Bersa 380 vs Smith & Wesson M10

[Rocketmedic]

I'm going to buy a pistol soon, and I'm torn- Smith and Wesson M10 (from Buds) or a Bersa 380ACP Thunder? Prices would be pretty much identical. I love both of these guns, and I can't seem to decide which to pull the trigger on.

Intended use is as a range plinker and a CCW. I've got shotguns for home defense.

 

[gallo]

For range plinker the model 10 is probably more fun. For ccw, the Bersa is probably more practical.

 

[Rocketmedic]

True- and I'm a bit reluctant to buy something out of production.

 

[Fremmer]

The bersa may require some kind of buff, and it'll never have a single action trigger like a smith. Choose the revolver if you'll do a lot of range work.

 

[RedMinotaur]

True- and I'm a bit reluctant to buy something out of production.

The Model 10 is not really out of production. It's still produced in the Classics line. Link here. Also, even if it wasn't still in production, around 6 million of them were made, and so parts and the 'smiths to install them will probably always be more plentiful than for the Bersa.

 

[Rocketmedic]

What about a CZ82 or P64?

 

[wlewisiii]

Easy peasy, Model 10. Much more fun at the range, much better SD chambering & I've CCW'd one in the past. Easier than a 1911 as far as I was concerned.

 

[forindooruseonly]

If you plan on carrying the Model 10, try to get the round butt version, it conceals easier.

 

[xjsnake]

I've got the Bersa and I really want the Model 10. For me they fill different niches. The Bersa gets carried often where the model 10 is more for fun and the lack of a revolver in my very small collection.

 

[jackpinesavages]

Had a Bersa 380cc and loved it! The ammo. prices not so much. Sold it.

Just ordered a 638 Airweight from Buds LE Supply.

 

[jrw69]

Have the Bersa Thunder Plus and love it, at the range with me every week or more and carries really nice.

 

[mgkdrgn]

.380 is going to make for some pretty pricey "plinking" ... you might want to consider moving up to 9mm to save some money there. KelTecs would be another good choice.

That said, most of the little pocket autos are not known for being "fun" to do much range shooting with. A little hard on the hands most of them. But, they are easy to carry, reliable, and reasonably accurate at SD distances.

 

[Zeke/PA]

My buddy had the Bersa and CONSTANTLY complained about it jamming.
Nuff said!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm going to buy a pistol soon, and I'm torn- Smith and Wesson M10 (from Buds) or a Bersa 380ACP Thunder? Prices would be pretty much identical. I love both of these guns, and I can't seem to decide which to pull the trigger on.

Intended use is as a range plinker and a CCW. I've got shotguns for home defense.

A S&W M10 and a Bersa Thunder? Talk about Apples and Oranges, that's more like Cherries and Watermelons. They are nothing alike and very hard to compare.

I'm a revolver guy so I would buy the Model 10 and even if I were a semi-auto guy I would not buy a Bersa Thunder. If you want a good 380 for conceal carry take a look at the S&W Bodyguard 380. You get a quality pistol with a laser and for only $379. (also at Buds including S&H)

 

[jackpot]

Concerning the Bersa, its a production gun so there will be lemons in the bunch. I personally own one, not a buddy, and mine is a champ. Very accurate and very comfortable to shoot. Like others have said though, the two guns fill two very different niches.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I figure, I win a raffle with a choice of these two, there's no money involved and I don't already have any accessories/ammo commonality to sway me... I gotta go Model 10.

Unfortunately, when you muddy the parameters with both plinker and CCW I then have to ask how you feel about concealing a model 10?

 

[Rocketmedic]

I picked up the Bersa today, $270 out the door for a NIB Bersa Thunder 380 DLX and two magazines. I'm pretty thrilled- it's the same manual of arms as the M9 I'm used to, and I don't feel like sinking $400ish for the M10.