Bryco .380 Automatic

Question
Hello, I have a Bryco 38' .380 automatic and I need a replacement clip for the gun, but for the life of me I ca not find the serial number, would it by chance be this 6 digit number on the gun (duh)? Also, how do I inquire about purchasing the clip?

Answer
Nicole,

There is something VERY IMPORTANT you should be aware of.  The Bryco Model 38 is the subject of an 2001 AFTE Journal warning notice and your firearm could be potentially VERY dangerous.  The notice is as follows:

"WARNING: These pistols may create an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION and a POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY by firing when dropped.

This model pistol trigger/disconnector bar and sear level may have too small a gap between them such that a sharp movement of the slide rearward could cause the weapon to discharge without the trigger being pulled.

The discharge is created by the moving slide impacting the disconnector and driving the trigger bar/disconnector rearward into the cam lever before it can pivot downward and out of alignment."

I would recommend that you DO NOT attempt to load or fire this pistol without having it looked at by a qualified gunsmith.  Since the value of the gun is so low, I would probably suggest that you dispose of it at your local police department and get something else for your personal defense gun.  

Bryco's have a horrible reputation for reliability and safety and have literally been barred from producing guns in California where they were originally headquartered.  The new company is called Jimenez Arms and the owner is a former Bryco plant manager.  They moved the manufacturing to Nevada after the CA Attorney General ordered them to stop producing guns in California in 2006.

To answer your specific questions, it is very likely that the 6 digit number on the gun is the serial number.  Regarding magazines for the model 38, you can probably find them online at:

http://www.gunclips.net/jemo38gunma.html

They want $25 for the magazines, but I'm not sure if they actually have them in stock or not.  

You can also try and find replacement magazines by looking for a JA-38 which is what the gun was renamed after being bought by Jimenez Arms.

Please understand that my concern is for your safety and that is why I have provided the background on the Bryco gun you have...even though you didn't ask.  As always, the final decision of what to do is yours...

Best regards,

Doug