Jimenez JA38

Question
Dear Sir,

I was searching online for information about a Jimenez JA38 .380.  I saw a prior response about the 9mm which had had some problems in CA.  I also looked at some other articles regarding the case and the change in the Company.  This pistol was given to me so I would like to know if this model is of decent quality.  I have no idea what it would retail for.  It does not appear to be very old and I believe it has been used very little.  It seems to be in good working order but I have not tried to fire it.  The date on the back of the instruction manual is 02/05.
I just would like to know if this is worth owning perhaps for personal/home defense only.  I can't see using this for more than that.
Thanks Keith  

Answer
Keith,

The latest information I could dig up on Jimenez is that they're still under court order in California to stop making and distributing the JA-9 pistol. It's safe to say the JA38 is based in large part on the JA-9.

I'm familiar with another Jennings/Bryco, Jimenez's predacessor companies, product personally and wouldn't own another. If the design of the JA-9 wasn't sufficient to handle the recoil of a 9mm Luger cartridge, I'd be very worried about the JA38's strength, as the .380 ACP is just a truncated 9mm Luger loaded with a lighter bullet and less powder.

In short, I wouldn't rely on this pistol for much. Shoot it a bunch and if you find a load it'll digest without malfunction, you could possibly carry it as a backup to your backup carry gun, but I wouldn't make it my first line of defense.

Hopefully I've answered your question, if you've any others, please feel free to ask a follow-up.

Kyle