.380 = Colt Mustang (1990ish) vs SW MP Bodyguard

[doddg]

I have had the Mustang since 1990ish and the Bodyguard I bought last summer.

The Smith has 2 mags, one with a pinky extension (barely), and I would like to get a better pinky extension if they have them like I did for the Glock 26.
The Mustang (Pocketlite) could use a pinky extension, and I have 4 mags with it.

They both weigh about the same (12 - 12.5 ounce) and the length is about the same (5.3 - 5.5 inch).
The Smith shoots better groups and with better accuracy for me (Colt shoots high), even with the SW long double-action only.
The only gun I've got where a "trigger" job sounds like a good idea (besides the Ruger Security Six, and some Taurus revolvers have had harsh triggers).
The Mustang does spoil oneself with the single-action only.

I should sell one or the other (keeping two .380s seems counterproductive to my "trimming" mode I'm in.
I just can't make up my mind which to keep or sell both and get a different kind of .380, or give it up and just get a small 9mm.
I was drawn to the Bersa Thunder .380, and the Beretta .380, but neither are smallish.
I just went that route of trying to get a small 9mm and ended up selling the Beretta Nano and got a Glock 26 (not a small 9mm. , but I've always wanted a Glock)
Needless to say, I got carried away and still need a small discrete small 9mm (Glock 43 not much smaller than my Shield 9mm), unless I have to go with a .380 for the truly small size (for ultimate concealment).

No hurry, and I'm more inclined to keep the slightly lighter/smaller SW and since I'm not a Colt collector and sell the Mustang.
I see them selling for $450 - $500.
I have the original box and manual, with 4 magazines, so mine should qualify for the $450 - $500 range as well, unless those are inflated asking prices and they sell for less.
I can list it and find out if any interest. I won't sell if I couldn't get a good price for it (had it for nearly 30 yrs. just b/c it was a Colt).

I have an NAA 5 shot magnum revolver for that very reason, but have always not liked it, don't carry it anymore, so I should probably just sell it and perhaps just keep my Beretta tip-up barrel .32 caliber, but a truly small .380 would probably serve.

Goals:
1. smaller CC (smaller than Shield 9mm and Glock 26, and both of these .380s if possible)
2. eliminating calibers (eliminated .25 and .45 calibers and never owned the .40). I now have .22LR, 22 magnum (not the one I'm selling), .32, .380 and 9mm.

 

[Tyler-The-Piker]

Keep the Colt.
But if you have absolutely zero sentimental attachment then you might as well trade or sell both.
As far as other 380 options, look at the Glock 42. It actually has a slightly thinner profile and considerably less weight than the Glock 43. Or if going even smaller...the Ruger LCP II is a viable option.

 

[russc2542]

Trimming? Every other day there's a new thread about your latest find.

 

[doddg]

Trimming? Every other day there's a new thread about your latest find.

1. There does seem to be a thread (all puns intended) of inconsistency there, doesn't it?
2. I actually have a list of guns to trim, but as my wife will point out, I don't get credit for selling 1 if I bought 2.
3. I pointed out that I had sold 2 with a 3rd one listed, and she fired back (pun intended again) with what I'd bought (one she didn't know about started it, and I had to confess since I won't lie to her (just keep my mouth shut: nearly impossible), so she eventually figures it out.

 

[doddg]

Keep the Colt.
But if you have absolutely zero sentimental attachment then you might as well trade or sell both.
As far as other 380 options, look at the Glock 42. It actually has a slightly thinner profile and considerably less weight than the Glock 43. Or if going even smaller...the Ruger LCP II is a viable option.

1. If I remember correctly the 43 wasn't much smaller than my Shield 9mm when I was testing at the range during Spring Break.
2. Also, I can't believe that the 43 can cost even more than the 26 used (in my limited experience), but I have thought about it.
3. It will be on the "short" list when I get to that point, just too busy with my son's house going up for sale and my trying to sell off hundreds of dollars of Comics and Star Trek memorabilia left over from hobby when my son was a youngling over 2 decades ago.

 

[cosermann]

doddg, to be honest I have a hard time following/keeping up with all your buying and selling and figuring out what your goals are to give meaningful advice. Here are a few thoughts. Take them FWIW. Intended to be helpful and and in no way critical.

