(I want to keep my fingers functional.)
If you want a good, mid-caliber, reliable and relatively inexpensive handgun, you might try one of these. I've got two and I love 'em.
Hungarian FEG PA-63, 9X18 Makarov
Posted on 06/01/2010 5:21:55 AM PDT by beericus
I've been shooting several compact pistols in the Jimenez Arms lineup, including the JA-380 chambered in 380 Auto, for a number of years. My interest in the pistols really blossomed when I finally got tired of waiting on non-polygonal Glock barrels for my cast bullet design work. These pistols are part of the "Ring of Fire" linage from Southern California, the Bryco-Jennings line-up, but have survived and are doing well as they cycle pistols out of the plant on the outskirts of Las Vegas. You can find a lot of negative stuff about them on-line but after approximately 10.0K rounds through the various models I think those writing the comments have never laid palm to stock. I've found the pistols dependable and accurate.
(Excerpt) Read more at bangicus.com ...
Has Jimenez improved since changing ownership? My brother-in-law tried to pawn off a JA9 on to me and I was very hesitant to even consider it because of the reputation under the previous owner.
Jimenez - BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
(Just be sure to wear Kevlar gloves and a full faceplate when you try to shoot it.)
lol, the reviewer seems to think they are not so bad
Bought one at the gun show. Some $250 less than competing .380s. Action was very stiff, but basic construction was good. Took it to my gunsmith, $40 bucks later, had an action job on it, all the burrs were gone, quick and easy magazine drop, easy chambering. Very accurate little gun. Now its my favorite conceal/carry piece.
I have only one .380 — an old West German Walther. Points great, comfortable, accurate. ...but reliability and trigger pull are less than adequate. Haven’t shot it in over a decade — just a collector piece now.
Heard good things about the CZ 83, but haven’t shot one. It’s pretty large for a .380 though. I’d like to get a Keltec for summer carry.
If it’s got to be little—I’ll take the little .380 Colt.
Hungarian FEG PA-63, 9X18 Makarov
No way - those guns are JUNK. With all of the .380 choices out there (Taurus TCP, Keltec P3AT, Ruger LCP, Sig P238, Bersa, Diamondback, etc.) there are MANY better choices to go with. One thing people need to realize...you’re potentially betting your life on the functionality of the firearm you carry...and this isn’t the time to tell your buddies you got a carry gun for cheap. If it goes “click” when it should go bang, or if it goes “boom” when it should go bang you’ll potentially be in a world of hurt. When I’m betting my life on a piece of equipment, I want the BEST...regardless of cost.
I wouldn’t shoot one.
I’ll stick with my S&W Model 641 .357 revolver with a 2” barrel. I fired a .380 for th first time over last Thanksgiving and it was horrible compared to the Smith.
Love my Russian Mack in .380
Bump for later.
The manufacturer or your brother-in-law? :-P
(Sorry. Couldn't resist)
I picked up a Sig Sauer P230 in .380 about a year ago. I think I paid about $225.00 for it. Great little pistol.
I’ve got a Ruger .380 that I just love.
Maybe they're lots better made now, but the broken gun I saw was made of the finest faucet metal known to mankind.
These guys wouldn't even put rifling in the barrels if it wasn't a BATF requirement.
Those look nothing like the older Jennings/Bryco I recall. Like to handle one or two.
I’ve got a Mauser via Interarms .380 HSc. Nice little piece. No complaints.
If you really want an inexpensive gun that is a good value and high caliber you should consider getting a CZ-82.
They’re a relatively inexpensive police surplus gun that can be had for <$200 from some suppliers. The 9x18 caliber is more powerful than the .380 and the mags hold 12 rounds. I bought a couple so I could keep one in my truck and one in the house. All in all they’re a very nice little pistol.
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