(GunReports.com) — Four similar and equally matched 380 ACP pistols turned in a tightly fought battle in the August 2010 issue of Gun Tests, says its editor, and the magazine’s test team had trouble picking a winner.
“When we tested the Glock 19, Springfield Armory’s XDM 3.8, the CZ USA 75D PCR Compact, and the new Ruger SR9C, our evaluators found four very good handguns you’re sure to like,” said Gun Tests editor Todd Woodard.
In the feature, the magazine tested the four handguns with three test ammunition choices, consisting of Remington UMC 115-grain JHP rounds, Federal American Eagle 124-grain FMJ rounds and 115-grain FMJ rounds of new manufacture (red box) Black Hills ammunition.
“When the team realized the supply of the American Eagle rounds was going to be limited, they decided to shoot action tests with a fourth, less expensive, round. These were the Black Hills remanufactured 124-grain FMJ rounds sold in the blue boxes,” Woodard said.
“Curious about the accuracy of the economical Black Hill rounds, we decided to add them to our bench session as well,” said Roger Eckstine, contributing editor. Test distance from support was 15 yards.
Excerpts from the Gun Tests magazine comparison:
All of our pistols offered a balance of speed, accuracy, and reliability. But we must single out the $697 Springfield Armory XDM 3.8 as the best. Although each gun completed our action tests with good groups in the target’s torso and head, the XDM 3.8 delivered 10/10 hits inside or touching the A-zone, which measured a stingy 4 inches by 2 inches.
The $651 CZ USA 75D PCR was full of surprises. From the bench, it gave out slightly more muzzle flip than our other pistols. But the CZ produced the tightest 10-shot accuracy group, and with remanufactured ammunition to boot. The Black Hills 124-grain FMJ ammunition was the cheapest and the most powerful load we fired.
Takedown of the Glock 19 was easy. Empty the chamber, press the trigger, retract the slide, pull down the locks, and let the slide forward. We still marvel at reassembly. Just put the slide back on to the frame, and it locks itself into place. For some shooters, easy disassembly might be the make-or-break reason to pick the Glock over the others.
The Ruger SR9C was the shortest, most concealable gun in the test, but we were still happy with its accuracy.
“Subscribers should be receiving their issues in the mail any day now,” Woodard said. “Or online subscribers can find out the results now at www.Gun-Tests.com.”
