turkeythigh
Member
Ive been looking at some Bersas in some local stores. Ive held a few and they feel good in my hands but i haven't fired any and don't know anyone who has owned one. what ever you've got for me is appreciated.
The Bersa Thunder 380 is one of the best-kept secrets in defensive handguns. Rugged and affordable, they're not as finished as, say, a SiG P238, but they are known to be as reliable or more as many higher-priced weapons. That being said, they are larger than many guns in that caliber; there is a good selection of other guns in this size category that are chambered for the more-powerful and less-expensive 9mm Luger round. Some of those, however, are not as pleasant to shoot much as is the Bersa.
I carried the Thunder for about two years, and still own it. It runs any ammunition I've stoked it with, including a mix-mash of new stuff and stuff from nearly two decades ago (some of which was that aluminum-cased Blazer junk.) I only stopped carrying it regularly when I came across a good price on my current EDC, a Kel-Tec PF9, which is notably lighter and easier to carry. It is not nearly as fun or as easy to shoot as is the Bersa, though.
If you want a gun that is truly reliable, chambered for an effective cartridge, affordable, and one that any responsible member of your family could press into service, the Bersa could very well fill the bill.
There is plenty more chat available over at BersaChat.com (or maybe it's .org; can't remember.)