J.A. 380

Question
Hello, I've just come across this little gem (ja380) and wanted to know all about the ups and downs on this model. I seem to be reading mixed reviews. I've heard of the ja9 and its problems. Now I got this just for home protection but after the stories I'm a little leary of just going to the range for a little learnng of the model. Is this wise or not

Answer
Mike,

The JA 380 is the latest incarnation of a design originally produced Bryco Arms.  When Bryco was forced to leave California by the legal action against the company, they relocated to Nevada.  Paul Jimenez was the plant manager at Bryco bought the remaining assets in 2004 and renamed it Jimanez Arms.  

Bryco manufactured guns were widely know as some of the worst examples of 'Saturday Night Specials".  They were cheaply made, unreliable and in some cases just plain dangerous to shoot.

If you do some searching around you'll see many examples of people who have not had good experiences with these guns.

Bottom line, with a firearm you get what you pay for.  If you buy a really inexpensive gun like the JA 380, there are going to be some compromises in materials, workmanship and reliability.  If you try to put a lot of rounds through this gun, it most likely will not stand up to the punishment.

As far as reliability, the reputation of these guns is so bad, I would not trust my life to it.  A personal defense gun must go 'bang' 100% of the time when the trigger is pulled.  If you are really on a budget, you might take a look at the KelTec P-3AT.  It also shoots .380 and in my opinion is a much better gun, although you will pay $250 to $300.  You might also be able to find a used Glock for around $300 if you are willing to accept an older gun.  Either choice would be a better personal defense solution than what you have, at least in my opinion.

Hope this helps you out...

Doug