Bersa 380CC issue solved

[Milkmaster]

Maybe this will help a few of you... I have two of the Bersa 380CC pistols. Initially both pistols were very reliable and ate any ammo I sent through them. Recently I started having troubles with a few jams and the slide stop was finicky about staying open. The picture will show what I found as the culpret. The magazine follower in the CC models is plastic and had gotten a place dug out in it where the slide stop is actuated. The magazine would hang up during shooting and then fail to actuate the slide stop securely. Both my pistols have ~500 rounds through them now. Following several online chats on the Bersa website, They sent me the metal followers used in the Bersa Thunder 380 instead of the plastic mag followers. The only downside is the mags now hold 7 instead of 8. I chose reliability over another round in the magazine. Range report now to come, but I am betting my problems are solved. The shipping label in the picture shows the part number sent to me. You will not find that part in the 380CC listed parts. Some of you may already know this about the plastic mag followers. I didn't and a few others may not know as well.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Plastic isn't always the answer . For some of us.

But also consider this majority of gun owners (not internet type owners) will likely never fire 500 rounds in their life time from any pistol.
Example My oldest brother now 83 Has a no dash model 36 S&W snub. For years. He has never fired it . I have a home range and he still won't bring it and shoot . Comes over couple times a month on week ends. But no gun. . Lot of people have carry permits .Then never carry. Strange world.
So expense wise for gun company plastic saves a little and never a problem for majority of owners. For those that do east to replace at no real loss.

 

[danez71]

That's really good info. Thanks Milkmaster.

I have the .22lr version. I don't remember if they are plastic or not. And I've been considering the the normal 380 even though I'm not a 380 fan... just because I like the 22 version and the 380 does get a lot of good reviews.

 

[MAKster]

Thanks for the info. I never understood why the 380 Combat model held 8 rounds but the regular 380 only holds 7. Different followers. I wonder why they use the plastic followers for some 380 models and not others?

 

[MaterDei]

Good info, thanks.

I have a Thunder 380 and while it is very reliable the slide release is very touchy, just a couple ounces of pressure releases it. I have to be gentle when I lay the pistol down on its left side with the slide locked back. If I'm not, the bench will release the slide.

I'm going to have to check out the follower. Maybe my Thunder 380 has a plastic follower.

Michael T, good point regarding the number of rounds most gun owners shoot. I even go through periods where I shoot frequently and others where I just lose interest.

 

[Milkmaster]

I practice with my 380CC regularly at the indoor range, and friends that shoot it seem to fall in love with it compared to whatever 380 they are already shooting. Some are surprised when I tell them what it is and what they cost. They seem to get over the "Bersa cheap pistol grudge" in just a minute or two. I have other nicer pistols I also shoot. The women I show it to a let shoot it especially seem to like the Bersa380CC. Who knew?

 

[kokapelli]

I wonder why going to a metal follower has to reduce capacity? I purchased a couple of after market followers for my G42 and it increased capacity one round from six to seven rounds.

 

[Robert101]

For any device to fail within 500 rounds is ridicules. I have two Bersa Thunders and both have at least 500 rounds through them. I'll check the magazines later today. thank you for the information.

 

[Milkmaster]

I wonder why going to a metal follower has to reduce capacity? I purchased a couple of after market followers for my G42 and it increased capacity one round from six to seven rounds.

Look at the pictures and you will see the metal follower is taller.

 

[kokapelli]

Look at the pictures and you will see the metal follower is taller.

Yes but why can't it be made to duplicate the plastic one in metal?

 

[MAKster]

Common sense tells me that a metal part can be made smaller than a plastic part while maintaining strength. Why Bersa chose to make a smaller plastic follower instead of a small metal follower makes little sense.

 

[kokapelli]

Common sense tells me that a metal part can be made smaller than a plastic part while maintaining strength. Why Bersa chose to make a smaller plastic follower instead of a small metal follower makes little sense.

It sure is the case with my G42 Mags. Here is one with the factory plastic follower and another with the after market metal follower which increased capacity one round.

 

[JimKirk]

I see folks that cast various parts for different things using the wax/sand process ...

This part may not be that hard to cast ... if you just had to have that extra round...

 

[Milkmaster]

Well I am sorry to report that neither pistol works satisfactory even after changing to the metal follower. The slide lock problem is fixed for sure. However I have a jam everu 3-4 rounds in both pistols with either magazine. I even changed from the brand of ammo. I am stumped and about ready to get out of the Bersa line. I am going to order a Mec Magazine to just see if it makes a difference. I just can't understand how two separate pistols have the same exact problem after being trouble free for so long. Maybe I should just get a real PPK instead. I have no idea how reliable the original PPK pistols were or are now.

 

[CZ9shooter]

Stretch the mag springs maybe? Mine was giving me trouble always on the last or second to last round. Not at first when it was new, a little later in life. I added a couple inches to the springs free length. So far so good, several hundred rounds later.

I'd be interested to here how the Mecgars work out.

 

[danez71]

Stretch the mag springs maybe? Mine was giving me trouble always on the last or second to last round. Not at first when it was new, a little later in life. I added a couple inches to the springs free length. So far so good, several hundred rounds later.

I'd be interested to here how the Mecgars work out.

I don't advocate this as its an even more temporary fix than replacing with a new spring.

But I've heard it before several times, in particular with Bersas for some reason, and it might be worth a try.

 

[Milkmaster]

I already ordered the two MecGar mags. I should get a range report again by next weekend. Meanwhile I am carrying my trusty S&W 642. Somehow I always go back to that occasionally.