Another first CCW thread...Keltec or Bersa?

[skud_dusty]

Ok...here goes.

I'm in the market for a smaller weapon than what I currently have. I currently own a Colt M1991A1, an SA XD9 tactical, and a few other fun plinkers that I really wouldn't ever consider for CCW. Long story short, I've narrowed it down to 2 guns in particular that I'd like to look at this weekend.

One of the Keltecs, either in .380 or 9mm, and the Bersa Thunder in .380.

I'd shot a keltec in .32, and other than jamming up quite a bit (we think due to the flat faced winchester ammo) it was a riot to shoot, and decently accurate.

I've not really had a chance to inspect either, and I don't have a lot of expierence on the Bersa other than drooling at it through the case.

I like the idea of a keltec in 9mm because I already have another weapon in 9mm and it's a true pocket pistol. On the other hand I just love the way the Bersa looks, and I've heard nothing but good things about it.

This weapon will probably be my main CCW piece, and will see LOTS of range time. The thing that worries me about the keltec is that I've heard it doesn't hold up as well as I'd like it to. One of those "shoot little, carry lots" guns. I really don't want to get something that I'm afraid to put 1K+ rounds down range.

My budget will be less than $300. Any ideas/suggestions? I know this has probably been covered lots, but I can't seem to come up with a conclusion after reading countless posts.

Thanks THR!

 

[skud_dusty]

Almost forgot to add, I'm not opposed to a revolver, but that would open a whole new can of worms.

 

[gpr]

380 keltec, the p11-p40/357 sit in the safe...the pf9 is about the same size as the p11, so i had one, it too would be a safe queen...gpr

 

[MICHAEL T]

Bersa You know have choice or regular Thunder ,the CC or now the new Thunder plus 15 shots . A little wider in grip area. My self I would go for the CC 8+1 and a little larger than KT and a few oz more weight.
I own 3 KT 2 are 32 and 1 is 380 . Always a KT in pocket no matter whays on hip Bersa or 1911

want to know more about Bersa come visit http://bersatalk.com over 1500 and growing

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Kel-Tec says on their site their P-32 and P-3AT have a life cycle of ~ 5,000 rounds before you need to change parts. Good news is, they will replace any needed parts for free.

 

[BADUNAME13]

Whichever felt better.

PS, I paid just over $300 for my S&W Bodyguard.

 

[chris in va]

I've had my P11 for 3 years now. It doesn't see a lot of range time, mainly due to the harsh recoil. For regular practice I use my CZ 75 or Sig 220.

Honestly if you get a small CCW you probably won't be putting a 'lot' of rounds through it like you mentioned. Three or four mags and you'll be calling it quits. My P220 is more shootable than the P11.

 

[Darkside852003]

Save a little more money and join the 642 club. Its a excellent pocket gun and holds up well.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=138658

 

[foghornl]

Don't own either brand, but have shot examples of each. I prefer the Bersa Thunder models, but Your Mileage Will Vary.

 

[skud_dusty]

I'm also looking for something accurate enough I can have some fun with it, even if I only put 3 or 4 mags through it per session. Seems like it's pretty even between the two.

The other question I had, does the Bersa just have a decocker? Or can you carry "cocked and locked" like the 1911? I like the setup on the Keltec, DAO, is the Bersa similar?

The other thing I'm worried about is magazines. I hear they are VERY expensive and hard to find with the Bersa, any truth tho this?

 

[sansone]

bersa is SA/DA... keltec might be DAO

 

[Whirlwind06]

All Kel-tec pistols are DAO. (I guess the 5.56 pistol is SA)
I have the P11 had the .380 and the .32. All work/worked fine. The P11 is about the same size as the Bersa .380 but gives you 12 + 1 shots of 9mm. It is probably a bit thicker then the Bersa, but not that much. I'll take a it over a .380 or .32 any day.

I currently own a Colt M1991A1, an SA XD9 tactical, and a few other fun plinkers that I really wouldn't ever consider for CCW

If you are willing to invest in a good holster and belt you would surprised how well a full size gun can be carried. Just food for thought.

But no reason not to buy a new gun!

 

[slow944]

I've had a couple of the bersa's and I now carry a P3AT with me everywhere allowed.

The Bersa is a Decock saftey.

The only thing I don't like about the P3AT is that it doesn't lock back when on and empty mag.

