & were reasonably priced, so... I have an el cheapo pocket holster & will upgrade to a better holster sometime in October.

Bruce

 

[4rd4x4truck]

I have the Taurus TCP and have shot over 250 rounds without a single problem.

 

[Glockinghouse]

I think the second strike is OK if you want the gun that offers this. I had a FNP 9 mm that had the capability and the only time (in over 1,000 rounds) I needed it was on some ammo I bought from a guy at work in a plain plastic bag. He was unsure how long he had or where it came from.

Having said that, I opted for the SIG P238 in 380 ACP as I likes the features, external safety and the feel of the gun over some of the others mentioned here. I don't have children in my home so no need for a locking mechanism that can only cause problems if it goes south.

 

[PT140Dad]

The Second Strike only refers to a Single Action that is capable of Double Action as well. My wife's TCP is DAO, meaning every time she pulls the trigger, the hammer is pulled back and released. If a round does not fire, she can pull the trigger again and again. Each time the pin will strike the primer.

On my PT140 MilPro, Is SA/DA, which is basically Strike 2. Any DOA semi is Strike 2..

 

[PT140Dad]

BTW, her TCP has been a great gun, with the 7rd mag extender.... search Ebay for TCP +1 I'm not affiliated with this guy, only a satisfied customer.

 

[sstock38]

I highly recommend the Crossbreed or Remora brand holsters as options for the S&W 380 Bodyguard.

Scott

 

[bootsdeal]

I have the Taurus TCP738, and have had no problems, as long a name-brand ammo is used. It doesn't seem to like the Russian stuff, but does great on Winchester, Remington, Federal, Corbon,etc. Shoots both HP and round nose equally well. I'm getting a 2nd Taurus 738 to carry with it. Then, 2 pistols, plus 4 mags equals a total of 28 rounds. Best there is for concealed carry in the plus 100 degree weather, and if hey're not big enough to do the job, I need to run real fast.

 

[rdc2co]

Never tried the TCP .380, however...

I have a Taurus PT-745, and when I first bought it, the magazine baseplates kept falling off, dumping the rounds, spring, follower, (etc) all over the floor. I also got 2-3 shots maximum out of it. Taurus did fix it for free, however it took 3 months. Since then, it's ok. The Millennium series was one of those SNAFU situations, but they seemed to have ironed that all out.
I bought the Ruger LCP, and it's pretty good, but any of these little .380s give you a strong 'felt recoil', because of their small size.
I also recommend the Crossbreed or the Kholster for the same reason- they are 'tuckable'. I don't know if there is a 'wallet holster' for the TCP, but I have one for my Ruger. It looks EXACTLY like a wallet in my back pocket. If you can find one of those, get it.

 

[m444ss]

I don't know about Taurus guns except that they have a decent rep. My father-in-law carries the Sig .380; although Sig's are pricey. I always say, for price and quality, you can't go wrong with Ruger.

 

[pmb61]

Your original question was "second strike worth an extra 100?" I think if you word that same question in this manner it will answer your question "is my life worth an extra 100?" I have A Taurus PT92 and a PT99, that were purchased in the early 80"s when Taurus first bought the Beretta factory in Brazil.Those two guns are great but with all the recent problems and barrels I have seen being blown off I would not touch one!! Please realize this is my personnel opinion and others are sure to chime in and claim they love them.
My vote would be second strike . Also someone brought up the Ruger . great guns I sometimes carry an LCP and have it on now but the Ruger LCP does not have second strike either.

 

[B2Tall]

Don't base your personal safety on whatever gun has the lowest price, throws in an extra mag, or has a cool cary case. If that extra $100 is in your budget then you shouldn't be afraid to spend it. You don't have to spend it but it shouldn't be the deciding factor.....not when your life might be at stake.

 

[sgtbill]

Have you taken a look at the Walther PK380
Bill

 

[Cotillion]

Yeah I'm definitely leaning towards the s&w now. The added safety plus quality of it is definitely worth it. I know many people will swear by the TCP, then again many will swear it fails every 50 rounds and id rather not have that be the round that I needed!

 

[Purple88yj]

I have not had the opportunity as of yet to fire one of the Bodyguards from S&W, however, I have fired some of the other popular polymer pocket .380's, and I must say that of the Kel-Tec P3AT, the Ruger LCP, and the Taurus TCP, I like the TCP the best. I plan on purchasing two of them to carry on those days when it is just too stinking hot to carry a big gun or other circumstances as they arise where carrying a full size gun is not an option.

My opinion of the TCP is that the recoil is very well managed for such a light, compact gun. While the round itself is rather anemic, it is no slouch in the recoil department. My current .380 is an AMT all stainless steel gun, and let me tell you, it is no pleasure to shoot. The TCP was comfortable. I feel as if I could set off a box of rounds through it and not flinch at the idea. Not something I would do again with my AMT.

The double strike capability of the Smith isn't something I would get all fuzzy about (remember, this is my opinion). Modern centerfire ammunition is reliable enough, and a failure to fire drill is something one should be practicing anyway if you plan to carry a semi-automatic handgun. Also, the laser on the Smith, to me, is little more than a novelty. The activation switch was put in the most asinine place if you ask me. Besides, with a .380, you aren't going to be shooting it at something much more than eight or ten feet away, if you need to shoot it at all.