Pistolero
Well-Known Member
They are all variations on the Star, but the different makers do different details. The Colts had 1911 style tunnel extractors (like early
BHPs), as did the early Sig P238s, and the current Kimber. But later Sigs, and the Springfield have an external extractor. I never pulled down
a Colt Govt Model .380, so from Allen's info, they retained the 1911 link, while some of the others have a captured slot/cam system like many later
designs of handguns which are basically JMB dropping barrel designs. Lots of similarities to the 1911 design, but the trigger area is
a lot different. But, the locked breech is a far more important deal than many appreciate. Essentially all the older generation of
.380s are straight blowback, and this increases recoil tremendously. Compare a Colt Gov't Model .380 to a Walther PPK, side by side
and the recoil difference is amazing.
The locked and cocked nature of the design appeals to me, but many folks are not comfortable with that concept. But it does
permit a lighter and shorter trigger pull than most other designs, although individual examples vary a lot.
A note for freebullet's wife - my wife uses a clip on Sneaky Pete holster, which looks like some sort of a largish phone case or
something. Nice leather, magnetic flap, and while obviously something, it does not look like a gun or holster. Never gets
a second glance. My wife doesn't like wearing belts, or having anything significant in a pocket, and never has carried a purse,
just not her style and she was not going to change. We struggled with various designs, mostly she hated them and wouldn't use
them, until we got the Sneaky Pete.
Holster types are an extremely individualized thing, depends on body type, normal clothing worn and lifestyle choices.
Good luck. on finding the gun AND holster to meet your wife's requirements.
The Llama small .22 and .380 mini1911 are more like a real 1911 inside, but are blowback and shoddy materials and internal
fit and finish is quite poor, clearly many small parts were literally made with a file out of soft steel. I have a Llama
.22 cal mini-1911 and it is PITA keeping it running.
But it looks and works like a 1911, will fit small hands and I am
saving it for a training device for grand nieces and nephews - if I can keep it working.
Bill
BHPs), as did the early Sig P238s, and the current Kimber. But later Sigs, and the Springfield have an external extractor. I never pulled down
a Colt Govt Model .380, so from Allen's info, they retained the 1911 link, while some of the others have a captured slot/cam system like many later
designs of handguns which are basically JMB dropping barrel designs. Lots of similarities to the 1911 design, but the trigger area is
a lot different. But, the locked breech is a far more important deal than many appreciate. Essentially all the older generation of
.380s are straight blowback, and this increases recoil tremendously. Compare a Colt Gov't Model .380 to a Walther PPK, side by side
and the recoil difference is amazing.
The locked and cocked nature of the design appeals to me, but many folks are not comfortable with that concept. But it does
permit a lighter and shorter trigger pull than most other designs, although individual examples vary a lot.
A note for freebullet's wife - my wife uses a clip on Sneaky Pete holster, which looks like some sort of a largish phone case or
something. Nice leather, magnetic flap, and while obviously something, it does not look like a gun or holster. Never gets
a second glance. My wife doesn't like wearing belts, or having anything significant in a pocket, and never has carried a purse,
just not her style and she was not going to change. We struggled with various designs, mostly she hated them and wouldn't use
them, until we got the Sneaky Pete.
Holster types are an extremely individualized thing, depends on body type, normal clothing worn and lifestyle choices.
Good luck. on finding the gun AND holster to meet your wife's requirements.
The Llama small .22 and .380 mini1911 are more like a real 1911 inside, but are blowback and shoddy materials and internal
fit and finish is quite poor, clearly many small parts were literally made with a file out of soft steel. I have a Llama
.22 cal mini-1911 and it is PITA keeping it running.
But it looks and works like a 1911, will fit small hands and I amsaving it for a training device for grand nieces and nephews - if I can keep it working.
Bill
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