Bersa .380 vs Keltec P-3AT

[ZeSpectre]

Just for the record, 23oz -unloaded- is wrong (that's the weight of a regular T380, the CC model is quite a bit lighter).
On my "precision" scale the weights are...

Kel-Tec P-3AT
Magazine w/+1 extension
7 rds ammo in mag, 1 round in chamber (8rds total) = 12oz even
(Unloaded w/out mag the P-3AT weighs in at 7 & 3/4 oz)

Bersa T380CC
Magazine
8 rds ammo in mag, 1 round in chamber (9rds total) = 21oz
(Unloaded w/out mag the T380CC weighs in at 16 & 1/4oz)

 

[Bobo]

If you feel comfortable carrying a gun as large and heavy as a Bersa .380, why not jump up a caliber or two to 9mm, .40, or even .45?

There are number of guns just about the size of the Bersa with a lot more umph. Even Bersa themselves now makes basically the same gun in larger calibers.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Mostly I carry a SIG 229. Sometimes I want something a little smaller. (A fully loaded SIG 229 is 42.5oz)

 

[Bobo]

OK, here are some examples - these guns are shorter and lighter than a Bersa CC:

Kel -Tec PF-9
9mm
7+1
18 oz. fully loaded

Kel-Tec P-11
9mm
10+1
20 oz. fully loaded


Still shorter, but only slightly heavier:

Skyy CPX-1
9 mm
9+1
22 oz. fully loaded

Kahr PM40
.40
5+1
23 oz. fully loaded

Kahr PM45
.45 ACP
5+1
24 oz. fully loaded

 

[ZeSpectre]

Yes Bobo, but I already have the T380CC and I like it so there we are.

 

[P. Plainsman]

... deleted ...

 

[abarth]

I carry my Bersa in my front pants pocket, with a Demantis pocket holster for J frame. Most of my pants has large front pocket. It fit very nice, and not noticeable. With regular pants pocket, it barely covers the gun, still works though. Bersa is a good inexpensive pistol. I just don't like the way it shoot.

 

[Juna]

They're 2 very different guns, IMO. The Kel-Tec is virtually invisible with all types of clothing. It's a deep cover, short range, CCW pistol or BUG. The Bersa is a more substantial gun.

But, IMO, for the size of the Bersa, you could carry a more powerful gun. The same is not true for the Kel-Tec. There's really nothing that small that is as powerful.

 

[Bersafan69]

I love my bersa.380. It's my CCW. It will do the job, don't let people tell you different. I am plannng on buying one for my wife and a 9mm for a second gun.

 

[CA357]

I just bought a Bersa Thunder .380 today. It feels good in my hand and is a relatively concealeable pistol. I have other larger caliber pistols, but I was looking for something smaller that was still fairly stout.
I have a tweaked SA MilSpec, an SA EMP, a CZ 75B, a Walther P1 and a S&W 19-2 for handguns. The Bersa fills a niche for me.

 

[Jim E]

I've been pocket carrying my Bersa .380 CC since I bought it last January. I really like this gun. For about ten years prior to this purchase my concealed carry guns were a Glock 26 and/or a S&W 642. The 642 was also pocket carried.

The Bersa CC is very flat and is as easily carried in the front pocket of my jeans (and shorts during summer) as the 642. I use an Uncle Mike's pocket holster.

I'm very pleased with this gun. Can't find anything wrong with it. Easy to shoot, reliable, and inexpensive. The CC (concealed carry) version is often a little more than than the standard .380. Mine was $255.00 out the door at my local shop.

 

[CA357]

I posted about buying my Bersa on another gun forum where I spend a bunch of time. Everyone there had excellent things to say about them.

 

[mjrodney]

Both are in my safe, but I now only carry the Kel-Tec.

2nd gen, it's been very reliable.

I don't imagine myself pulling a concealed weapon from my pocket unless the BG was in my face. The ability to hit a distant target is a mute point.

Also mute would be my personal comfort level with recoil in such a social situation.

Concealability is my primary concern with CCW, and since we are referring to the same caliber in each handgun, smaller is better.

The Bersa Thunder is large enough and heavy enough to pull your pocket open on some styles of shorts/slacks. Someone behind you can look down into your pocket and see the butt of the handgun. This has happened to me.

The Bersa is a bit wider than the Kel-Tec and placing it in a pocket holster only adds that much more.

 

[scurtis_34471]

At 23 oz, it needs a belt holster for all-day carry if you don't want to wear blisters on your leg.

The Thunder .380 CC weighs 17.5oz, not 23. I've pocket carried it all day long on many occassions and practically forgot it was there.