Another Bersa 380 Thread

[jon_in_wv]

Yesterday I went to indoor gun range at a local Sporting Goods shop. Normally I shoot outside but I just didn't feel like picking all my brass up out of the mud. I was perusing the guns counter and I decided that maybe it was time to get a Bersa 380. I checked out one of the all blue models ($319) and the first thing I noticed was the nice steel three dot adjustable sights that normally come on the Bersas have been replaced with PLASTIC fixed sights. I could forgive this, but I won't for two reasons. The front sight isn't dovetailed making replacing the sights a pain and the rear sight is one of those Glock style U monstrosities. I could live with that style of sights but if you align the sights correctly the front dot was partially obscured by the bottom of the notch so the U and dot didn't correlate correctly anyhow. Then I noticed there was a used Bersa two tone on the shelf. It had the three dot sights and a nice coat of surface rust on the top of the slide. Guess what the price tag was on that? $329! :banghead: I told him that was way too high and he just said, "I don't set the prices you'll have to talk to the boss." I told him the price shouldn't be anywhere north of $299 for a used Bersa and he says, "Not for the Duotone! We normally sell those for $475 . Yeah, right.

I'm going to order one from Bud's next week and I'll see if a different shop can take the order.

Do all the new Bersa 380s that those plastic fixed sights?

 

[Corner Pocket]

I'd venture to say that the rusty two-tone Bersa is going to be sitting there on the shelf for a long period of time. But, you never know when someone who has no knowledge of gun values and reasonable prices might happen by and lay down the moola...

I bought a used Bersa Thunder 380 Duo online about a year ago. The original owner stated it had been fired less than 100 rounds. I paid $225 shipped, and when I received the piece, I was extremely pleased to see that it was just like new. The gun is very accurate, fun to shoot, and one that I will likely have from now on.

Sorry that I'm not up on the plastic sights. Mine has the three-dot metal type.

Corner Pocket

 

[franco45]

I bought a used Deluxe (dark blue) for $240 dollars at an auction this September. It has the 3 dot sights. I liked it so much I bought a 380 Concealed Carry for $300 nib. Around here the duo tones are plentiful and sell for less then the nickel model. Can't help you with the sight question . The CC has a very minimal 3 dot system.

 

[kokapelli]

I don't remember the exact price I paid for mine from a few years ago but I'm sure it was less than $300 and it is the deluxe all black with the eight round magazine new.

Here is the current price from a dealer here in Mesa, Az

 

[DAdams]

Extended Magazine



4 years old. 700+ rounds, great shooter. Keep the screws tightened.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I agree the Bersa 380s metal sights are minimalist on the CC but they are probably better than on my LCP! I'm probably going to bet a CC to replace my LCP in the future but I still want the duotone too. No one has any insight on the new plastic sights? I wouldn't mind the rear sight if they had the fore sight to make the dovetail something common like a 1911 or Sig dovetail but I doubt they did that.

 

[Giterboosted]

Wow i onlypaid about 200 giver take a couple years back and mine is a duotone, very happy with it tho

 

[jon_in_wv]

I thought the trigger pull on the one I handled was beautiful. I can't wait to get one. I haven't heard too many negative things about them.

Any insight on the CC model vs the standard?

 

[Giterboosted]

Mine is the normal one but vie still never had any problems cc'ing it

 

[harmon rabb]

I thought the trigger pull on the one I handled was beautiful. I can't wait to get one. I haven't heard too many negative things about them.

Any insight on the CC model vs the standard?

I think the CC model is DAO, which negates the whole nice trigger thing. The regular thunder is very easily to carry IWB, really.

 

[sfnatoli]

The 380cc is just a de-horned version of the regular 380. A bit shorter and a bit lighter, with VERY low profile 3 dot sights, and it is DA/SA just like it's big brother. I got mine new for $289 and it's a great little gun for the $.

 

[DougW]

Mine are still perfect.

 

[rellascout]

The Bersa is a $200 gun at best NIB. IMHO when they went north of that they lost a lot of value for me. YMMV

 

[hans471]

I picked up a Bersa .380 a few years back, the dual-tone. Got it rather than the all black one I wanted because I found a dealer with the dual-tone for $198, twenty five bucks less then the mat black one. Had I known how much I would grow to like that pistol I would have sprung for the all black one.

My Bersa has proven to be a very accurate and totally trouble free firearm. I know some think its cheap or not worth much, but the one I own was nothing less than a BARGAIN in a firearm. It fits the hand nicely (for me) and is very accurate and easy to shoot. What's not to like about that? I like it so much I bought a set of dies and reload for it.

Oh, just so you know, I have two Beretta 92's, a CZ 75 P-01, Beretta PX-4 storm, had a Sig 228 and a Walthers P-38, and others so I do have things to compare the little Bersa to.

The .380 Thunder may not be at the same level of finish as are the others, but it cost a third as much, shoots straight, and functions perfectly. Its looks fine, fits together well and I feel is worth more than it costs. I don't know how much more you can ask of a firearm than to just work right and hit where its pointed. Compare it to a pistol like a Sig 232. The little Sig is pretty, light, and well finished. And, at around $600, a gun that to me is far overpriced.

