Bersa Hammer and Beaver Tail Bob

[wbond]

I own a Bersa .380 and like it a lot, except for one nagging problem.

It's nice to shoot and carry, which is a rare combination. However, it's not good on the draw.

Problems

The hammer often snags on my coat pocket, fanny pack, or whatever I'm using to carry in. Sometimes the beaver tail snags. I don't want to have to resort to a holster.

I had the same problem with my CZ-83s too. However, I found that with the CZ-83 I can pu

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t my right thumb on the hammer and over the beaver tail and then draw just fine. I don't have to worry about the safety because on a CZ-83 the safety is always off when not cocked.

I tried the thumb on hammer over beaver tail trick with the Bersa, but it doesn't work worth spit because I need my thumb on the safety when I draw. The safety must be disengaged to fire. I like the safety, except that I have to locate it with my thumb before drawing and keep my thumb there. I don't put off the safety until after drawing. The problem with this approach is my thumb can't be in two places at once. i.e. - I can't keep thumb on safety and on hammer over beavertail at the same time. The result is the hammer often snags my coat or fanny pack, or the beaver tail sometimes snags.​

Possible Solution?

I don't see any reason for Bersa having a thumb grip on the hammer when it's a DA/SA with a decocker safety. I don't need to manually cock the hammer and the decocker uncocks it. So what do I need a thumb tab on hammer for?

I'm thinking of having the hammer bobbed so the thumb grip is removed (like bob job on a DAO revolver). Then I'd have no need for most of the beaver tail either. I could also have that bobbed.

Then the gun should pull as smooth as a hidden hammer revolver.​

I'm wanting to do this to my Bersa .380. I'm also considering getting a Bersa Thunder 9 compact and doing the same.

What do you guys think about my bobb-job idea? Suggestions? Ideas? Advice?

P.S. - please don't suggest I buy a snub revolver with a hidden hammer. I've thought of that of course, but don't like that option because they don't have many shots and are very light with a stiff recoil my arthritic screwed together hands can't stand.

The Bersa .380 is moderate on recoil, easy to shoot with reasonable accuracy, and is easy to carry, which is why I like it.

I'm interested in knowing if you think a bobb-job will work. What are the implications?

Also, if you want to recommend other small semi autos, I'm interested. However, so far I like the Bersa best of any I've tried, and that statement is made regardless of price. The CZ-83 shoots fantastic , but has same snag problems drawing and is miserably heavy to carry (28 oz) in my coat pocket. Hence my preference for the Bersa. The Bersa is light enough (23 oz) and carries well in my coat pocket, but it's also easy for arthritic hands to shoot.

I know that Glocks and Kahrs have internal hammers, but the Glock is very difficult for my arthritic hands to pull the slide. I think Kahrs would be the same as Glock, but haven't tried any.

 

[P95Carry]

My wife has my Bersa, we got a friend to get one and just bought my daughter one too! I do like those little guns.

My concern with the hammer would be mass reduction - and so, whether a reliable pin strike will still occur with std mainspring. Probably would but - just unsure.

You'd have to remove all the mass surrounding the hole and a bit more probably - then yes beavertail could easily be reduced.

If I had a spare gun I'd almost be inclined to try it - as only way to really know if function would or would not be compromized. I have to admit - I do still like preserving the option to hammer cock.

 

[MICHAEL T]

First off their no reason to carry the Bersa with the safety/decocker on.It safe for carry in a proper holster safety off. If you aren't useing a holster I suggest you buy one.Ive don't this since I bought my Bersa. and so have most other people.
Now the new Bersa Carry pistol coming out has reduced the tang and bobbed the hammer They have also shortned the barrel.
As for doing this to a Thunder I don't belive it would be a good Idea. You can join http://bersatalk.com we have a Bersa Gunsmith and warrenty shop who is a member He could better answer your Question.

 

[hkmp5g17]

deleted

 

[dblagent]

They will have a new Bersa on the market soon with a bobbed hammer, smaller tail and as sights. It is the CC (concealed carry) model. See a photo on this link.

http://bersatalk.com/forums/8134/ShowPost.aspx

Might be better than spending money on yours that you have now.

 

[wbond]

Regarding the Concealed Carry Model

The standard Firestorm and Bersa .32 and .380 fit my hand like they were made for me.

I also like the 3.5" barrel. That's enough for velocity and accuracy, but still fits in my pants and coat pockets fine. The only problem is drawing.

On the other hand, the Concealed Carry model already has the bobb job as a few people have pointed out. That all sounds great. However, this is a smaller gun that I don't think would fit my hand as well.

I can shoot the standard size Firestorm's and Bersa with impressive accuracy. When speedshooting in the dark at 15 feet I get all center mass hits pointshooting. Yes, I really do practice in the dark. I can do this well at 15 yards in daylight. I love the current gun. I doubt I could shoot the smaller Concealed Carry Gun as well. Also, I'm not willing to give up any barrel length.

I just don't think the Concealed Carry Model would shoot as well. It would also have more recoil due to being lighter. I don't want more recoil.

The current gun is perfect in everyway, except the snagging. I suppose I can't say the safety is perfect either. I'd much prefer a downward sweep safety, but like the song says, "You can't always get what you want".

I'd still like to bobb the one I've got.

As for reducing hammer mass: I'd really only be eliminating the hole in the hammer and the little bit of steel around the hole. That couldn't make much different, I wouldn't think. Maybe it'd be easier just to buy a hammer for the Concealed Carry model and install that? I wonder if the concealed carry model uses the same hammer spring?