[cobb]

I did a search on Bersa and Thunder and about I could see pertained to their .380.
Does anybody have any experience with their .45 acp? Good, bad, jamomatic, poorly made, or what.

[Michael_2112]

Hey Cobb,

I know that Firestorm (made by Bersa) has the mini .45 out now. It is the exact same pistol as the Bersa mini-thunder I believe. I actually was looking at one in a shop the other day, and for the money it seemed very nicely made. Has ambi-controls, a internal lock......very Walther P-88 compact looking. I don't have any actual shooting experience with it, but if it performs like my Bersa .380 does, it is worth every penny.

Sorry I know I'm not much help....maybe try searching Firestorm mini?


~Michael

[hksw]

Are you guys talking about this? -

http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/images/45mini.jpg

SGS Firestorm imports both Bersa and Llama. Bersa supplies their .380 ACP, 9 mm, and .40 SW. Llama supplies the .45 ACP guns. AFAIK, Bersa does not currently make a .45 ACP, even in their original Thunder line (which would be the reason why you couldn't find it in a search).

SGS Firestorm (http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/)

[cobb]

The Bersa I'm talking about is DA/SA with a tupperware lower frame and steel slide. They advertise it as an ultra compact DA pistol in Gun List, pg 11, March 28 edition. It looks like it even has a rail for mounting a flashlight.
I thought if the price was right, it would be a good tackle box type gun.

[Michael_2112]

Yeah not the Llama 1911....I know exactly which one you are talking about. I'm not sure how to post pics on here but I believe you are referring to the following pistol.


http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=7859787


~Michael

[cobb]

Yep, that's what it looks like, except that it says Bersa on it and not Firestorm. In the picture in Gun List, the Bersa looks like it has a non metal frame, but the picture may be deceiving.

SO,,,,any comment on quality?

[Michael_2112]

I'm pretty sure they actually stopped importing the Bersa Thunder and Mini. Not sure but that is what I was told. I believe it is because of Mag capacity. However, I'm pretty sure the only difference between the Bersa and Firestorm are the grips. If you notice in the link the Firestorm actually says Bersa on the slide. All of the ones I have seen have had a steel frame. Going from the one I looked at the other day, overall it looked like a very nicely made pistol. A few light machining marks, but just purely cosmetic. The Bersa I own (.380) is really pretty well put together and has performed flawlessy. It is an extremely reliable pistol, YMMV. I still think Bersa pistols are one of the best values on the market. I wouldnt hesitate to own another one.

I believe a few people on the board actually own the Firestorm mini, I'm sure they can give you better input then I can.

~Michael

[Tropical Z]

It sure looks cool!

[Tony Z]

Eagle Import is the company that imports the bersa and llama line of guns. They are still in bussness and still selling both, here is a link to there web page. Firestorm makes the compact .45

http://www.bersa-llama.com/


Tony

http://www.davidsonsinc.com/thumbnailswhite/fs45mm.jpg

[hksw]

Whoa. That's a new one on me. It's not even listed on Bersa's (http://www.bersa-sa.com.ar/bersa.asp) website.

Looks like yet another gun to add to my list.

[Akurat]

Do a search on this board and on TFL for "Firestorm mini". You will come up with lots more info.

Stay away from the Firestorm 1911 style pistols, including the compact models. These are made by Llama :barf: The DA's are made by Bersa, an Argentinian company with a great reputation. I like to think of them as "CZ-Argentina" :D

I've got a Mini 9 and its been great. I love everything about it, with the exception of the cost of mags ($40 each! :uhoh: ). But, the way I see it, the price of the gun itself (I paid $305 total w/ tax etc.) made up for that.