Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact

[giggitygiggity]

I am looking for a very small gun to conceal under a T-Shirt. I have recently inquired about Kel-Tecs and the Taurus 709. I have a Glock 30SF, but it is rather bulky to conceal well under a T-Shirt. I recently found that Bersa makes an Ultra Compact handgun chambered in 9mm and .45. How large is this gun in comparison to the Kel-Tecs and the Glock 30SF? What can I expect from the Bersa in terms of reliability, accuracy, etc.? Any other information, experience, pictures, etc. are welcomed and encouraged. Thanks.

 

[bugoy1]

Here are a couple of pictures for comparison. It is larger than the Kel-tec. As far as reliability goes, if you check the Bersa forums, you will see that owners are very pleased. They are accurate metal framed guns.

The only problem with Bersa is that you will be waiting for a long time to get one. Most suppliers are out and waiting for more shipments from Argentina. They are only trickling in. If you choose Bersa, you will most likely have to wait a while. I'm still waiting for mine (ordered the end of April).

I spent almost a year renting guns at ranges and firing guns from friends. I discovered that what I needed was the Bersa UC 9mm. Solid gun for a good price.

 

[zombienerd]

I can't speak as to the UC series, but I know the Thunder 380 is one of the most reliable guns I've ever owned. Can't say a bad word about it, especially for under $300 when I bought it.

Bersa is a fine manufacturer.

 

[Snowdog]

My UC9 is one heck of a performer. It's not only perfectly reliable but the nice trigger contributes to some impressive accuracy. I really do like (and trust) my UC9.

That said, I think it's a stretch to call it an "Ultra Compact". I wouldn't protest to the nomenclature of "average-size compact" however. It's just about identical in size to the CZ-82. I do have photos comparing the two if you are familiar with the CZ-82 (I'll post them if you're interested).

The UC9 makes an excellent CCW pistol for belt carry (which is what I do when not toting the smaller K9).

 

[Nasty]

Bersa makes a great product, but it is in no way comparable to the PF9. I have both and usually carry the PF9 in the summer in similar dress to what you describe while the Bersa is my winter carry, when i dress more warmly.

Can't speak to the Glock 30 as I don't have one but I do have a 27 and it is closer in size to the Bersa than to the PF9.

By season, it might be read thus:

Summer - PF9
Winter - Bersa UC45
Spring & Fall - Glock 27 or Charter 44 Pug

Beachwear or deep BUG - P32

 

[MICHAEL T]

Hopefully the bersa 9 and 40 will be coming in faster They just completed a large contract and are now making again for civilan market . Check often with Davidson and others. When you see one order. They are done very quickly.
Also check http://bersachat.com many members post if their dealer gets one . I always post if my dealer has one or if he gets a American Classic 1911 Another had to find pistol.

 

[Ben86]

It's kind of fat, I don't think it would be much and an improvement over your glock. Check out kahrs, and as you mentioned kel-tecs and the T709 (which i like a lot).

 

[jon_in_wv]

I used to carry a Bersa UC 9mm. The Bersa is much more finicky about ammo than "top tier" brands. Some ammo was very accurate and others wouldn't group at all. It had a lot of sharp edges I cleaned up with a dremel and cold blued. Ergos and reliability were fine. I didn't like the sights and there is NO aftermarket support for the Bersas. Most manufacturers I talked to called it a "junk" gun. I disagree whole heartedly BUT you can get other firearms that have equal reliability, better accuracy, and much more aftermarket support for the same price.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

How large is this gun in comparison to the Kel-Tecs and the Glock 30SF?

It splits the difference.

 

[SOCO]

+1 on the Bersa Thunder UC being closer in size to the Glock 27. I have/carry the G27 and my wife owns the UC9. Basically they're the same size, with the Bersa having sharper edges, safety, decocker, and a DA/SA trigger. It's a bit thick in the grip (13+1 I believe) but then again my Glock is also thick.

It depends on your body type, but re-look at how you're carrying your Glock 30. My G27 disappears when I carry IWB "appendix carry" in a Galco "Sto N Go" holster. It's easy on/easy off, and ultra comfortable walking, sitting, driving, etc. My brother (considerable taller and thinner than me) carries his Glock 22 in the same manner.

I bought a Ruger LCP to use as a pocket gun for those times I couldn't comfortably conceal my Glock. Once I switched to appendix carry, I found I never needed another option. While I don't tuck in my shirts when I'm carrying, Galco does make a tuckable variety for those who do.

YMMV.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I just stumbled on this one. have you guys seen this?? I think it's pretty interesting.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2009/12/14/bersa-bp9-and-bp40-concealed-carry/

 

[tekarra]

Before buying a Bersa UC try to shoot one as is a bit chunky through the grip. It is however, a fine pistol which will serve you well.

The pistol in jon's post, above, really interests me. Not sure if they are available yet. Michael T should be able to advise on that.

 

[Lar1911]

I just stumbled on this one. have you guys seen this?? I think it's pretty interesting.

http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2...ncealed-carry/

wow, pretty nice

I own the 380 Thunder and love it. I own many other guns (2 - 1911's, Glock 22, SR9, 3 - 357 revolvers, 44 mag...) And I like the little Bersa alot. Cannot say enough about it.

