Question for the gun people....

[windmill]

Well I inherited a Sterling Arms .380 auto pistol from my grandfather. I know some stuff about guns and some of the more popular brands but have never heard of Sterling. I've showed it to my friend and his father who are both very familiar with guns and they told me it's triple action with a "pin-disconnect safety" which I had never heard of or seen before this gun. This gun was bought brand new in 1980 and has seen maybe 60 rounds through it.
Just curious if anyone knows anything about Sterling Arms and if this is a low, medium, or high quality handgun. I'm trying to decide if I want to lock it up in a case and never use it, or make it my default weapon.

 

[shogun323]

Originally Posted by windmill
Well I inherited a Sterling Arms .380 auto pistol from my grandfather. I know some stuff about guns and some of the more popular brands but have never heard of Sterling. I've showed it to my friend and his father who are both very familiar with guns and they told me it's triple action with a "pin-disconnect safety" which I had never heard of or seen before this gun. This gun was bought brand new in 1980 and has seen maybe 60 rounds through it.
Just curious if anyone knows anything about Sterling Arms and if this is a low, medium, or high quality handgun. I'm trying to decide if I want to lock it up in a case and never use it, or make it my default weapon.
I havent heard of Sterling Arms but from what I can find that gun is older than dirt.
In regards to the 380 auto. The bullet's diameter is just slightly smaller than a 9mm. But the 380 auto lacks big time in stopping power. I personally would just give a good cleaning and lock it up for keeps sake.
For a primary weapon I would go pick up a Springfield Armory XD-9. Great gun. I just picked one up Saturday!!!

 

[tangman99]

Most of the .380s I've seen have been owned by women who carry them in their purse because they are small. Now any gun is lethal and a .380 is nothing to joke around with, but it has the stopping power of a rock in slingshot (not to be taken literally as it surely is more lethal). Cool to keep around and shoot but I wouldn't use it to protect my life unless it was the only thing I could get to. I know you didn't ask that so sorry for rambling.

 

[shogun323]

I have a Kel-tec 380 with hydra-shox. It's like trying to harness a fireball when you shoot it. It's tiny and great for concealing. Cool gun.

 

[socal57che]

According to Stoeger gun trader's guide the model 287 in .380 cal.,which was built from 1971 to 1972, is worth $69 in good condition and $102 in excellent condition. The model 400 in .380 cal., built 1975 to 1983 is worth $112 in good cond. and $143 in excellent condition. Gunbroker.com has one listed for $325.
Not a collector by any stretch of the word, it is probably worth more for it's sentimental value than it's monetary value. I would shoot it and enjoy it if it were mine.
.380s make an acceptably carry weapon as they are small and easy to weild. The odds that you would ever have to "use" it are astronomical.
Does it look like this? (model 400)

 

[reefforbrains]

SoCal- I dont know if you have heard me rave about the XD series but very good choice, you will love it. I am left handed and the ambi release is nice. also for carry it has the double trigger and beavertail so you dont have to be nervous about false discharge. Even thier doublestacks are within spec to carry comfortably
as for carrying a .380: I might with hydroshocks but without?- no thank you. If I draw (heaven forbid) I want to kill, not to scare or mame someone.
For the brand Sterling, its not a sat night special, but not exactly high end either. I have had Glocks jam, and Ravens along with Highpoint perform flawless. SO I guess what I am ranting about is no matter what you carry, just be familiar with it and practice every week with it. Be safe and responsible and hopefully all the practice is the most training you will ever waste. May it never leave its holster in self defense.

 

[trainfever]

Sterling hasn't been around in 15-20 years. I believe they were made in England. They werent high quality but they werent garbage either. Parts might be a problem to find although there are parts suppliers around. As far as carrying it, I suggest you take it to a competent gunsmith in your area and have him check it over to make sure everything is in order. I wouldnt put it away and forget about it, I would shoot it if it was in proper firing condition