The little Thunder .380 I have is a keeper, for sure. Others may prefer something different.

 

[jon_in_wv]

Personally I tend to value a lot of things based on what you can get for the same price. You have a hard time even finding a Makarov at two hundred now so I wouldn't expect to find a new Bersa for that price. You can still find some keltec P3ATs for around 200 but I think the Bersa is a little more gun so I'll pay a little more. I sure wouldn't pay north of 400 bucks for one though. That into used Sig P230 or Glock/M&P/XD territory then. Much of the appeal of the Bersa is that for less than 300 bucks you can get a light, easy to carry, reliable, and accurate CCW. There aren't very many other choices in that range that provide that kind of value.

But with the plastic sights they do lose some of that value for me. I know Glock uses a similar arrangement but its not hard or expensive to fix that.

 

[Jotobo]

How does it stack up to the LCP. Im interested in picking up another .380 that isnt a KT or another LCP.

 

[rellascout]

Personally I tend to value a lot of things based on what you can get for the same price. You have a hard time even finding a Makarov at two hundred now so I wouldn't expect to find a new Bersa for that price. You can still find some keltec P3ATs for around 200 but I think the Bersa is a little more gun so I'll pay a little more. I sure wouldn't pay north of 400 bucks for one though. That into used Sig P230 or Glock/M&P/XD territory then. Much of the appeal of the Bersa is that for less than 300 bucks you can get a light, easy to carry, reliable, and accurate CCW. There aren't very many other choices in that range that provide that kind of value.

I agree I would compare the Bersa 380 to the CZ82. The CZ82 is cheaper and cheaper to shoot with a better caliber IMHO. I am not a Keltec fan.

When I owned a Bersa it was a sub $200 gun.

 

[DanTheFarmer]

Good Evening,

My apologies if this double posts. My first attempt didn't seem to work so I'm trying again.

Regarding the sights on the Bersa. Here's what I know.

There are actually two very similar pistols made by the factory in Argentina. The version with the squared trigger guard usually has adjustable 3 dot sights. The version with the rounded trigger guard is actually imported by a different company and branded as "Firestorm". The Firestorms usually have fixed sights with a "U" rear sight. Each version has its own rollmark on the slide.

I'm not an expert and the details of what is made/imported/sold can change on a moments notice but hopefully this tid-bit will get you in the ball park. If you are interested in a Bersa with adjustable 3 dot sights look for the square trigger guard and Bersa imprinted in the slide.

By the way I have 3 Bersas and 3 Firestorms and find them to excellent pistols and a really outstanding value for their cost.

Good Luck.

Dan

 

[straightshooter9]

I know nothing about any BERSA except for the fact that they are very reasonably priced and I've NEVER heard of any problems with these pistols.....
I'm looking for a CCW.....checking out the SIG P232, P238, Beretta's 84FS & 85FS (don't like the look, feel or "shoot-my-leg" GLOCKS, no offense!) but they are all more pricey than the BERSA.
Just my .02 cents! (that's about all it's worth!)

 

[DAdams]

My first range trip with the BT 380 about four years ago at 7 yards. Two magazines worth. It made me look pretty darn good. I saved and documented the target as I was so amazed at what a soft shooter it was and the accuracy well you can see for yourself.

I think I paid about $275 four to five years ago. They were just beginning to be really discovered then.

Like I said, the grip screw and rear sight screws have a tendancy to work out. Sounds like maybe the sight isn't an issue anymore.

There of course is an active BERSA Forum.

 

[Giterboosted]

My wife has an lcp, it's a good gun but it literally feels Lime my bersa is in a whole nother class, I vote bersa if you're not necessarily looking for a pocket gun

 

[jon_in_wv]

Well its not really an either or for me. I already pocket carry my LCP when I can't carry my M&P 9C. I don't think I'll get rid of my LCP but I think there are times I would rather carry the Bersa since it is a bit smaller and less obtrusive than my M&P but it is likely a lot better shooter and I can also load it with a little more powerful ammo than my LCP.

 

[Jotobo]

Im liking what I see and read about the Bersa. Ive not really fallen in love with my LCP. Its nice, but Im not really pumped about owning it. Been kicking around the idea of selling it on GB or possibly trading it. The Bersa has caught my attention.

How much larger is it than the LCP? I carry IWB so I think it would work just fine.

 

[dashootist]

Is the Bersa Thunder skinny enough for concealed iwb carry? I held a Bersa the other day at the gun shop, and I thought the it was not as skinny as the S&W PPK. And I hated that stupid lock on the side of the Bersa. What a zit!

 

[rellascout]

IIRC the Bersa is about the same size as the PPK or a Sig 230. They are not small compared to todays mini 380 autos but certainly small enough for IWB carry. I had a IWB holster for it but never actually carried the gun. It concealed fine. It is too large to be a pocket gun IMHO.