Advice on a .380

[dohc97]

As I grow older, will be 67 in a few months, I notice that I am becoming more sensitive to recoil. Last time I was at the range, I had with me my sig P210, Beretta Centurion, SW 5906, and Walther PDP F. I felt that the plastic Walther was a lot snappier than my 3 metal guns I had with me. Majority of my handguns are metal framed but I have a few that are plastic framed; Glock 19, Walther PDP/PPQ, HK P30. Is the 380 a lot less snappy than a plastic 9? I have never shot a 380. I am particularly looking at the Beretta 85 series.

 

[KingClown]

Less recoil yes, But I dont think its alot less. Especially if you are using hot self defense rounds. 380 uses the same bullet as 9mm literally so you still have to get the same mass moving. If you are a reloader you can just load 9mm a little light. I do that for my mother she loves to shoot but at 78 years old she was having trouble so I made her some rounds that are loaded as light as safely possible and still cycle the slide and eject and she loves it.

 

[Hibs]

Check out the new Ruger Security 380. Video reviewers on YouTube say it's one of the softest shooting 380s out there.

 

[Threeband]

Most if not all of the "classic" .380s use straight blowback, meaning the breech is not locked. This tends to make the recoil more violent. Newer .380s are using the same locking systems you find in the bigger 9mms, .45s.... you know, real guns.

I've always been surprised at how much recoil I feel from blowback 9mm Makarovs and even a .32. I'm not sure if the Beretta you mention has an unlocked breech, but I'll bet it does.

As mentioned, Ruger and Smith and Wesson have several locked breech models you might want to research, but don't rush out and buy one without trying one first.

By the way, .380 ammo is a bit pricier than 9mm Luger, because of lower demand, I suppose. You also give up a LOT ballistically.

 

[XCheckR]

My wife has a bersa 380 (thunder) and I find it snappy. She doesn't like it as much as her Walther 9mm. That's the only 380 data point I have.

Btw. If you grow tired of the 5906 let me know. It's on my wish list.

 

[Biggfoot44]

As mentioned , straight blowback .380 have more recoil than locked breach .
The Beretta 85 & related have less than the more compact ones , just because of the comparitive size & weight . * To me * it is less than a 9mm , but that's subjective in my hand , etc , etc . Can't speak first hand as to the latest locked breach Shield , etc .

Meanwhile , what ammo are you using in your 9mm's ? 115gr std velocity will have the least recoil of common 9mm ammo .

 

[Neutron]

I have a couple of 380's and I think they are snappier than my 9mm's. If you are looking for something less punishing on your hand, don't switch to 380 without testing the one you want to buy first.

 

[RFBfromDE]

I have a 7rd mag and Hogue sleeve on my LCP2.

My wife and I find the LCP2 (.380) easier to rack and control than our Security 9c. (9mm)

YMMV

 

[Ellis Gordon]

Take a look at the brand new Beretta .380 Cheetah 80X. It was introduced at Shot Show 2023. The Handgun roster board considered the pistol at the 3/8/2023 board meeting. The meeting minutes have not been published, but I would assume that the Cheetah 80X was approved for the roster.

80X Cheetah

The Beretta 80X Cheetah Pistol with a new sleek design and enhanced features is ergonomically redesigned for modern day carry and comes optics-ready out of the box. Learn More!

www.beretta.com

 

[Roksfr]

I am eagerly waiting for the 80x, but in the meantime Atlantic has some surplus Cheetahs https://atlanticfirearms.com/search/?q=beretta&qt=all_words&page=2&limit=999999999

 

[Bertfish]

My Beretta 85 has a bark but is very controllable. Single stack so it's slim. The 84 was the double stack 380. Also have an 81 which is the double stack 32; that thing is a pop gun comparatively.

 

[gamer_jim]

I love my Sig Sauer P238 HD. 7+1 with aftermarket magazine.
All stainless steel, tritium iron sights, thousands of rounds and it's never had a hiccup.