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by ReefForBrains
SoCal- I dont know if you have heard me rave about the XD series but very good choice, you will love it. I am left handed and the ambi release is nice. also for carry it has the double trigger and beavertail so you dont have to be nervous about false discharge. Even thier doublestacks are within spec to carry comfortably
as for carrying a .380: I might with hydroshocks but without?- no thank you. If I draw (heaven forbid) I want to kill, not to scare or mame someone.
I don't think windmill is necessarily in the market to buy a CCW carry weapon, just the specifics on the gun he/she acquired. I carry a Walther P-99 in 9mm or Colt Double Eagle in .45 cal, but rarely actually carry unless I'm traveling to an unknown or unsafe area. Are you a calguns member?
Windmill,
If you are looking for a CCW carry weapon you should visit a range with a wide selection of rentals to "try on." Shoot until you find something you are comfortable with. Read reviews on weapons you've fired and like, to see what actual owners say, then make your purchase.
I have short fingers, so most Glock and HKs are out of the question due to their "bulky square grip." Sig and Walther have some of the most ergonomic grips and interchangeable backstraps for a somewhat custom fit.
As far as the Sterling in question, I would plink with it and buy some nice hollow points for carry if you go that route.
I also concur with trainfever that you should definitely have the weapon inspected by a competent gunsmith.
Here is a link to a nice CCW website: http://www.packing.org/

 

[windmill]

Appreciate all the info.
It looks exactly like that pic SoCal. Matte finish and wood-grain grips.
I've been looking at beefier ammo for it. Would 195 grain rounds improve stopping power, or just make it louder? I expended all the old 95 grain that came with the gun without incident.
One of my buds brought out his collection of .45's (2 H&Ks, 2 1911s, a glock, and a custom kit), all were a bit big and somewhat difficult to hang on too (when unleashed) so I thought the .38 would be right up my alley. But it's almost too small and very easy to control. I'm looking for an opportunity to try a .40 and then decide what I like best.

 

[gwh57]

Originally Posted by windmill
Appreciate all the info.
It looks exactly like that pic SoCal. Matte finish and wood-grain grips.
I've been looking at beefier ammo for it. Would 195 grain rounds improve stopping power, or just make it louder? I expended all the old 95 grain that came with the gun without incident.
One of my buds brought out his collection of .45's (2 H&Ks, 2 1911s, a glock, and a custom kit), all were a bit big and somewhat difficult to hang on too (when unleashed) so I thought the .38 would be right up my alley. But it's almost too small and very easy to control. I'm looking for an opportunity to try a .40 and then decide what I like best.
If you are looking for a gun to use in an offensive mode then the 380 is too small. If you are looking for something to use in self defense then a small caliber gun is fine. Self defense means up close and personal. Any gun will do it's job if you "stick" it it in the right place and shoot. If you want to target practice then a small 380 is not the gun.

 

[trainfever]

The problem with smaller defensive guns is that when people shoot them, they move the target as far away as it will go, which is usually 25 yds. Most defensive situations are less than 10 feet. When shooting this gun, only move the target out about 10 or 15 feet.

 

[gwh57]

Originally Posted by trainfever
The problem with smaller defensive guns is that when people shoot them, they move the target as far away as it will go, which is usually 25 yds. Most defensive situations are less than 10 feet. When shooting this gun, only move the target out about 10 or 15 feet.
No, in a defensive mode the gun makes contact with the target then you pull the trigger.....

 

[socal57che]

Originally Posted by windmill
I've been looking at beefier ammo for it. Would 195 grain rounds improve stopping power, or just make it louder? I expended all the old 95 grain that came with the gun without incident.
I think maybe there is some confusion here. Grain and Grains are different. Grain refers to the size of the bullet. Grains refers to the granules of gunpowder dropped into the case during manufacture/reloading. A 195 grain bullet would be twice the size of what you fired, and I don't think 195 grain bullets are available for .380. The Federal Hi-Shok hollow points I keep for self defense are only 115 grain in 9mm which is only slightly bigger than .380 as far as bullet is concerned. There are some +P loads available, but I wouldn't recommend them unless you OK it with a gunsmith who has inspected your gun. You should not use +P ammo all the time as it is hard on parts. Google .380 ammunition and look through the data. Way too much info to post here. Look for muzzle energy and tests using ballistic gelatin. For plinking just buy the cheapest jacketed rounds you can find. Stay away from unjacketed lead as deposits will "lead foul" the barrel making cleaning more tedious.
Most important of all....be safe and have fun with it!
Ammo available and prices at:http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/defenseh_bhg.htm