Bersa CC .380 or Kel-Tec P-3AT .380, or Other?

[schmeky]

I have owned all manner of caliber(s) and pistol types, but in my nearly 30 years of shooting, I have never owned a .380 in anything.

Time to get one. I don't want to spend a lot of money, so my choices have narrowed down to 3 possible choices: Bersa .380, Kel-Tec .380, and lastly and at the bottom of the list is an Astra Constable in .380 (most likely used in the Astra).

I want as reliable and as accurate a pistol as possible in this price range (cheap!) Please don't suggest a Walther or a Sig. Has anyone owned both? What do owners of these pistols think overall? Which one shoots JHP's with a high degree of reliability? The most positive responses for a given brand/model will determine the one I buy.

Thanx.

 

[GaryArkansas]

I've got the Bersa. Its accurate and reliable. The grip is comfortable and the trigger pull is pretty good. Put your hand around one and you'll fall in love all over again.

 

[bad LT]

If you are looking for an easy carrying 380, go with the Kel-Tec...

If you want something that is easier to hit targets with, get the Bersa.

Although, if you are simply trying to put holes in targets, I would go with a 9mm - You can get 9mms the same size as the Bersa that will allow you to shoot cheaper range ammo but also more effective self-defense ammo.

 

[bamasurp]

what he said

for ultra concealable and lightweight the Keltec 3AT is awesome. they just put out a 9mm model that I would consider too. Not so great a distance shooter but for 3-5 shots, from 3-5 feet, in 3-5 seconds I would not mind at all ( My wife has my 3 AT now). The bersa thunder I used to have was more accurate further away but much much heavier and a little more difficult to conceal. Both of mine ate HP's without a problem. With the ease of concealment I found I would carry the 3AT much more. The 3AT costs a little bit more than the Bersa and due to popularity more difficult to locate one. I would recommend the hard chrome slide model of the 3AT. The blue thinned easily on the blued model one the wife now carries. The Chrome slide should hold up a little better. My Bersa was hard Chromed. I sold it used and got what I paid for it so they hold their value OK too.

Good HP ammo makes a nice wound even in 380. On one shooting I went to, a 380 round went through an armpit and came out at the collarbone. It made a spectacular wound and caused the desired result. The person left them alone.

Bamasurp

 

[ugaarguy]

I want as reliable and as accurate a pistol as possible in this price range (cheap!)

My P3AT has been 100% reliable and is surprisingly accurate for a pocket gun. That said it's a pocket gun and it's meant for deep concealment - which it accels at. The trade of is that it isn't a fun gun after 50 or so rounds at the range. I've not owned a Bersa but I can only imagine that it would be easier and more pleasant to shoot than my Kel-Tec.

As an alternative you might also look for a surplus CZ-83 in .380 while they're still available. They're in the same price range and offer a nice mid sized .380 that's reportedly quite accurate and comfortable to shoot.

 

[Soybomb]

This thread comes up alot and I say essentially the same thing everytime. The p3at is a pocket gun, the bersa is not. If you don't need a pocket gun you can get a more effective caliber than .380 in the same form factor and price range as the bersa. I'm assuming that if you want something that will shoot jhp's you have self defense in mind. If so and you want a gun that fits in your pocket I'd get the p3at. If you want a gun for your pants I'd get a 9mm for the same size and price.

Ymmv

 

[ZeSpectre]

Kel Tec P-3AT with the +1 round magazine extension.
Fired "combat speed" single handed, no support.
15 yards.
7 Shots (one complete flier off to the right).

It's not competition material but I think it's decent for a 2" barrel at 15 yards.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I was at the range a couple weeks ago and there was a gentleman there who had a P3AT. I was firing my P-11 so I asked him to switch with me because I had never fired the .380. I was NOT prepared to be impressed. He told me the gun shot low and right. I sent the targer back to the seven yard mark and pulled off a round. It hit about an inch right of the bullseye. I was a bit surprised by the recoil as it had a bit of snap to it. I tightened up my grip and put the rest of the magazine dead center on the bullseye. I bought a used P32 a few days later and I'll get a P3AT down the road. They are MUCH nicer than I thought. It is THE lightest, smallest, serious shooter you can carry. With the belt clip you can slip it on your waistband or in your pocket in a pocket holster and it just disappears. Some can scoff at it but let them. I doubt they have ever shot one. The Bersa is a fine gun too but at that size, get the P-11 or PF-9.

 

[Claude Clay]

380

+1 Jon.. i also have the bersa for the kid to use & the p 11 is a casual carry gun. the 380 is a ' walk the dog ' kinda piece.