Phase 2 test with the Kahr P380

[oldgranpa]

Here are the Phase 2 tests with my P380. Shown in the attached photo are the wetpack tests compared to a Bersa 380CC pistol and a S&W M&P 360 revolver. Ammo used for 380 was Rem GoldenSabr 102gr, Speer GoldDot 90gr, DoubleTap 90gr, and Win Ranger 95gr. Note the DT uses a GoldDot bullet. And for the M&P revolver 125gr ammo. Win Ranger was the best for 380 expansion and penetration. Rem GS always expands a lot which gives it less penetration, even in the 38special shown.

Accuracy checked at 5yds from bench (to test the pistol, not me) gave about equal groups for all three. The Kahr is still shooting a bit left so I will move the rear sight a bit more (right) and check it again later. At 10yds shooting offhand, I was not too accurate with either pistol.

Oddly enough, I had to use the slide stop method to chamber 1st rounds with the P380 this time. Maybe shooting last time and cleaning is "breaking in" the pistol and the slide doesn't like the way I pull and release it. Otherwise, there were no malfunctions of any kind with the P380. Over 75rounds fired now of different kinds of FMJ and JHP ammo.
The Bersa, on the other hand, jamed several times with round nose FMJ ammo. This is unacceptable and it will be sold.

The Kahr P380 has met my expectations. But this is only my report. Don't try to draw any conclusions until you do the tests yourself. Just for fun, the second photo shows my P380. The holster is a soft, Uncle Mike's size 2 which fits my pocket nicely.

Cheers,
og

[twoguns]

Howdy Mr. OG,

Thanks again for another impartial review sir.  I find it interesting that your Kahr now likes to load via the slide release lever vs. the slingshot method.  Frankly, I always use the slide release lever, as that is simply what I am used to, and do it without thought.  I would have to retrain myself to use the slingshot method, plus reacquire my grip after having to do the slingshot.  To me that is too much delay in getting back into the fight.  But I know it has become popular in training these days too, as it is viewed as a more gross motor skill.

Interesting expansion and penetration results too sir.

I will be curious to see your thoughts on this one down the road after more firing.  But at least for now, it seems you are impressed 

twoguns

[oldgranpa]

thanks again twoguns Paul, and that's interesting about you using the slide release lever to load. I never thought about it being faster, especially for reloading the second magazine. I'll remember that.
And yes, this is the first "locked breech" .380 pistol I've had that meets my requirements. Both the KelTec and Ruger 380s produced nasty smileys, had no 'last round' slide lock, poor, non-adjustable sights, and crappy magazines with the slippery black paint. The Kahr produces no smileys on any JHP carry ammo, locks back on the last round, 'real' adjustable sights, and nice magazines. In fact 2 magazines are furnished with the pistol, the other brands only 1.
True, the KelTec and Ruger still fire with smileys, but it's like I once said, it's like used toilet paper. Nobody would buy that or damaged ammo either.

Plus, with the Winchester Ranger (lawenforcement) 95gr JHP ammo, this little pocket pistol is just as lethal as a bigger pistol that won't fit the pocket. I just need to practice with it more. BTW, even though it has a shorter barrel than the others, recoil was no more, even with the Win Ranger ammo.

I guess it's true, we get what we pay for!!

og

[TRGTman]

OG, Looks like the Kahr 380 blows the [ Not enough Penetration] arguement away, as far as the 380 critics have claimed.. Also I was surprised at how well the Gold Dot penetrated out of your Smith 360. Looks like some of the recent advancements in bullet tech. is sure paying off in the small pistol-revolver world.

[oldgranpa]

you are correct, TRGTman, new ammo designs aimed at the growing pocket gun market do work. A little more muzzle velocity with faster burning powders and better bullet shape result in almost full size pistol performance. The Speer GD bullet always expands a bit less than some of the others giving it more penetration. Rem GS, on the other hand, expands lots and like a parachute, that slows it down. So it would appear that Rem GoldenSabr will no longer be the top choice in JHP for pocket pistols. It still holds it's own in the .357magnum area.
My favorite right now is the Winchester Ranger 95gr JHP which has the black talon bullet. The velocity and penetration is up there without a whole lot of extra recoil.
I don't really care much for the DoubleTap, it doesn't do much more than plain Speer GD and has a lot more recoil.
One ammo available right now that I have avoided is Buffalo Bore +p stuff. A bit of factory info posted on the LCP forum shows it's way over the safe design of pistol barrels. So stay away from that stuff for now.
Finally, I need to get hold of some of the new Hornady defense ammo with the red plastic tip. Then, I might try to do a wetpack test with some denim or leather cover to compare.
Cheers,
og