 

[skud_dusty]

Oh believe me, if at all possible I'll be carrying the 1911 or the XD, but I'm trading in a pistol that'll give me about $300 and I'd like a smaller weapon that I can carry when the other 2 are not easily concealed.

 

[tnieto2004]

Kel-Tec

 

[Hokkmike]

I can only say that I am really happy with my Bersa.

 

[deltacharlie]

KelTyke in 380!

Kel-Tec p3at
+1


Treat yourself to the hardchrome version if you can find it, worth the extra $$. Check out KTOG.org, lots of knowledge over there.

 

[scurtis_34471]

The Kel-Tec is designed to be carried a lot and shot a little. It is not terribly fun to shoot and it won't hold up to high-volume shooting without part replacement.

The Bersa Thunder .380 CC is small enough for comfortable pocket carry and weights in at 18oz. I carry one around in a Galco Pocket Protector on a regular basis. When I'm wearing pants that don't work well for pocket carry, a simple belt-slide holster works great. The gun is small enough that IWB isn't really necessary most of the time.

The Thunder CC is very comfortable to shoot and I have put somewhere around 1000 rounds through mine. I had a few FTF issues in the first 200 rounds but have not had a failure since. It has been stone cold reliable with everything I've fed it for the last 800 rounds or so. The gun is also fairly accurate, although the low profile sites do suck and take some time getting used to.

While I have moved on to an XD-40 Service as my primary carry-piece, I would not part with the Bersa. Its a fantastic little gun that can be carried anywhere with any clothing. Its accurate, reliable and fun to shoot. What more can I ask from a $300 gun? The only real bitch I have with it is the fact that I have to keep tightening the screws that hold on the grip panels and that's pretty small potatos.

Here is a typical target shot off-hand at 10 yards with the Bersa using 88gr Remington UMC JHP (yes, I know I shoot left with this gun).

 

[38snapcaps]

I would vote for Bersa. I owned and carried one for over two years and it was totally dependable, fun to shoot, and accurate. I never had any malfunctions in over two thousand rounds.

I wouldn't buy a Keltec, too high a risk you'll get a lemon.

 

[obxned]

Everyone I know who has bought a KelTec P3AT has had no problems. It's a whole lot smaller than the Bersa. Lighter, too. I enjoy shooting mine a lot! So do most of my kds. When I wear mine out, I will send it in to be rebuilt, but not before I get another to carry while waiting for mine to be returned.

The Bersa's are also great guns. I am probably going to get one for my wife. They are accurate and reliable, but if I am carrying something that size and weight, it would be a PF9.

 

[PointOneSeven]

Both groovy choices. If you go with the Bersa, look into the lower profile conceal and carry one. I've got the standard bersa thunder, and I end up going for my snub nose for pocket carry instead. If I have to strap on a holster anyway, I'd rather pick a bigger gun out of the safe than the .380 .

 

[Dr.Doug]

My vote is for the Kel-Tec P3AT. I carry mine daily in a DeSantis Nemisis pocket holster in my dress slacks or clipped inside the waistband of my jeans. I have about 600 rounds through mine without a single problem.

Bersas are nice, but a little larger than I can carry comfortably.

Be safe,

Doug

 

[DawgFvr]

Both are good weapons...but if you really want a small, concealed weapon, the P3AT is the ticket. While the Bersa is a great weapon, it is definitely larger...and to what point? I mean if you want to go that large in a .380, why not just go and get a 9mm pocket launcher or get a S&W 642. Nothing, and I mean nothing coneals like the P3AT.

 

[tbreed725]

for concealment and a carry every where gun you cant beat the p3at for shooting quite a bit the bersa would be better on your hands as recoil will get to you(or it does me) after 200 rounds or so a session

 

[scurtis_34471]

I have to wonder if some of you guys have handled the Thunder .380 CC. It is noticeably smaller than the regular model. In addition to low-profile sights, it is a little shorter, slightly thinner, 5oz lighter and has a no-snag design. It fits perfectly in the pockets of all my shorts with a Galco Pocket Protector. The only thing I wouldn't do with it that you can do with the Kel-Tec is put it in a back-pocket wallet-style holster.

I would take the Bersa over a PF-9 any day of the week based on its very long and very good service record. It's been around for a long time and has an impeccible reputation for going bang every time. I've put a thousand rounds through mine since September and the only sign of wear are a few spots where the bluing wore off along the bottom edge of the slide.

I honestly think that there is no better value in a pocket .380 than the Bersa Thunder .380 CC.