If your goal is personal defense (you mention CC in your OP):
You seem to be pretty focused on getting the "best" or "optimal" hardware. I might suggest that you start to shift your focus toward software (mindset, skills, and tactics - dare I say - training [1]). Just about any reliable gun can do the job if YOU can do the job. Focus on mastering what you have. There's no magic gun that is going to do the job for you. It's just a tool.

If your goal is simply collecting and the fun of that (which is completely fine, I get it), then it doesn't really matter. Go for what you like.



[1] - example next Saturday - https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ct-defensive-pistol-101-riley-cc-21apr18.html

 

[doddg]

doddg, to be honest I have a hard time following/keeping up with all your buying and selling and figuring out what your goals are to give meaningful advice. Here are a few thoughts. Take them FWIW. Intended to be helpful and and in no way critical.

If your goal is personal defense (you mention CC in your OP):
You seem to be pretty focused on getting the "best" or "optimal" hardware. I might suggest that you start to shift your focus toward software (mindset, skills, and tactics - dare I say - training [1]). Just about any reliable gun can do the job if YOU can do the job. Focus on mastering what you have. There's no magic gun that is going to do the job for you. It's just a tool.

If your goal is simply collecting and the fun of that (which is completely fine, I get it), then it doesn't really matter. Go for what you like.



[1] - example next Saturday - https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...ct-defensive-pistol-101-riley-cc-21apr18.html

1. Appreciate your input.
2. The class sounds awesome, but I don't think my body would not hold up (with arthritis) to being up on my feet all day, or 1/2 day or 1/4 day.
When I work in the back yard I have to sit down every 15 minutes or so b/c of the pain.

3. I have wanted to take a class (the 2 hr. type) with some range time to learn/practice b/c I know from my best friend who has always been a big serious hunter since his youth that when he had to go through a class to get his carry license (in Colorado or Arizona, don't remember which) he learned alot that he didn't know and improved his accuracy as well.
4. Right now my time is pressed with life and I meet with the Surgeon next week about a hip replacement that I have put off for 2 yrs. but the pain is driving me to get it done.
5. Again, I appreciate your input.
6. Some of my discourse, as in the .380 discussion, is headed toward what to trim b/c I have bought so many new guns I must get rid of some of the others: I do have my limits on number of "tools."
7. It is embarrassing that in the middle of it all, I find a "new" 9mm (Nano, then Glock) and a new revolver (Ruger Security Six).
8. But, like what my wife says about buying another shirt or pair of pants: got to get rid of one of the old if you get new to have room in the closet.
9. I really am trying to put that into practice in my "hobby."
10. I have 3 categories of guns: one stayed the same with 2 selling and 2 buying, another went down 3, but another went up 1.
Overall: down 2 guns (progress) with 1 more for sale now and at least 2 more on the list, maybe 4 in the not-to-distant future.
I just hope I don't find more I "need" like that Ruger Security Six, of which I have almost bought twice before but didn't due to pricing a and used my Smith 10-8 as a logical reason not to. In this case I can sell my Smith for enough to pay for the Ruger (subtracting for the ammo).
And this doesn't even touch my 22LRs (not counting magnum) where I should sell 2 or 3 "when" I get around to it.

 

[cosermann]

...2. The class sounds awesome, but I don't think my body would not hold up (with arthritis) to being up on my feet all day, or 1/2 day or 1/4 day.
When I work in the back yard I have to sit down every 15 minutes or so b/c of the pain.
...
6. Some of my discourse, as in the .380 discussion, is headed toward what to trim b/c I have bought so many new guns I must get rid of some of the others: I do have my limits on number of "tools."
...

Know what you mean. One option to think about might be scheduling some private training. ACT and others do that. You can tailor to your schedule, and work something out that's commensurate with your physical abilities (couple of hours at a time rather than an all day class, for example).

It's not a bad idea to keep ones aging and physical abilities in mind as far as planning the collection. There's something to be said for moderate size (and larger) 380s and steel framed revolvers shooting 38+p for folks who may not have the recoil tolerance or hand strength they once did.

 

[doddg]

Know what you mean. One option to think about might be scheduling some private training. ACT and others do that. You can tailor to your schedule, and work something out that's commensurate with your physical abilities (couple of hours at a time rather than an all day class, for example).

It's not a bad idea to keep ones aging and physical abilities in mind as far as planning the collection. There's something to be said for moderate size (and larger) 380s and steel framed revolvers shooting 38+p for folks who may not have the recoil tolerance or hand strength they once did.

