[Ljutic]

Just picked up an all black with night sights and noticed a change from the previous model. The side plate now appears to be larger, sits flatter, and is attached with two screws.

So when you are shopping, you may want to look for a 2 screw model.

Now I wonder if my 1 screw p380 is going to become a rare and collectible model.

 

[Guest]

Not that you can credit me Lewji, but I raised the issue of the P380 side plate with Kahr management long ago after having problems with my plate coming dislodged when shooting the more potent .380 factory ammo. They did send me a replacement plate and all is well so far but yes, a 2-screw design vs. a one-screw design is a good move on Kahr's part and should totally eliminate the chances of the plate coming out of alignment with all but the very hottest .380 ammo. I would call the 2-screw Kahr the second P380 iteration as this gun in its original format has been relatively error-free and unchanged since introduction. A great little gun has become a better gun IMHO. Probably the only recently-introduced pocket .380s that was ready-to-go right out of the chute - isolated problems here and there (stuff happens with any gun) but no systemic/serious issues.

The 2-screw design is shown here (not wild about the frame color though):

http://p380forum.com/forum/index.php/topic,560.msg2398.html#msg2398

 

[Ljutic]

It's strange I didn't notice the change when I posted up about seeing Pinky. I had to have it in my hands to really notice it. I was wrong that the dimensions of the side plate changed. It looks the same, but with 2 screws now.

Gen 1 and Gen 2 frames and my crappy picture taking skills.

 

[Guest]

You are correct. The Gen 1 and Gen 2 side plates have not changed other than the added screw.

I posed this question to the folks at Kahr this morning (waiting for an email reply) but I wouldn't think it would be a difficult retrofit for someone who is experiencing problems with the one-screw design plate on their older P380 (and has tried installing replacement plate) - you of course would have to send your gun back to Kahr. For those who are NOT having problems with the original one-screw design, the old adage applies, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[Guest]

I did hear back from Kahr on the new 2-screw side plate. They were just being proactive and doubt if most people will ever have a problem with the original (1-screw) design. The 2 screw panel can be installed in an older frame. You just cut the plastic pin off the side panel and drill a small hole though the panel where the pin was located. Then screw through that hole right into the frame. I wouldn't attempt it given my ability to screw up virtually any home project. Let Kahr do it.