Bersa Thunder .380 Opinions?

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Jabr0ney

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Hey guys! Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Bersa Thunder .380 series. Im thinking about picking one up for concealed carry and want to make sure its reliable. Also i want to be sure it'll last at the range, unlike kel-tec guns or other smaller .380s. Also is it ammo picky? Im either looking at the normal series or the CC series, any input is appreciated!
 
I've had a Bersa .380 for a couple of years in the alloy frame with blued slide, and had no problems at all with it. I've only got probably 4-500 rounds through mine so really can't talk about longevity.
 
Top notch pistol. Absolutly love mine.
Its accurate, Fits my hand well, and eats anything I've used so far. Real easy to clean too. Gonna see if my local range will let me use it in some matches.
 
Yep, I open carry mine, but it could easily be a concealed option. I chose it because I wanted something that fit my hand, could be used at the range comfortably, and was small enough for CC when I can finally afford the class and permit...
 
Great function, good fit in general, the external finish is usually nothing amazing, but they're great "sleeper" guns.

Lifetime warranty for first purchaser, but unlike Taurus, I've never had to use Bersa Customer Service to date.

I'm glad Bersa doesn't advertise, it's hard enough finding some of them around here as it is without fighting the crowds for them :D. I have a .22 on order for my 10 year old daughter.
 
The 2 I have owned for about 10 years have always been totally reliable. I always have one close. Excellant pistols.
 
One of the best-kept secrets in handgun value. Rock-solid and reliable, and heavy, which tames what little recoil the .380 cartridge offers. Blowback operation makes for a sturdy and accurate gun with fewer moving parts.
Pros: Great value, super-reliable, and a gun any responsible member of your family should be able to handle effectively.
Cons: Larger than most of the popular guns in the same caliber, which makes concealment more difficult (though this is part of what makes it such a pleasant shooter.), can get similar, or even smaller guns in the more-powerful 9x19mm round, though they won't be pleasant to shoot much.
I own one and never regretted, or felt poorly-equipped, carrying it. It has, however, been largely replaced by a Kel-Tec PF9 in carry duty.
 
Like everyone else, I think they are a great gun. I don't own one, but I've shot my friends. Didn't even know what it was when I was shooting it, other than a .380. I had to inquire all about it when I was done, it was the most accurate I had ever shot a pistol before. I've never seen another like it since (his is all black). Most I see now are two tone.

I've been tempted to buy one, but I'd like one like my friends. If 380 ammo was as cheap as 9mm, I'd have bought any one of them already, hard to beat for under 300 bucks.
 
I love mine - it's been my daily companion for years. I have no complaints. Plan to buy a second one sooner or later.
 
I've never owned or had anything to do with a Bersa.
A couple months ago a lady I'm teaching to shoot bought a .380 Bersa.
I have to say I'm right impressed with it, especially for such an inexpensive gun.
 
Wife loves hers and carries it often. Enjoys shooting it. Never a hic-cup no matter what she feeds it. Quite accurate. Good fit and finish. Priced right.

Tell me JabrOney...You haven't purchase one yet?
 
Bought the Bersa Thunder duo tone back in 2005. Good, well made pistol at a bargain price. Never had a FTF or FTE. The takedown is incredibly easy for cleaning. Like the decocking feature and the exposed hammer (personal preferences). I think they are one of the most under appreciated .380's on the market.
 
The .380s are GTG IME. LGS I worked at sold bunches, no returns. Only thing the Bersa needs (IMHO) is grease for the slide to frame lubrication points.

And the more you shoot it, the better it runs. :D
 
I like mine a lot because it shoots great and I actually use it to qualify for my CCW. The only thing I have to say is that you NEED to put thread lock (blue or gray 'loctite') on the handguard screws. They will work out and fall on the ground. If you do not find them then you will have to get them from the factory. That is all.
 
I have the Bersa 85 that holds 11+1 rounds and a thunder 9 that holds 17+1 I have shot hot rounds in the 85 for years and have never had any trouble. It is a heavy built gun that will stand up. I wiuld like to find one more 85.
 
Aren't they common police duty pistols in many south/central american countries where law enforcement is required to use .380? I forget where I saw that...
 
Ive owned one for several years and they are fantastic guns at a great price. The only thing they really lack is a great slide finish. Dont carry as often as i use to, But thats just because i own lighter guns of higher caliber...


Its the only .380 i own now days. All the lightweight .380s i own were quite spiffy to shoot at the range. the bersa i can shoot all day with no discomfort.
 
I have the duotone and it has been 100%. It is also accurate and inexpensive. If you are thinking about getting one, then go for it. You will not be disappointed.
 
100% reliable with a couple thousand rounds down range.

As accurate as any .380 out there with a lifetime warranty.

My experience was great, I sold it and wish I didn't.
 
Fired a friend's Bersa Thunder .380 a few weeks ago, was impressed, so I read up on them a bit. Some Pros: Affordable, Quality, Reliable, Accurate, Warranty, Low Bersa Marketing Expenses = less cost to you. Cons: Ammo Cost, Recoil felt into webspace of thumb more than expected for .380 (barrel has higher center of gravity?). Recoil was very tolerable though, however a friend's wife does complain of discomfort in the hand after firing a few mags. One thought - ammunition costs can be negated by purchasing a Bersa Thunder .22 for practice repetitions. Bersa Thunder .380 and Thunder .22 together can be had for less than $550 (Check Bud's Guns)!
 
I shot mine yesterday. I'm always impressed that no matter what ammo I feed it, it always goes bang. The accuracy I have with this gun is incredible.
 
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