1. My back and hips and neck and shoulders are racked with arthritis, but sometimes I don't even notice (good days/bad days), other than not standing completely straight.
2. Funny, standing is harder than moving around.
3. It hasn't gotten to my hand strength yet, so I don't have any excuses for the actual firing or recoil of a gun (yet ), so I'm trying to enjoy what "sports" I can while I can. There will be a day shooting is off the list, but hopefully, that is a while away.
4. I've had about 20 motorcycles, and now I can't even ride one b/c of arthritis.
5. The last few that I had (or drove friends) were big scooters (250cc Honda, 400cc Yamaha 500cc Honda and 650cc Suzuki) because of the "step through." I am now relegated to convertible sports cars. Of which, is become more difficult to navigate and I even started looking into Jeep Wranglers again at Xmas.
6. I couldn't even get on and of a men's bike, then a women's bike, but then I found a "step through" bike for really old people like myself , and I love it b/c my wife and I can still bikes ride together. I can hardly lift my leg the 6 inches off the ground it takes to get on and especially, off it.
7. When did I get so old? I, who used to run Mini-Marathons. Don't know my blood family's background ( a bit of an orphan child) so I had no clue that arthritis was coming, and my real Dad had thick hair until the day he died, so imagine how surprised I was at balding at 30 yrs. old. (science says it comes from the mother's side: go figure )

 

[BehindBlueI's]

2. The class sounds awesome, but I don't think my body would not hold up (with arthritis) to being up on my feet all day, or 1/2 day or 1/4 day.
When I work in the back yard I have to sit down every 15 minutes or so b/c of the pain.

Coach hosts me for a class a few times a year. We've had someone on a cane take it. You can sit down between scenarios, not a big deal, we've had several students who had to. It's two four hour classes. The second (which you can't take until you take the first, but doesn't have to be the same day) is roughly 1/3 classroom time.

Like I told you early on when you joined here, constantly flipping guns isn't building skill or making you more able to protect yourself. Pick something, stick with it, get some training. If you're serious, you're welcome to sign up for our fall class. Spring is full.

 

[doddg]

Coach hosts me for a class a few times a year. We've had someone on a cane take it. You can sit down between scenarios, not a big deal, we've had several students who had to. It's two four hour classes. The second (which you can't take until you take the first, but doesn't have to be the same day) is roughly 1/3 classroom time.

Like I told you early on when you joined here, constantly flipping guns isn't building skill or making you more able to protect yourself. Pick something, stick with it, get some training. If you're serious, you're welcome to sign up for our fall class. Spring is full.

1. Don't know if you'll get my response: been getting error messages saying my post is too short on my Ruger thread (with and w/o pics), but my thread about ammo sent OK.
2. I hope the time frame works out.
3. Depending on recovery time after surgery this summer, I had hoped to get some class time in this summer, but it would be so cool to have a class with someone from here, especially if they think I'm an idiot and I would get to show that I can walk and chew gum at the same time.

 

[Bapak2ja]

I find that Colt Mustang beyond consideration for sale. Just too nice a piece to give up.

 

[doddg]

I find that Colt Mustang beyond consideration for sale. Just too nice a piece to give up.

1. That is why I've hung onto it for nearly 30 yrs. which keeps me hanging onto it, but I have begun to wonder, "Why?"
2. It does not provide me with much joy anymore and I enjoy shooting the SW MP Bodyguard more, which I know speaks more about me than the gun.
3. I'm asking myself, "If I want to have a .380 (and that must be answered), which do I want on the market today?
4. If it was a Colt revolver: no conflict = keep.
5. I don't have a family member to hand it down to, so for the first time in my life I'm considering selling it.
6. This getting old thing does make you question why you are hanging on to something if you have "moved on" to other things.

 

[mcapo]

Class/Training - always a good plan. Always a good investment. Always something new is taken from training. To BBI's points, I own more than I need but really only shoot very few handguns regularly. I am a bad enough shot without trying a new platform and trigger everyday. One reason (see below), the P365 interests me; would consolidate my two CCWs (P938/Shield) to a single platform. Mixing striker and SA in a CCW seems illogical. Should always be the same given the self-defense nature of the firearm. Now saying all that, if you want to bring a dozen guns to the range - have it - but, I really think a daily carry gun should be the same boring firearm that you can operate without thought.

