Cobra Firearms CA380 Review

Looking for an affordable, pocket-sized pistol that’s as simple as it is reliable? Meet the Cobra Firearms CA380, a little gun with a lot to offer. This compact .380 ACP pistol might not break the bank, but it sure sparks plenty of curiosity. Whether you’re a budget-conscious buyer or just fascinated by compact firearms, this review breaks down the good, the bad, and the surprising about the CA380. Trust us, you’ll want to stick around for the full scoop!

Bottomline

It’s a no-nonsense option for someone who values practicality over flash.

Cobra Firearms CA380

Caliber	Capacity	BBL	OAL	Height	Width	Weight
.380 ACP	5	2.8″	5.4″	3.92″	1″	22 oz., empty

Cobra Firearms CA380 Features

Blowback design

The CA380 runs on a blowback action, where the energy from the fired cartridge cycles the action and ejects the spent casing. It’s a simple and reliable setup, especially for low-caliber firearms. That said, the trade-off is that blowback systems can kick up the recoil a bit more than locked-breech designs, which might make rapid fire a little harder to control and impact accuracy.

Fixed Sights

The CA380 features fixed sights that are tough and maintenance-free, making them great for reliability. On the flip side, since they can’t be adjusted for elevation or windage, they might hold you back when it comes to precise shooting at different distances or in windy conditions.

Heel-Type Magazine Release

The CA380 comes with a heel-type magazine release at the bottom of the grip, which adds security by reducing the chance of accidentally dropping the magazine. However, if you’re used to side-mounted releases, this design might feel less intuitive and could slow down your reloads when speed matters most.

Manual Thumb Safety

The CA380 is equipped with a manual thumb safety, giving you the option to engage or disengage it before firing, which adds an extra layer of safety when carrying. The downside? If you forget to flip it off in a high-pressure moment, it could cause frustrating delays when you need it most.

Rear Grip Slide Serrations

The CA380 features rear grip slide serrations that make it easier to get a good grip when loading or clearing malfunctions. While they do improve handling, they’re not as aggressive as some other models, which could make slide manipulation trickier for those with limited hand strength or dexterity.

Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews

Final Thoughts

The CA380 is a simple and reliable pistol that gets the job done without a lot of bells and whistles. I appreciate its straightforward design, like the blowback action and fixed sights, which keep maintenance easy. The manual thumb safety is a nice touch for added security, but I can see how it could cause a hiccup if you’re not used to it. The heel-type magazine release is secure, though it took me a little time to adjust since I’m more familiar with side releases. The rear slide serrations work well, but they’re not as grippy as some other models, which might be tricky for some. Overall, it’s a no-nonsense option for someone who values practicality over flash.

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