Jimenez Arms J.A. 380
Bottomline
The Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 is an affordable option for personal defense, but you’ll want to keep in mind some serious concerns with its reliability and the quality of its materials.
The Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 is one of those pistols that sparks curiosity, especially for budget-conscious buyers. On the surface, it’s an affordable, compact .380 ACP that seems perfect for concealed carry. But, like anything that comes with a low price tag, there’s more to consider. While its size and simplicity may appeal to new gun owners, the J.A. 380 isn’t without its downsides. Reliability can be hit or miss, and the overall build quality may leave you wanting something a bit more refined. In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this little pistol, from its pros to its pretty noticeable flaws. If you’ve been wondering whether this budget-friendly option is worth your time, stick around because this review will tell you all you need to know before making a decision.
Table of Contents
Bottomline
The Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 is an affordable option for personal defense, but you’ll want to keep in mind some serious concerns with its reliability and the quality of its materials.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Straightforward operation
Cons
- 6-round capacity
- Low-quality material
- Frequent malfunctions
Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 Specs
| Caliber | Capacity | BBL | OAL | Width | Height | Weight |
| .380 ACP | 6+1 | 2.75″ | 5.3″ | .96″ | 3.75″ | 19 oz. empty |
Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 First Impression
At first glance, the Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 stands out for its compact size, making it ideal for those who want something lightweight and easy to conceal. The aluminum frame keeps it light, but the zamak slide might raise some eyebrows when it comes to durability. For casual shooters or as a backup gun, it could be enough to get the job done. However, not everyone is sold on its reliability, especially for serious self-defense situations. First impressions really depend on what you’re looking for—a convenient carry option or something you can rely on for the long haul.
Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 Features
Construction
The Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 has an interesting build for its price point. The frame is made of aluminum, which helps keep the gun lightweight. However, the slide is made from a zinc alloy called zamak. While this material does the job and helps with cost savings, it’s not known for being as durable as steel. Over time, zamak can lead to concerns about the gun’s longevity, especially if you’re planning to put a lot of rounds through it. This construction choice might be a trade-off between affordability and durability.
Size and Weight
One of the highlights of the J.A. 380 is how compact and lightweight it is. It’s small enough to fit comfortably in your hand and easily stashed for concealed carry. The light weight makes it easy to carry around all day without being burdensome. Its dimensions are ideal for quick storage, making it a go-to option for those who prioritize portability. However, the lightweight nature, combined with its material construction, may give it a less solid feel compared to other guns in its category.
Safety Features
Safety-wise, the J.A. 380 comes with the basics, which might be all a beginner or budget buyer is looking for. It includes a manual safety, giving you the ability to engage or disengage the safety when you’re ready to shoot or store the gun. It also has a firing pin block, which is a good touch for preventing accidental discharges if the gun is dropped. While these features are functional, they aren’t anything fancy but do the job of providing some peace of mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 is a budget-friendly option for those seeking a lightweight and compact firearm for concealed carry. Its affordability makes it appealing to first-time buyers or those looking for a backup gun. The manual safety and firing pin block offer basic security features, which are useful for those who prioritize safety in a firearm. However, the use of zamak in the slide construction raises questions about long-term durability and reliability, especially under heavy use. While its size and weight make it convenient for daily carry, the potential concerns with material quality may be a drawback for those seeking a firearm they can depend on for years. Ultimately, the J.A. 380 offers an economical choice for personal defense, but prospective buyers should weigh its pros and cons, particularly around durability, before deciding if it’s the right fit for their needs.
Further reading: Ultimate Guide to Gun Reviews
Jimenez Arms J.A. 380 Score Card
| Ergonomics | The compact size is appreciated for concealed carry, but some users find it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. | 3.10 |
| Trigger | The trigger pull is often described as heavy and not very smooth, which can affect accuracy and user experience. | 3.8 |
| Accuracy | Generally considered adequate for close-range self-defense (within 5-10 yards), but not reliable for precision shooting. | 2 |
| Quality | Made from lower-quality materials (zamak), leading to concerns about durability and reliability over time. | 2 |
| Value | It’s a solid pick for budget-conscious buyers looking for a starter firearm, but keep in mind that some quality issues do pop up. | 4.25 |
| Overall | A budget-friendly option for those seeking a lightweight and compact firearm for concealed carry | 3.03 |
I purchased 1 of these at a local show just for the heck of it. I have put hundreds of various brands of 380 thru it without a problem. Custer service is terrific, after the last time shooting it I field striped it and lost the sear spring, my fault, called them that day and they put 2 replacements in the mail for FREE. Now that’s service!!. Low priced but a good shooter after a breakin period. Better customer then the big boy’s. Next I will get a 9mm from them.
I purchased 1 of these at a local show just for the heck of it. I have put hundreds of various brands of 380 thru it without a problem. Custer service is terrific, after the last time shooting it I field striped it and lost the sear spring, my fault, called them that day and they put 2 replacements in the mail for FREE. Now that’s service!!. Low priced but a good shooter after a breakin period. Better customer then the big boy’s. Next I will get a 9mm from them.