You are running out of small options in 9mm that you haven't owned. The new Sig P365 is often mentioned along with the P938 (P238 for 280) which is basically your Mustang. The next "smalls" are the LCP/Bodyguards and you've already been down that route. Guess there is the Beretta Pico. Go old school and get a Smith & Wesson Escort (joking...)

Open your wallet up a little more and buy a CZ Rami BD (I call first right of refusal). It is small but it feel full size..sorta. I've been drinking the CZ Kool-aid this year. It's pretty awesome!

9mm and 22lr are the calibers to keep if you want to consolidate. Cheap, available, etc.

 

[mcapo]

2. It does not provide me with much joy anymore and I enjoy shooting the SW MP Bodyguard more, which I know speaks more about me than the gun.

You are killing me....to quote the famous Birds Away, "Life's too short to put up with a crappy trigger".

 

[Route 45]

I don't own a .380, because I've dedicated myself to carrying 9mm and larger. On a rare occasion, I'll throw a steel J Frame .38 in my pocket while working in the yard. But if I'm leaving the house, it's 9mm and up.

That being said, if I were to start carrying a .380 again, my only choice would be the Glock 42. I used to own one, and it was the sweetest, softest shooting .380 I've ever fired. Not as small as the Ruger LCP and similar, but still much lighter than just about any pocket sized 9mm, and more of a real pistol with a decent trigger and real sights.

If you like your G26, I think you would love a G42.

 

[doddg]

Class/Training - always a good plan. Always a good investment. Always something new is taken from training. To BBI's points, I own more than I need but really only shoot very few handguns regularly. I am a bad enough shot without trying a new platform and trigger everyday. One reason (see below), the P365 interests me; would consolidate my two CCWs (P938/Shield) to a single platform. Mixing striker and SA in a CCW seems illogical. Should always be the same given the self-defense nature of the firearm. Now saying all that, if you want to bring a dozen guns to the range - have it - but, I really think a daily carry gun should be the same boring firearm that you can operate without thought.

You are running out of small options in 9mm that you haven't owned. The new Sig P365 is often mentioned along with the P938 (P238 for 280) which is basically your Mustang. The next "smalls" are the LCP/Bodyguards and you've already been down that route. Guess there is the Beretta Pico. Go old school and get a Smith & Wesson Escort (joking...)

Open your wallet up a little more and buy a CZ Rami BD (I call first right of refusal). It is small but it feel full size..sorta. I've been drinking the CZ Kool-aid this year. It's pretty awesome!

9mm and 22lr are the calibers to keep if you want to consolidate. Cheap, available, etc.

1. Enjoyed reading your insights, obvious that you have endured my threads (or a few at least) to know my journey.
2. I can imagine ending up with a Sig 365 someday.
3. I like your idea of combining 2 separate platforms into a single one: conceptually that is what I would like to do but my inexperience has me enjoying every nuance along the way.
4. Like, I read about the Nano, it was recommended it, and I love the Beretta name, but it was outgunned immediately by the Glock 26 and I wasn't even considering a Glock 26 until range rental time at Spring Break and last summer I didn't give it a thought as I tried it out in my DeSanti Superfly pocket holster after shooting it.
5. I have shot the Sig 365 renting it at the range, so at least I don't have to mysticize it.
6. Don't know anything good about the Pico in my readings, and I owned an Escort back 30 yrs. ago.
7. CZ does keep coming up in the recommendations.
8. Agreed with the caliber of keepers: it has been dawning on me.

 

[doddg]

I don't own a .380, because I've dedicated myself to carrying 9mm and larger. On a rare occasion, I'll throw a steel J Frame .38 in my pocket while working in the yard. But if I'm leaving the house, it's 9mm and up.

That being said, if I were to start carrying a .380 again, my only choice would be the Glock 42. I used to own one, and it was the sweetest, softest shooting .380 I've ever fired. Not as small as the Ruger LCP and similar, but still much lighter than just about any pocket sized 9mm, and more of a real pistol with a decent trigger and real sights.

If you like your G26, I think you would love a G42.

1. I'll have to rent one at the Range for fun and give it a shot!

 

[STEEL CORE]

Thank You Blue...................

 

[doddg]

googling, trying to find a pinky extension or mag extension for the Colt Mustang .380
Got to be careful so I get one for my older 1990ish model since they have made changes over the years.
found a 7 round $38ish one online, but I have to figure it if it will fit the "older" models.
Any help?