bersa thunder 380
- Thread starter jrbaker90
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I have had 2 of them. Not bad guns for the price range. They're a blow-back system. Fairly easy to break down for cleaning. Should be able to get the basic model at under $300 with 1 magazine. These were both single stacks that came with a 7 rd. and they sell 9 rd. magazines also. SA/DA and if IIRC, when you set the safety on, it decocks the hammer.
Not familiar with the double stacks.
The 2 were reliable, just didn't fill the need here.
Not familiar with the double stacks.
The 2 were reliable, just didn't fill the need here.
ngnrd
Member
I had a Thunder 380 for a while. It seemed well built and was accurate enough. But it didn't fit my hand very well, so I just couldn't fall in love with it. I think the Bersa's are a good value and from what I can tell, they have a pretty good reputation in general. I actually wish I liked it more, as there's a sharp looking black and gold one at my LGS that I could pick up for $280.
MedWheeler
Member
Great pistols; probably one of the better "secret values" in defensive .380 caliber guns.
As mentioned, they use a gas-operated ("blowback") system, which can produce a little more perceived recoil than an identically-balanced and weighted gun with a recoil-operated system.
The Thunder also uses the once-normal DA/SA trigger operation, so the hammer, cocked after chambering the first round, can be lowered, and the gun fired from that state. Each subsequent shot would be fired from the lighter, hammer-cocked, state.
The finish on these tends to be fairly Spartan and lackluster, usually a matte-black painted finish on black models. The frame is aluminum, and the slide, steel. The gun balances well in most hands (a higher-capacity "Thunder Plus" model that fills the hand even more is available) and I find it easily-controlled, and surprisingly reliable with all kinds of old and new ammo I've run through mine. Pretty accurate as well. I'm glad to own mine.
In a nutshell, I'll give it thumbs up for: excellent reliability, good balance, crisp trigger (especially in SA-mode), three-dot sights, generous beavertail, easy takedown, and value.
I'd give it a thumbs down for: lackluster finish (though it does keep cost down), budget-feeling plastic grip stocks, and (to some people) excessive size for the caliber.
As mentioned, they use a gas-operated ("blowback") system, which can produce a little more perceived recoil than an identically-balanced and weighted gun with a recoil-operated system.
The Thunder also uses the once-normal DA/SA trigger operation, so the hammer, cocked after chambering the first round, can be lowered, and the gun fired from that state. Each subsequent shot would be fired from the lighter, hammer-cocked, state.
The finish on these tends to be fairly Spartan and lackluster, usually a matte-black painted finish on black models. The frame is aluminum, and the slide, steel. The gun balances well in most hands (a higher-capacity "Thunder Plus" model that fills the hand even more is available) and I find it easily-controlled, and surprisingly reliable with all kinds of old and new ammo I've run through mine. Pretty accurate as well. I'm glad to own mine.
In a nutshell, I'll give it thumbs up for: excellent reliability, good balance, crisp trigger (especially in SA-mode), three-dot sights, generous beavertail, easy takedown, and value.
I'd give it a thumbs down for: lackluster finish (though it does keep cost down), budget-feeling plastic grip stocks, and (to some people) excessive size for the caliber.
Nick Burkhardt
Member
I have two and agree with what MadWheeler said.
Scarpia
Member
I have a Bersa 85 from the late 80's, the all steel pre-Thunder model. The barrel is hard attached to the frame like the Walther 380's. My Bersa 85 (15+1) is super accurate and reliable. They appear from time to time on GB but don't last long.
ambidextrous1
Member
The Bersa's a good pistol, but IMO no match for the Colt or Sig .380, but at considerably more money.
I prefer the SAO trigger on those two - as in the 1911.
I prefer the SAO trigger on those two - as in the 1911.
bikerdoc
Moderator In Memoriam
THUNDER CC fits a need in my carry needs. Reliable little thing.
EezyBeezy
Member
I saw a nickel plated one for sale locally to me, looks sweet! I would totally get it if .380 wasn't so pricey and hard to find.
CZ9shooter
Member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2012
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- 1,117
I have the standard model. Mainly bought it for the GF to shoot at the range. A little bigger and better sights that most 380's on the market. I put the factory rubber wrap around grips on it. It is a little snappy due to the blowback design, but it shoots and handles very well. Often times the slide will come forward when seating a fresh magazine. Not a big deal, just an observation.
aarondhgraham
Member
I'll just echo what everyone else has said.
I have a Thunder 22, a Thunder 380, and a Thunder 9 UC.
All three are reliable as all heck,,,
And none broke the bank to purchase them.
The Thunder 22 has seen three people qualify for their carry permit,,,
I've "sold" so many, Bersa should give me a commission.
Aarond
.
I have a Thunder 22, a Thunder 380, and a Thunder 9 UC.
