Bersa Thunder v. Makarov?

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emilianoksa

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In Peru the Mak is the Russian commercial version.

I know the Mak is all steel, easy to strip and relatively reliable, but the sights are poor and the trigger harsh.

The Bersa is a little bit more expensive, has a better trigger, and similar reliability but is not as robust - alloy frame etc.

I like the no nonsense look of the Mak but the Bersa gets very good reviews.

380ACP is the top limit for semi autos in Peru.

What do you think?

The Mak is available with eight round mags or twelve. Any reliability issues you know of with the larger mag?

I'd appreciate your input.
 
You really cannot make a distinction thats viable. Both are exceptional in quality, reliability, and price.

1. 9x18 only offers a nominal advantage in stopping power over the .380ACP, but the .380ACP has more load options commercially.

2. Both guns are relatively the same size.

3. Similar blowback/PPK type action.

4. Triggers are close, both are highly shootable in my opinion.

5. Slight advantage to Bersa due to greater commercial load option, but also a slight advantage to Mak due to cheaper price, conclusion: get both. Cheap enough to do that. I love both.
I am not sure what is available to you, the icon says you live in the middle east, so I am not sure if 9x18 is legal in your municipality or jurisdiction, but if possible, get both chamberings.
 
What do you think?

The Mak is available with eight round mags or twelve. Any reliability issues you know of with the larger mag?

The larger mags have feeding issues, from what I have read. I'd check makarov.com for further info.
RE: Bersa, it is plenty robust, even with the alloy frame. Because it is lighter, I would get it instead. .380 ammo is generally easier to find, too. You can't go wrong with either gun, though.
 
9x18 is also MUCH cheaper than .380. Of the two, I own a Makarov (and have not fired a Bersa), but I have never had a malfunction (2000+ rounds), and absolutely love it.
 
Why limit yourself to just these two, when the Beretta 84, Sig P232, PPK, and others are available? The best .380 on the market is the Beretta.

Of the two the Mak holds eight rounds versus the Bersa's seven, otherwise they are pretty comparable. You may want to look into the Bersa Thunder Plus as it holds fifteen rounds.
 
I really enjoy my Mak, however in my corner of the world the ammo can be a PITA to come by. The mag release does take a little getting used to. YMMV.
 
I went Bersa. Love It!

.380 ammo is too expensive but you can find it anywhere.

My Bersa has an increadible trigger. Well i like it any how.

You can't go wrong. I think stock sights on the bersa are better too.
 
Many thanks.

The CZ is also available here, and I've been considering it too.

The Beretta looks impressive, but is more than twice the price of the others. So is the Sig.

Are they really that much better?
 
I have a Mak for my CCW. have owned several .380 but no Bersa. last range trip an off-duty cop let me try out his new off-duty pistol, the Bersa - I am impressed. you can't go wrong either way but I'll take my Mak.
 
Many thanks.

The CZ is also available here, and I've been considering it too.

The Beretta looks impressive, but is more than twice the price of the others. So is the Sig.

Are they really that much better?
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I've used and own or owned the CZ83, Bersa, Astra Constable, Beretta 84 and 85, Sig P232, Sphinx AT380m, Walther PPK/S and the Makarov. IMHO the best and well worth the money is the Beretta followed in order by the Sig, Sphinx, Walther, CZ or Mak, Astra then Bersa.

If money is the primary concern get a Bersa or Mak. If protection and reliability are the main concerns, get a Beretta.
 
The Bersa is reliable? hmmm, I guess mine that I sold was just a bad apple. Every Bersa that I have ever fired was very finicky about the brand of ammo they would eat. And forget about HPs, they get caught on the feed ramp almost every round.

The Makarov is a bit heavier, but hardly a problem for CC. Have yet to have any FTE, FTF. Bang every time.

Both guns are very simple in design, with the Makarov having fewer parts.

When facing multiple targets, the Mak would be the best bet. Because you can knock one of em out with the rocketing brass it kicks out.
 
I guess it would depend on which Mak chambered gun you're looking at. The PA-63's shoot okay, but they'll carve up your hand if you get too high a grip. I'm not sure how the real Maks do, but I've heard good things. I've shot the Bersa and find it perfectly suited to it's roll, and perfectly reliable. With any firearm, you have to test many different types of rounds to develop confidence in the feeding and firing.
 
I know the Mak is all steel, easy to strip and relatively reliable, but the sights are poor and the trigger harsh.
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Very easy to give the Mak a home trigger job...very easy. It's also better than "relatively reliable." I have a couple of Bulgarians - they have been great performers - and dispite smallish sights, they are both very accurate as well...
 
Makarov would be my choice. I have five of them from different countries. All are reliable, accurate and tough as nails. The Bulgies are the best value.
 
The big differences are the better sights and trigger of the Bersa. These more than anything else help you hit your target. The lighter weight of the Bersa is a plus if you plan on CCW. .380acp ammo is eaiser to find than 9mm mak as well. The Bersa points better as well.

The durabilty is a non issue. How many alloy framed Bersas have you heard of having a problem? They don't. They last a long time.

I see no advantages of the Mak other than it is a brick and is hard to damage. If you plan on throwing it off four story buildings, get the Mak. If you plan on shooting and carrying it, get the Bersa.
 
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