. 380 Revolvers

[Ron991]

With the recent popularity of the .380 round, I knew it would be just a matter of time until this round was released in a revolver. Now Taurus has done so.....Thoughts?

[aceinyerface]

Firearms are tools. If I get a tool, it is because I have a need for it. I don't go around buying stuff for the heck of it. Not everyone is like that, though.

This firearm doesn't serve any need of mine. I can't think of any need that couldn't be met by something better.

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/prod...ucts_id=124450

$333 and 15.5oz?? A S&W442 is $360 and 15oz, fires a better round too.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/26306

[stobes21]

The (potential) advantage I could see would be in cylinder length: the .380 ACP round is significantly shorter than the .38 special round (more than 1/2") and could therefore theoretically use a shorter cylinder to either get a shorter overall gun or a gun the same size as a .38 snub but with a longer barrel.

On the other hand the .380 is a bit weaker than the .38 and would require moon clips. I actually would prefer they chamber it in 9mm parabellum (would require a slightly longer cylinder but still less than a .38) and then you could shoot either round out of it like you do a .357 gun.

[Ron991]

The (potential) advantage I could see would be in cylinder length: the .380 ACP round is significantly shorter than the .38 special round (more than 1/2") and could therefore theoretically use a shorter cylinder to either get a shorter overall gun or a gun the same size as a .38 snub but with a longer barrel.

On the other hand the .380 is a bit weaker than the .38 and would require moon clips. I actually would prefer they chamber it in 9mm parabellum (would require a slightly longer cylinder but still less than a .38) and then you could shoot either round out of it like you do a .357 gun.

You can bet a 9mm will probably soon be marketed in a revolver. I am surprised it took this long for a .380, as S&W has had a .45 acp in a revolver for year's.

[blary54]

You can bet a 9mm will probably soon be marketed in a revolver. I am surprised it took this long for a .380, as S&W has had a .45 acp in a revolver for year's.

I'm really surprised its never been done before.

[LittleLebowski]

You can bet a 9mm will probably soon be marketed in a revolver. I am surprised it took this long for a .380, as S&W has had a .45 acp in a revolver for year's.

There are conversion cylinders available for Blackhawks, I believe.

[JayM]

Same company - nearly looks the same in 9 MM and .45 ACP
http://www.taurususa.com/product-det...ategory=Pistol

[MondoJ]

I'm really surprised its never been done before.

It's been done by Ruger the speed six and security six http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Security_Six I have the 3 inch speed six in nickel. I would have to load magsafe's in the new ruger and +1 on the 380 9mm option.

[Blue Raccoon]

I'm a 380 fan! Kel Tec, Sig, Ruger.. but just don't understand a 380 revolver and I like revolvers.

[Mako72]

I believe Ruger and S & W both did 9mm revolvers. They never caught on and thats why they are not regular catalog items but instead something interesting that pops up now and again for a limited run. 45 acp does work with the moon clips and was intended for the military to feild in addition to the 1911. Now a days I don't see much use, and this is coming from a guy that owns 2 original S&W 1917s.

I don't see where the 380 makes much sense in a revolver. Ammo is about the same price as 38 with less potential. It will probably be less reliable with extraction due to the rimless cartridge. You can get a plethrora of small light 380 automatics that will be more reliable, more compact, and hold more rounds for the same money appx. The one exception I could see would be if an individual already has a 380 Automatic and wanted to pick a up a revolver for the ammo compatiblity.

Jay

[JCinPA]

Solution in search of a problem, IMO. My 5-shot Taurus snub with Eagle secret agent grips (small wood) fits easily in a jeans pocket and with .38 spl +P is fine for git 'r done purposes.

If I can get it in my pocket, why would I want to knock a 1/2 inch off the gun and trade that terminal ballistic goodness? I mean I'd rather have my .45 but sometimes you need a pocket gun. I want the most gun I can get in my pocket, not a .380.

If you want a .380 get one of the micro-pocket autos?

I don't understand this gun. I just don't.

[Tom Krein]

I've had 9mm and .45 acp wheel guns. The 9mms SUCK! The moon clips are just to fragile!

A .380 wheel gun makes absolutely NO since to me at all!!!! I understand it in a pocket auto, but why limit the power and get a similar size to a more powerful round like the .38 special....

Tom

[plpenn]

I carry a .380 sometimes but I do not think it is a great round. I would not carry it as a revolver.

[Wildalaska]

Dumbest thing I have ever seen

[MrMurphy]

S&W made a 9mm J-frame, the 940, for years.

Taurus has less to gamble, they come out with all sorts of weird one-off designs.

Add in the fact it probably won't work anyways....eh. Your money.

[miamimoe]

Solution in search of a problem, IMO.

If you want a .380 get one of the micro-pocket autos?

I don't understand this gun. I just don't.

Could not agree more. If I wanted a .380, I would buy a small auto from the likes of Walther, Kahr, etc., which are small, flat, and have a reasonable magazine capacity. A .380 revolver simply makes no sense at all.

[camjr]

Agree. That's a strange one. Can't see the benefits. I carry a J Frame all day every day where able to, and Gold Dot 135gr +p rounds or 158gr LSWCHP +p rounds are a heck of a lot better than .380. .380 has it's place in small pocket pistols, but makes no sense in a wheelgun.

Cheers!

[LittleLebowski]

This is like the Taurus Judge and I don't mean that as a compliment.

[echotron]

.380 ... Nope! .38 may be slightly bigger but worth extra length.

If size is the main concern ... how about a .25 revolver? What some idiot company makes those? The semi-auto .25s are usually stamped metal JUNK!

[malocchio]

I believe Ruger and S & W both did 9mm revolvers. They never caught on and thats why they are not regular catalog items but instead something interesting that pops up now and again for a limited run. 45 acp does work with the moon clips and was intended for the military to feild in addition to the 1911. Now a days I don't see much use, and this is coming from a guy that owns 2 original S&W 1917s.

I don't see where the 380 makes much sense in a revolver. Ammo is about the same price as 38 with less potential. It will probably be less reliable with extraction due to the rimless cartridge. You can get a plethrora of small light 380 automatics that will be more reliable, more compact, and hold more rounds for the same money appx. The one exception I could see would be if an individual already has a 380 Automatic and wanted to pick a up a revolver for the ammo compatiblity.

Jay

...I have to agree with this in full....the .380 round is a bare minimum defense round,and is more suited to a small automatic.....you can get a small charter arms revolver in .44 special that has much more stopping power for about the same price.I like the vintage colt agent,6 shots,lightweight and will use plus P ammo in a pinch