JIMENEZ 380 AUTOMATIC

Question
Hi:

I'm a single mother and I just placed a gun on layaway a 380 cobra...I did my research once I got home and all of the reviews that I came across stated that it tends to jam a lot.  I went and I went to the place and they showed me other guns and I came across the Jimenez 380 and I liked it and I was told that this one should not give me a problem.  Now I made some research on this one and It also said that is unsafe. My question to you now is if none of these guns that I have choose is good what would you recommend for a female to have as is my first time getting a gun?

Thanks

Jocelyn

Answer
Jocelyn,

From what you have told me, you are clearly on a budget as both these firearms are relatively inexpensive.  I am familiar with both of them.  The company that makes the Jimenez pistol is formerly Bryco Arms.  They had enough product liability and quality issues several years back that they moved out of the State of California.  I believe they are in Nevada now.  Personally, I would not recommend either of these guns.  In my opinion they are not as reliable as a handgun for personal protection should be.

For personal protection, you want a gun that goes 'bang' every time you pull the trigger, is simple to operate and maintain and that is not picky about ammo.

For a small .380, I have had good luck with the KelTec P-3AT.  They are about $265 to $280 most places and are small and very easy to conceal.  Mine is very accurate and has been extremely reliable.

Another alternative is to consider a small revolver.  Smith & Wesson make a number of good ones.  My personal favorite is the Model 649 Bodyguard.  There are probably some good used revolvers out there in the $300-$400 range.  You would definitely want a .38 Special.  You do not need a .357 Magnum.

If you can afford it, a Glock 26 9mm is one of the best and most reliable alternatives out there.  The cost is usually $475 to $525 depending on the store.  While quite a bit more expensive than the KelTec, it is an absolutely reliable pistol.  

There are a couple of things that I would suggest that you consider when making your choice.  Make sure you get something that will fit your hand.  If you can find a shooting range that rents guns, try out several before making a decision.  See which one works well for you.  When you select a caliber, I would probably not go lower than a .32 caliber.  It simply doesn't have the stopping power.

I would also strongly recommend that you seek out some training through an NRA instructor in your area.  Take a 'Basic Pistol' course.  I realize that it will be an investment of time, but it will pay big dividends in safe gun handling skills, being comfortable with your firearm and actually learning how to shoot a firearm correctly.

I know it is frustrating, but there are a lot of gun stores where the sales people want to sell you what they have instead of what you actually need.  Don't be too upset with them as they are just doing their job.  Definitely keep doing what you are doing which is to do your research and don't just 'accept' their advice.

I hope this has proven helpful for you.

Regards,

Doug