Been looking at subcompacts lately. Think I've narrowed it down to a CZ83, Sig p232 or a Beretta px4 storm 9mm. Does anyone have any or all of these and can offer first hand opinions? I understand what forum this is but...
I have really become enamored with the .380 cartridge in the size of the CZ83/SigP232/WaltherPPK.
The average Joe gun owner sees no place for this size gun in .380. They will say "Why pick a .380 gun that size when they now make 9mm in the same size?" Or "The .380 is below the minimum for self defense". Also you'll hear "Blow backs have more recoil than the tilt barrel designs"
Even though, all 3 statements have validity, I think the group of guns you're looking at in .380 are a great size for a Blow Back gun design. Every one I've tried have a very natural ability to be on target when you raise them up to get a sight picture. And they very naturally shoot from retention. They are just plain fun to shoot.
So here is my take:
None of the guns you mention are easy to pocket carry, but can be done in cargo pockets if you desire.
The Sig P232 has a very nice trigger. Mine is 9# DA, and 3.5# SA and the DA is very very smooth. My P232 has never had a malfunction. I doubt the small pocket 380s are this reliable. The P232 has a heel mag release, so very different from the usual frame mag releases. You can not lock the slide back unless you have an empty magazine to place in the gun. In other words, the slide lock is internal. Same is true for the Walther PPK, which you didn't ask about. The PPK by the way is easy to pocket carry if you wanted to add that option. Slide bite is very real possibility with P232 or PPK, unless you get the new S&W PPK, but they generally aren't as reliable.
Sadly I don't own a CZ83, but would like to change that one day. So give comparison on that one.
I had a PX4 in .45 and it was a great running gun. It had a tilt barrel design. The subcompact PX4 has the traditional tilt barrel design. It is a chunky gun.
I am curious as to why you chose those 3 as options.
Sorry for my rambling post. I've had too much tea this morning!!!
