Bersa Thunder .380 or CZ 83??

[dbshabo]

I want to get my wife a .380 for her to carry when she goes to Miami on business (no rag on Miami but if you can't speak the predominate language I consider that a dangerous situation). I have read many times that the Bersa Thunder .380 is an excellent pistol and priced right. I was wondering if anyone out there has any experience with the CZ 83. If it's made and shoots like the other CZ's I have handled it is an excellent pistol as well. If anyone out there has experience with these two pistols I would appreciate a comparison. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Shabo

 

[Litlman]

Both are supposed to be very nice. Do a search on them or on Stephen A Camp he has posted great range reports on both. Good Luck...

 

[Spot77]

You can't go wrong with either.

I have a little over 2000 rounds through my Bersa since I bought it in March, and it is starting to show a little wear on the inside of the slide, but it has been a 100% reliable and accurate shooter.

I think the CZ weighs a little more and definately has a little higher price tag, but it's also a fine pistol. I rented one a while back and loved it. Reliable, and almost as accurate as the Bersa (It's not really a fair comparison since I used a different ammo in the CZ).

 

[PCRCCW]

Youre comparing two different qualities of guns........nothing against the Bersa...for the money or even more its a fine gun.

Both will run like a clock........forever. But the CZ is comparible to the Sig 232 and the Browning BDA. The gun you get is absolutely great.
Its put as high on the CZ list as any gun can be.....its one of the best CZ's among all CZ's.

Get either one......My very first 83 had less than 100 rnds through it and it shot a 1.9" group with 5 shots of SilverTips....at 25 yds. It was that night I fell in love with CZ's.

Hi Caps are available for the CZ....14 rounds of .380 is a good thing.

Shoot well.

 

[SirVette]

Note the unusual frame/grip shape of the CZ 83 if you want different grips.
The BERSA is smaller & lighter, has excellent reliability (100%), accuracy & trigger. High capacity BERSAs are available in models 85 & 86.

...14 rounds of .380 is a good thing.

Works for me.

 

[PCRCCW]

You have to mention the Hi Caps Bersa aka the 84/85, are not the Bersa's that are available now in stores..these are the single stack versions.

The older Bersas are very good guns...but are very rare now days and will cost as much as the CZ when you can find one...........

And the frame/grip layout of the CZ83 makes it one of the best natural pointing guns available..........I have het to find one that does better.
Except a 1911.......................................
Grips are a problem.....Ive had 2 sets of wood grips, OEM CZ and a European import........both cracked at the screws.........bummer.

Shoot well..........

 

[stevesmith7]

If you don't mind used I've seen 83's in really good shape going for just over $200.
Paid $215 for mine and it was 'bout perfect.

 

[Murphster]

I've had both guns. Had the CZ first. It was accurate and nicely made. BUT (and mine appeared to be the exception) it would not feed anything reliably. Probably a factory mag problem that would have been fixed for free if I'd sent it back, but I was miffed and got rid of it. The Bersa was 100% reliable for me. I did a lot of research before getting the CZ so I'm confident my problem was an anomaly. However if I planned on using one of these to save my bacon, I'd go with the Bersa.

As stated previously, though, neither is a Sig 232. That would be my CCW .380 of choice.

 

[David4516]

Have you considered a Makarov in .380?

 

[SavannahSteve]

The Bersa Thunder 380 and Makarov are excellent pistols (I have both), but I haven't handled the CZ. I would point out, however, that the Bersa has an exceptionally light trigger pull in both double and single action that your wife might like.

 

[CWatson]

I can't comment on the CZ,but the Bersa is a sweet little package.It seems like everyone who tries one seems to buy one.CWatson

 

[Ky Larry]

I have a CZ-83 in .380 ACP.I looked at the Bersa and Makarov but, IMHO, there was no comparison. The Bersa and Mak both looked like they had skipped the fitting and finishing process. The CZ looked better, felt better, pointed better and had a MUCH better trigger. I didn't get to compare the most important feature, which is how they shoot. My CZ shoots very well, is 100% reliable, and is built like a tank. I don't want to start a flame war, just stating my insignificant opinion. Shoot what you like.

 

[CWatson]

The fit and finish on my Bersa is excellent and speaks quality.The DA trigger is smooth.The gun is inexpensive in price but is not cheaply made.CWatson

 

[dbshabo]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Sounds like I need to get a few different make guns in my wife's hands and see what fits her the best. Where are Bersa's made? How about customer service? I know CZ's can be iffy at times.

Shabo

 

[Baron Holbach4]

I own and have practiced firing both the Bersa .380 and CZ83.
Both guns are reliable and accurate but the CZ83 is by far the
better in quality and accuracy.

 

[SirVette]

Where are Bersa's made?

Argentina.

 

[jpthegeek]

Bersa

I bought a Bersa .380 in college several years ago. I have about 1000 rounds through it and it has never failed.

Nice piece, right price, but a little heavy. Mags have been a little tough to find, but those are only minor complaints.

Excellent weapon, Very, very accurate,

jpthegeek

 

[PCRCCW]

Just a note. Ive had 3 83's over the years and have well over 10K rounds through them........Ive had one failure. Ammo related, not gun related.

The Bersa's Ive shot are first class just in a different first class than the CZ.

Shoot well