Love 1911's the most, both Springfields

But I would reccomend the Bersa based on my experience.

 

[Kilo6]

I love the Thunder 380. Great conceal gun. You should also look at the Walther PPS.

 

[jon_in_wv]

The Bersa UC9 is a really nice size for carry. It doesn't really need to "disappear" under your shirt anyhow. I've been a correctional officer for 15 years and a MP before that. I have a tendency to look people up and down pretty well. I haven't made more than a few people carrying at all. Even the ones I made were really obvious. One time, for three weeks I tried REALLY hard to find someone carry. I didn't see a single soul. Just carry, cover it up with an untucked t-shirt or button down shirt and don't sweat it. If you shoot the Bersa well and its reliable then it fills two much more important criteria than a 1/4 inch in length or height.

 

[MedWheeler]

Most manufacturers I talked to called it a "junk" gun.

I bet you'd have a hard time finding other manufacturers to recommend it, or any gun not manufactured by them.

I own a Thunder .380, and I cannot, for the life of me, get it to malfunction, even when mixing ammo (some more than two decades old) types/makes in the mags.
The UC9 is a handsome-looking gun, and I bet it's a lot more pleasant to shoot than my PF-9 is, but I have no actual experience with it. What makes the PF-9 less pleasant to shoot are the qualities that make it so easily carried: its thinness and low weight.

 

[MICHAEL T]

As for the new poly 9 and 40 Bersa still trying to clear all the red tape That goes with bring a new model pistol in country.

For you 9 mm lovers here a little test of the so called Bersa junk


http://www.bersafirearmsusa.com/videos/test.html


come visit us at http://bersachat.com

We have the Bersa family covered holsters mags etc.
Also home of the endless hi jacked thread.

 

[amprecon]

I had a Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact 9 for awhile, it was a good gun, accurate, comfortable. I discovered that it wasn't much smaller than my Glock 23 and got rid of it because of that. Otherwise it's a very competitively priced pistol that gives good performance.

 

[W L Johnson]

BUT you can get other firearms that have equal reliability, better accuracy, and much more aftermarket support for the same price.

Can you name them, please? All conditions have to be met.

 

[jon_in_wv]

Most manufacturers I talked to called it a "junk" gun.

I bet you'd have a hard time finding other manufacturers to recommend it, or any gun not manufactured by them.

I was referring to the manufacturers of AFTERMARKET PARTS, not other gun manufacturers. And the "junk guns" comment was a direct quote from two aftermarket sight manufacturers. Two other manufacturers stated the Bersa didn't sell in large enough numbers to justify selling aftermarket sights for it. The point being that the aftermarket for sights, grips, holsters, etc........ is FACTUALLY much less than with other more common firearms. Thats all. I, personally, liked my Bersa 9mm and it served me well. If I could have replaced the sights on it I would still be carrying it.

Can you name them, please? All conditions have to be met.

Any of the major brand of used firearms for instance. If you can get a like new Glock, M&P, XD, Ruger P95, metal framed Smiths, etc... for the new price of a Bersa, I would recommend the other pistols over the Bersa for defense. If you factor in the high price of Bersa magazines compared to what you would pay for Glock mags or a cheap holster or sights, you don't' really save much money anyhow. Opinions may vary but thats just mine.

 

[W L Johnson]

If you can get a like new Glock, M&P, XD, Ruger P95, metal framed Smiths, etc... for the new price of a Bersa,

You are comparing the price of used vs new, for this to be fair (price wise) it should be new vs new and used vs used as far as prices are concerned. Remember the conditions were equal price with equal reliability, better accuracy. The one area where Bersa may fall short is in the area of aftermarket stuff. There's not that many Bersas out there compared to the other brands. I for one have found bersa to be the equal of much more pricey guns as far as reliability and accuracy.
Like you say tho, opinions may vary.

 

[Lar1911]

Quote:
Most manufacturers I talked to called it a "junk" gun.

I bet you'd have a hard time finding other manufacturers to recommend it, or any gun not manufactured by them.

If they doubled the price everyone would say they are the greatest gun made in the world.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I don't doubt that one bit. As far as quality, the Bersas appear to be VERY well made to me. The machining was very nice, the finish was great, the only complaint I have is the sharp edges on the controls. They could do better than that. I don't like the sights but millions of Glock owners use the same sights.

 

[jon_in_wv]

You are comparing the price of used vs new, for this to be fair (price wise) it should be new vs new and used vs used as far as prices are concerned.

IF you were trying to be FAIR, but in the real world buying a used gun vs a new one is a very real consideration. New isn't a number one concern for most folks buying a handgun but getting a good deal is. If you had a new Bersa 9mm sitting on the shelf right next to a used Glock 26 and they were both $350, are you saying they wouldn't be compared directly to each other? You bet they would. Its not like a new car where the dealer is going to say, "Yeah they are the same price but we give you 0% financing on the Bersa and a muzzle to butt warranty that you don't get with the Used Glock."

 

[W L Johnson]

Fine, but it works both ways, lets compare the deal of a used $250 Bersa vs a new $550 Glock.