Bersa Thunder 380

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CNobbe

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To start, I've owned a handful of PPKs, a PP, and a Makarov in 380. My experiences with PPKs in 380 have not been great. I've owned a '66, '67 model PPKs and though they are beautiful guns, only my .32 cal PPK and PP were reliable. I had an old Mak in 380, and that darn thing never malfunctioned with ball or JHP ammo. All of my old fixed barrel guns are gone now, moved on to other things, but was looking at a couple of Bersa Thunders at a shop and was impressed, seem well made, and the DA trigger pull is certainly better than the PPK..

The finish I liked was only available in .22LR at this shop, but they said they could order one in 380 with the same finish (satin nickel I believe its called).

I've read a lot of reviews, seems like Bersa has a good reputation for reliability and service on the backend.

Before I order one, is there anything I should know? Any input on how to remove the mag disconnect safety would be appreciated.
 
My experience has been good with the Thunder 380. I have two of the plain, common duo tone guns. Mine have been reliable and shoot many different brands of bullets without failures. This technology is old and proven. For the money the thunder is lots of pistol. CG
 
Removing the mag diconnect is cake. Seriously, it is super easy. Remove grips, yank out spring, replace grips. YouTube it for specifics, but there aint much else to know.

I suggest getting the factory rubber wraparound grips. One or two models might come with them, but if yours does not, you can get them from either Eagle or Bersa's website; I forget which. IMO, the finger grooves really help lock the small gun into your hand.

My Thunder 380 has been good. There are a small number of bad reviews out there pertaining to reliabilty. I, however, cant complain about much.
 
My Bersa 83a has been flawless, it is a accurate and reliable. My only gripe is the safety throws opposite from my Makorov and 1911, and in a pinch this could be confusing.
 
I am not a fan of slide mounted safties. I can live with it on the Thunder380 because I dont use it as a safey. I use it to decock and then return the lever to it's home position. No need to disable the trigger when it requires that looong double action pull to fire the gun.

This way there is no manual safety to remember to disengage, which is how I prefer all of my handguns larger than 22.
 
I can live with it on the Thunder380 because I dont use it as a safey. I use it to decock and then return the lever to it's home position. No need to disable the trigger when it requires that looong double action pull to fire the gun.
Click to expand...
I agree. No different than a DA revolver.
 
Probably one of the most underrated pistols. Personally IMO superior to the PPK in man respects such as a better double action trigger, more feed reliable, but less glamorous than the PPK.

I also had a Mak in 380 and it was a really nice pistol, but much heavier than the Bersa.
 
I love mine. I was amazed with how well it ran the first day I tried it. I ran numerous rounds and types of ammo, from different decades in age, and mixed up in the mag, and could not make the gun jam.

I carried it for a while until a PF9 came along. The PF9 is easier (slightly) to carry, but less enjoyable at the range. I still keep the Bersa.

Only two things to keep in mind. The failure rate when using non-OEM magazines seems to be high, so stick with the factory ones. Also, slamming a magazine home while the slide is open will release the slide most of the time, so be ready for that. Trivial, since you were going to do that anyway (and your gun is always pointed in a safe direction!), but figured I'd point that out.
 
I bought a little Bersa Thunder .380 concealed model, back in 2011. The only problem I've had with it was some Tull ammo that I bought before knowing much about it. It will jam on about every other shot. All other brands have been great. About the only way to use the Tull is to fire it single shot! lol
 
I have an older Bersa that I bought at a pawn shop maybe two years ago. It is heavy but really easy to control and I don't think I have ever had a hiccup with any ball ammo. I have never considered it for SD so have not run HP through it yet.
 
I'm not a big fan of the small Bersas. I own or have owned a BT380, BT22, FS22 and a BT Plus. In comparison to higher quality guns such as a Sig or Beretta the Bersas just don't rank as high. The Plus was difficult to take down, the mags would never hold the last round and certain ammo didn't feed. The .22s were also ammo sensitive. The BT380 feed and fired better but it always struck me as cheap, on the verge of failure. Little things bugged me.

Most people like them but none of the various models ever "blew my whistle".
 
The Bersa Thunder is a great gun, %100 reliable, good quality, and it looks nice too!

My only complaint with mine is the size; it's a fairly large 9x17, but other than that it is a great gun.
 
The larger size is why I bought mine. Better ergos and better sights than most 380 offerings. It is mainly for my fiance to shoot at the range, not to carry. However, it is about the same size as my carry gun, a Jframe.
 
1st the Thunders have a firing pin block.
So safe to carry safety off ready to rock At present I have 3 Thunders in my house Oldest is 2004 . Never been a problem .

Don't shoot steel case ammo. Stick with brass . I have shot blazer with out trouble.

Now come on over and join us a http://bersachat.com

Have over 7000 registered members and growing . Play Karma and might win mags, hats, rubber grips, wood grips . After 10 post 10% discount on accessories with password. Warranty gun smith member and will try to help you solve any problem on line. If you remove the mag safety re install be for sending for any warranty work .
What not to like? Well we have a couple old grumps But their really no trouble. Just post corney jokes
 
Thanks for the info everyone...pretty much echoes everything I've read about them.
 
I have had my Thunder .380 since the late 90's. Carry it all the time, and it has always been totally relaible. Fantastic pistol!
 
I mentioned the 'Tull' ammo didn't work well in my Bersa. I can't remember what the name was. It was Russian, I believe. Maybe 'Tulo', 'Tula'? I can't remember. It had steel hulls.
 
Maybe a little better view of the nickel Bersa with some of my other 380 pistols.

The nickel slide is a little darker than the silver alloy frame.
380.jpg
 
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