Thunder 9 Ultra Compact And CCW Woes

[R127]

I used to carry an MK-9 just about everywhere but I decided it didn't have enough capacity to be carried when I wasn't at work and was too big to be a deep cover piece for work. The other problem was that it just isn't a gun you can shoot all the time. The recoil spring wears out in about 500rds or so and then reliability can suffer. Not a big deal for its intended purpose, but I love to shoot my guns.

I've been playing with a Berreta Model 21A Bobcat as a deep cover piece. I looked at the Tomcat but read a lot of reviews that said they'd break apart after a few thousand rounds. The Bobcat is tiny and accurate at short range, comfy in my hand. The only trouble with it is that I don't really feel as comfortable with its reliability as I'd like. It started off strong but it's gotten a little fussy as of late. I don't quite have 200rds through it, maybe there's a fluff and buff treatment out there, any advice? Any other guns in this size range that can be used as shooters at the range in addition to front pocket carry?

For after work I was looking at a CZ RAMI or Glock 26, but noted the same style recoil spring as is found in the MK-9 and I wonder about their suitability for frequent shooting. I was thinking of going up to a CZ P-01, but then saw a Bersa Thunder 9 Ultra Compact. The Bersa holds almost as many rounds as the P-01 but is smaller. I've looked around for pics of the Thunder 9 Ultra Compact's recoil spring, but no luck. Anybody know how these hold up to lots of shooting?

I guess last on my list would be trying to find a Makarov, preferably a double stack Makarov.

 

[Nick Buie]

I've got a FireStorm mini 9 which is made by Bersa and I've about 1500-2000 rounds through it without one FTF or FTE. I paid about $300 for it and it is by far one of the most reliable guns in my collection. Hope this helps you.

 

[BigSlick]

Not exactly the same as the options you mentioned, but definitely worthy of consideration is one of the SW TiLite or Scandium J frames - 12.oz unloaded and hammerless models are available.

I use a 32 H&R mag JHP in a model 332, it is the enclosed/shrouded/hammerless model.

I carry it in my pockets every day of the week. Small enough that it doesn't print, light enough to carry all day and nearly forget it's there and available in several calibers :32 H&R, 38 Spec, .357 mag etc..

I like the 32 H&R because it's controllable and easy to shoot. Accuracy is good out to about 15 yds (farther with aimed slow fire) and it offers 6 shot capacity.

Not exactly one of the guns that comes to mind when you think of the ideal carry gun, but it's a hell of a lot better than nothing and it's reliable as can be - which for me describes the ideal BUG

 

[PX15]

I have the Bersa Thunder 9 (UC), several snubby's, a KelTec P11, 32 and a NAA Guardian in 32 cal.

For me personally the BT9/UC is just a tad too large for serious cc. It is however, a great vehicle, or home defense pistol. With the 13rd mag I can offer 13+1 CorBons downrange anytime I need them. My BT9/UC has been 100% reliable and is as accurate as my all time cc favorite pistol my Sig P239.

I like my snubbys too, and my pre-lock 638 is my favorite. W/Crimson Trace Lasergrips I think it's about the perfect snubby revolver.

It's a tossup between the KT32 and the NAA 32. Both are excellent. The NAA "looks" better, and is obviously made of better quality stuff. However, the KT32 is lighter, just as accurate, and generally my all time, any weather, any wardrobe, carry pistol.

I think the best of the bunch however might be the KelTec P11. Mine has been 100% reliable and very accurate at self defense range. (for me 5/7 yards). It's not a target pistol, but it is light and small enough to carry concealed, and with the belt clip it's even easier to take on and off when you need it. It offers 10+1 rds of 9mm, and if you like the optional 12rd mag you then have 13 rds available when you need them.

I only paid $250 for the P11, and I feel as well armed with it as anything I own, and better armed than with most of the others.

I know some folks have had nightmare problems with KT's, but both of mine have been excellent.

Another consideration is that shortly KT will be producing the "slim" 9, and it might be even better for cc. I'll wait until the bugs, if any, are corrected before I buy one as it's basically a slim P11 with a better trigger action.



JMOFO

J. Pomeroy

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I have about 1K through my Thunder 9 UC with no problems.

 

[hurrakane212]

just make sure you rent one first...

I rented a Bersa thunder .45, a Firestorm .45 and a Taurus Millenium Pro .45 (the compact) I just couldn't hit very well with them. (The Bersa better than the others) But put a commander style 1911 in my hands and i am drilling out the x ring. I tried, I really did, but at least for me it's SAO.~Nathan