The CZ 83 is also an excellent pistol. It's sister the CZ 82 can be had used in excellent condition, and shoots the much easier to find and more potent 9mm Makarov ammo.

Dutch, not enough said about the CZ 83. Let me add at 28+ oz empty of its 12 cap mag; its all steel body and ergo grips soak up the snappy recoil better than ANY other .380. Of coarse its a gun you want to shoot and carry, unlike those others which you really wouldn't want to shoot very often.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Is the .380 cartride AKA the Dodo cartridsge?

No, they arent.

I think it IS the Dodo cartridge. Until it reappears again on the shelves it may be extinct.


My experience between the two:
I had a Sig P232 in 380 and it kicked like a mule and I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with it. I sold it and bought a Kahr P9 and it was a world of difference. More powerful round, LESS recoil, and much better accuracy.

I have since bought another Sig 380, the new P238 and have not been able to find any 380 SD ammo to even test it. I have fired some Winchester white box out of it, and it is still quite snappy, but since it's not a fixed barrel, it is less snappy than a P232 and likely only due to the incredibly small size and low weight. I plan to carry it only as a backup either in an ankle holster or pocket holster. 9mm or larger for primary weapon.

quote:

Originally posted by evlgreg:

....and have not been able to find any 380 SD ammo to even test it.....

Gold Dots are - gulp - $37/50 at Streichers. The main page shows free shipping until 31 Oct for orders over $50. From the link below, adding them to your cart shows in stock as of Oct 28.


http://www.streichers.com/Prod...FEDD&Prod=CCI-380GD1

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sigmund,

Well, now the great ammo hunt is on. We picked up a P238 and a Bersa 380 last month and they are getting hungry. The best pricing I've found is at Cabela's, but the backorder time is getting longer, and ,longer, and longer.....

quote:

Originally posted by ugeesta:
.... The best pricing I've found is at Cabela's, but the backorder time is getting longer, and ,longer, and longer.....

I've had some 380 Hornady XTP on backorder since April. Other rounds might not be as scarce.

quote:

Originally posted by Sigmund:

quote:

Originally posted by evlgreg:

....and have not been able to find any 380 SD ammo to even test it.....

Gold Dots are - gulp - $37/50 at Streichers. The main page shows free shipping until 31 Oct for orders over $50. From the link below, adding them to your cart shows in stock as of Oct 28.


http://www.streichers.com/Prod...FEDD&Prod=CCI-380GD1

Thanks for the tip, I was going to order 2 or 3 boxes to get free shipping, but they were out of stock on Nov 2nd.

No doubt 380 ammo is the most over-priced and hardest to find handgun ammo at present. A Ruger LCP in 380 makes for a great backup gun but I wouldn't carry a 380 as a primary carry gun.

The reason some people find .380s "snappy" isn't simply because they're "blow back" operated, it's due to their much smaller size (than similar 9mms). Practically speaking, a .380 bullet isn't much different than a light bullet shot from any other 9mm pistol that strikes at a slightly lower velocity. Depending on such factors as distance, clothing and other barriers, the effects experienced by the "target" can be nearly the same.

I've seen as many instances where a properly placed .380 ACP bullet stopped the person shot as I've seen 9mm bullets fail. There's lots of variables involved, but one thing can't be denied: You can find .380s that are much smaller than 9mm pistols!

My favorite and current carry is the Seecamp LWS380 and I believe they're worth the price. Although as large as many 9mms, I really do like the design, quality and looks of the CZ83.