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.)
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.
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.
Bump for later.
I’ve got a Ruger .380 that I just love.
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.
Over thirty years ago, I purchased an Iver Johnson 380 Pony. Not a particularly well made pistol but adequate.
Iver Johnson was located in Jacksonville, Arkansas and went out of business. I understand they are back in business; at least the name is back.
When I was a boy Iver Johnson and Harrington & Richardson made a wide range of affordable guns. I owned an H&R 16 gauge shot gun and many of my friends had Iver Johnsons handed down from fathers and grandfathers.
Does anyone know if either of these companies is in business and is there anything positive about the Iver Johnson 380 Pony?
bump
The author lost my interest when he began his custom bullet stuff...
Sounds like he has more interet in internal ballistics than defensive gun work...
Better to have one of these I guess, when you need a firearm, than nothing at all.
My advice to the sage, learn how to carry the G36 in all Wx conditions. Just because it is “really hot” outside, doesn’t mean you run around nekkid, dress for success.
So—hypothetically—it one found oneself an accidental owner of a Jimenez Arms JA-380, what should one do with it?
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I too own the Jimenez Arms JA-380 as well as the Jimenez JA-9. I am very pleased with both pistols and have not had any problems with either gun. I personally carry the JA-380 on a daily basis for personal protection and use the JA-9 for a home defense weapon. I find both to be reliable and they both shoot very well. I could not ask for better than that.