[Kraigster414]

Still experiencing P380 side panel "outages"

'Appears I am the only one having this problem (my P380 was one of the first, not sure if that has any bearing but it's a s/n RA02xx).... when shooting a dozen or so hot but within SAAMI spec .380 such as Double Tap or Corbon DPX, the lip running down the right side of the plastic side panel becomes dislodged. I have to flex the panel to lock it back in. Annoying? Yes. Should it be happening in a Kahr? Absolutely not. I am going to try a new side panel (fortunately I have the tool to take out the screw) but if that doesn't do the trick, I am seriously wondering whether my lower could be out of spec.

Anybody else out there experiencing this? 'May be time to call my pals at Kahr. They have never let me down yet.

 

[Ljutic]

Re: Still experiencing P380 side panel "outages"

Send it back, but don't be stupid like I was and ship it back on my dime. ($50) I bought it locally and should have had them return it on my behalf when Kahr wouldn't pony up with a call tag. I'm smarter now.

 

[Kraigster414]

Re: Still experiencing P380 side panel "outages"

I just received an email from Kahr. They told me the original side, first iteration side panel has been replaced. I have one, not installed and to me, it's looks exactly like the old. I am heading out to the range now to test the new side panel. If it shakes loose again, I will send the gun back. That will not put a smile on my face as I hate sending guns through the mail. Still, I know if there is a problem with the lower, Kahr will take care of it.

Not to digress but I really do like my Kahr P380. It has everything I want in a pocket .380 and nothing more. Lewji, I was interested in the Diamondback .380 assuming I could reasonably be assured they've gotten the bugs out (still not so sure even with the ZC series) but then I got to thinking, "why would I want a DB when I have a Kahr .380?" And how can you find fault with the LCP for $300? I enjoy shooting and owning both.

 

[Kraigster414]

Re: Still experiencing P380 side panel "outages"

Just came back from the range where I test fired an assortment of rather hot factory ammo - Corbon DPX w/Barnes 80 grain hollow point, Corbon 90 grain JHP and Winchester Ranger JHP. Unfortunately, I did not have any more Double Tap left from my last outing. THE NEW SIDE PANEL HELD!

The bad news is that the locking tab on my slide stop completely sheared off so my slide would no longer lock back after the last round and can easily be pushed out of the frame. Call in to Kahr, new stop on its way. Bottom line, I don't have to send my gun in (I am going to give my new side panel the benefit of the doubt as far as Double Tap) and I plan to re-carry the little sucker.

The P380 is a great little gun. Stuff happens with parts - I had a brand new extractor break on a $3K 1911.

Pic of the sheared slide stop:

 

[Ljutic]

Re: Still experiencing P380 side panel "outages"

Just came back from the range where I test fired an assortment of rather hot factory ammo - Corbon DPX w/Barnes 80 grain hollow point, Corbon 90 grain JHP and Winchester Ranger JHP. Unfortunately, I did not have any more Double Tap left from my last outing. THE NEW SIDE PANEL HELD!

The bad news is that the locking tab on my slide stop completely sheared off so my slide would no longer lock back after the last round and can easily be pushed out of the frame. Call in to Kahr, new stop on its way. Bottom line, I don't have to send my gun in (I am going to give my new side panel the benefit of the doubt as far as Double Tap) and I plan to re-carry the little sucker.

The P380 is a great little gun. Stuff happens with parts - I had a brand new extractor break on a $3K 1911.

Pic of the sheared slide stop:

Now that's impressive. I thought Kahr didn't use MIM parts in the P series guns. I heard they saved them for the CW series.

Also, when did "need" enter the thought process? I didn't Need a bodyguard, DB, P380, or even an LCP when I have a perfectly good, but a bit heavy, Colt pocket-lite.

Glad the new sideplate held for you.

 

[Kraigster414]

Re: Still experiencing P380 side panel "outages"

You are right. "Need" for you and me is a strictly a figure of speech. ;D

However, as I get closer to retirement and the prospects of a fixed income, "need" is starting to take on a literal meaning.