All three are reliable as all heck,,,
And none broke the bank to purchase them.
The Thunder 22 has seen three people qualify for their carry permit,,,
I've "sold" so many, Bersa should give me a commission.
Aarond
.
MICHAEL T
Member
I have 3 Bersa Thunders and liked so well I started present board
http://bersachat.com Hit the 7000 member mark .today.
http://bersachat.com Hit the 7000 member mark .today.
I have a T380 with the rubber wraparound grips paired with the "deluxe" 9 round factory mag, giving 9+1 for carry. It's a very good shooting, reliable gun. The trigger is wonderful after several hundred down range. Very nice DA and a perfect SA for such a small inexpensive weapon. Does need a bit of breaking in to get there, though-- but that's the fun part!
TfflHndn
Member
I think Bersa makes a good solid working gun. "Self defense" accurate, but not a bullseye shooter in any caliber. Reliable and durable. At least all that describes mine.
I have the duotone. I'm going to basically echo what everyone else is saying. It's reliable, it's accurate, it's affordable. I replaced mine with a Ruger LCP for CC. The Bersa is far more pleasant to shoot and way more accurate than the LCP but the little Ruger is just a lot more pocket Friendly. I had a chance to compare it to a coworkers original Walther PPK. The Bersa is lighter, has a nicer trigger and is much easier to take down. ( I did not shoot the PPK but the Bersa has a more pronounced beavertail making slide bite less of a concern ). In spite of the fact that I seldom shoot mine these days I like it too much to get rid of it.
lauderdale
Member
I have a Thunder model and my reloads Hot/Mild usually will be shot threw it before I use them in my G42 and Pico Beretta 380. As the barrel is a bit longer I can say I don't remember any issues as of yet? And yes the accuracy is very good as I stated before as once was said by another member on our forum you can shoot a black bird off the fench post w/one very well. Just my input. Merry X-MAS!
Merry X-MAS!herrwalther
Member
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- 8,130
Wife had a Bersa Thunder for carry and may shortly have another again, as she misses it. Very similar to a Walther PPK/s in operation, but much lighter since the frame is made of a lighter material than the typical steel on the Walther. Even with her weak hands, it was very comfortable to shoot and carry once we put the rubber wrap around grips (about $25) on it. DA/SA operation where the safe position is a decocker. So it is very safe to carry hammer down, live chamber, safety off with a long DA trigger pull on the first shot.
Schwing
Member
I have the nickel Bersa Thunder .380 thunder CC. The good is that it is amazingly accurate and manageable for such a small gun. The bad is that my first disconnect spring broke after about 50 rounds in and the new one started falling out of place about 50 rounds after that. I have since adjusted the grip screws as Bersa suggests and have not had any problems since but the issue made me very uncomfortable carrying it as my CC choice.
I have several hundred rounds through it since this problem. If it makes it a couple of hundred more, it will go back into my rotation.
I have several hundred rounds through it since this problem. If it makes it a couple of hundred more, it will go back into my rotation.
MICHAEL T
Member
I use blue loctight on my Bersa screws No more problems . Some use small O rings on their Bersa Thunders.
All the newer 380 Thunders(last 10 years or so) have a firing pin-block again making it safe to carry round in chamber hammer down ready to fire .
At present I have 3 Bersa Thunders in house. My 2 9mm UC Bersa have moved on to others in my family that need a pistol.
Bersa are sold world wide . Warranty work on those sold in USA is really very small . Internet make it seem a lot larger as 1 person will post his dissatisfaction on many boards. Then every time he see a question asked about a Bersa. I find this also hold true for any brand Be it Bersa, KelTec ,Taurus, Para, Colt. One bad get years of I had one and was junk from that X owner on net
All the newer 380 Thunders(last 10 years or so) have a firing pin-block again making it safe to carry round in chamber hammer down ready to fire .
At present I have 3 Bersa Thunders in house. My 2 9mm UC Bersa have moved on to others in my family that need a pistol.
Bersa are sold world wide . Warranty work on those sold in USA is really very small . Internet make it seem a lot larger as 1 person will post his dissatisfaction on many boards. Then every time he see a question asked about a Bersa. I find this also hold true for any brand Be it Bersa, KelTec ,Taurus, Para, Colt. One bad get years of I had one and was junk from that X owner on net
DAdams
Member
I took this out of the box, loaded it up and these are the first rounds out.
I have a BT 380 and CC.
Milkmaster
Member
I bought the Bersa Thunder 380 on a lark and was surprised at the accuracy and ease of use. I liked it enough to go back and buy the Thunder CC version a little later to make it smaller in my pocket. One of very few pistols I have owned that have never experienced a jam from the get go. I still have both pistols. Buy them as shooters and not collectables
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