Good comments. I have a JA-9, T-380 and JA-380 along with more expensive firearms. Mine have been
very reliable after a breakin and cleaning. I know we always get slammed but Jimenez has improved. As good as my Glock and S&W, no but, they work and work.
Good comments. I have a JA-9, T-380 and JA-380 along with more expensive firearms. Mine have been
very reliable after a breakin and cleaning. I know we always get slammed but Jimenez has improved. As good as my Glock and S&W, no but, they work and work.
Good comments. I have a JA-9, T-380 and JA-380 along with more expensive firearms. Mine have been
very reliable after a breakin and cleaning. I know we always get slammed but Jimenez has improved. As good as my Glock and S&W, no but, they work and work.
I just purchased a A380 ACP online because of the price and the way it looked but then I saw some videos on YouTube about the firearm it did not look too promising then I read about the company and then I heard they went out of business and someone bought the company and wanted to move to Nevada after a mishap happened in California where it left one teenager paralyzed , I don’t know the exact date but I think it was around 2010 now it is it is 2016 a New owner of the company is taking so are the pistols getting better or should I get rid of the firearm and search for something more expensive but better in all around safety and firing of the pistols a better name I wanted it for for carry concealed but do I have to worry about safety issues and just purchase a better firearm chuckdp
I just purchased a A380 ACP online because of the price and the way it looked but then I saw some videos on YouTube about the firearm it did not look too promising then I read about the company and then I heard they went out of business and someone bought the company and wanted to move to Nevada after a mishap happened in California where it left one teenager paralyzed , I don’t know the exact date but I think it was around 2010 now it is it is 2016 a New owner of the company is taking so are the pistols getting better or should I get rid of the firearm and search for something more expensive but better in all around safety and firing of the pistols a better name I wanted it for for carry concealed but do I have to worry about safety issues and just purchase a better firearm chuckdp
I have the JA380 along with several better firearms. Have they improved, yes. Is it is good as the Taurus TCP and some other small 380’s, no. However, if you take care of it and don’t plan on shooting 5000 rounds through it you should be fine. When you get an extra $35-$45 I’d have a gunsmith polish the feed ramp and look for any burrs that can be removed. It usually only likes FMJ ammo.
Mine has worked very well. Some will say they would rather have a bat than a JA-380, however, thats just a stupid statement. Obviously they haven’t been threatened. I’m retired law Enforcement and believe me there have been a lot of officers shot with this type of weapon.
I would still look for something better eventually, maybe something you can put on layaway.
By the way, that was the JA-9 that was deemed unsafe years ago, not the JA-380.
I have the JA380 along with several better firearms. Have they improved, yes. Is it is good as the Taurus TCP and some other small 380’s, no. However, if you take care of it and don’t plan on shooting 5000 rounds through it you should be fine. When you get an extra $35-$45 I’d have a gunsmith polish the feed ramp and look for any burrs that can be removed. It usually only likes FMJ ammo.
Mine has worked very well. Some will say they would rather have a bat than a JA-380, however, thats just a stupid statement. Obviously they haven’t been threatened. I’m retired law Enforcement and believe me there have been a lot of officers shot with this type of weapon.
I would still look for something better eventually, maybe something you can put on layaway.
By the way, that was the JA-9 that was deemed unsafe years ago, not the JA-380.
I bought one simply to tinker with(polishing the feed ramp and smoothing out the slide and internals). Too many people think that a hundred dollar gun should perform like a six hundred dollar kimber – GET REAL! I have my Colts, Rugers, S&Ws, Glocks, and various other name brands in my collection. Now I’m buying some of the cheap guns to play around with and refine. Remember folks, all guns start with an ugly piece of steel. It’s the refinement of that steel and the associated parts that make it better. I see it as opportunity. Sort of like taking that old ugly family coupe and dropping a hemi engine in it. The outside appearance may not draw much attention, but if you can place those shots inside the diameter of a baseball it will draw some curiosity. I have already done the same with a little Phoenix HP-22. A little polish and slight modification and it already is a great little performer for the price paid.
I bought one simply to tinker with(polishing the feed ramp and smoothing out the slide and internals). Too many people think that a hundred dollar gun should perform like a six hundred dollar kimber – GET REAL! I have my Colts, Rugers, S&Ws, Glocks, and various other name brands in my collection. Now I’m buying some of the cheap guns to play around with and refine. Remember folks, all guns start with an ugly piece of steel. It’s the refinement of that steel and the associated parts that make it better. I see it as opportunity. Sort of like taking that old ugly family coupe and dropping a hemi engine in it. The outside appearance may not draw much attention, but if you can place those shots inside the diameter of a baseball it will draw some curiosity. I have already done the same with a little Phoenix HP-22. A little polish and slight modification and it already is a great little performer for the price paid.
I’m looking for more info on how to field strip and maintain the J.A. LC380 I recently inherited .. Was also wondering about the availability of a larger capacity magazine.
I’m looking for more info on how to field strip and maintain the J.A. LC380 I recently inherited .. Was also wondering about the availability of a larger capacity magazine.
Where can I get an extra magazine for a Jimenez J.A. .380 pistol?
Where can I get an extra magazine for a Jimenez J.A. .380 pistol?