I recently became interested in the Bersa Thunder and would like some info on this little gun. Is the Bersa a reliable gun for ccw, or is it considered less than ideal? How does the gun shoot and how is its fit and finish? I am looking at a makarov for my first handgun and would like to know how the Bersa holds up to the Mak, though I know the makarov is a tried and true design. I really appreciate your experience on this subject.
Definitive info on Bersa Thunder
- Thread starter monoceros
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DougW
Member
Ben my primary CHL pistol for 8 years now. You might check www.bersatalk.com/forums for more info. Good site for us Bersa lovers. Mine has never had a FTF or FTE. I even used it to requalify for my CHL 4 years ago (used the G19, my other carry piece, to requalify a month ago). My favorite gun shop sells more Bersa Thunders than any other pistol each year. And, they have never had one come back for malfunction. It is tough and reliable. As I said, I carry mine every day.
Be careful...
...I got a really, really bad Bersa Thunder 380 CC model this past Friday. So bad in fact the shop took it back even after I fired it and had it for a few days. I thought it was breakin problems when mine misfired 15 rounds from a box of 100 standard range ammo - although not cheapo stuff.
Mine was blued, but the slide tolerances were so bad, with exposed seams - that it wore bright silver streaks down the side of the gun after only about 20 rounds. Field stripping was an impossible chore because the tolerances inside the gun didn't line up - and even the gunsmith in my shop worked about 10 minutes to get the slide off. Once the barrel was off the quality of components inside was evident - third world quality junk. Even the trigger was made out of plastic with plastic linkages.
Once apart, the slide rail had areas that were sharp as a knife, and the ejector port was filed so sharp as to be almost a knife. And the blueing (sp?) treatment was not even on the inside of the gun.
They said that I was the first person that they had seen this happen to - and usually Bersa's are very reliable guns. Common thought is that their demand is outstripping their supply because of the cheap prices - and the factory is getting sloppy.
I told my gunshop that although the review were great, I would not trust my life or that of my family to this junk. He agreed. I'm still considering an automatic in the Sig 232 or Walther PPK form factor - just not from Bersa.
In the meantime, I've gone with a S&W revolver for it's ability to be not-to-picky about ammo types, it's dead reliable, maintenance free, and reasonably priced. This whole experience opened up my eyes to the number of ways in which an autoloader might fail when that critical time comes.
...I got a really, really bad Bersa Thunder 380 CC model this past Friday. So bad in fact the shop took it back even after I fired it and had it for a few days. I thought it was breakin problems when mine misfired 15 rounds from a box of 100 standard range ammo - although not cheapo stuff.
Mine was blued, but the slide tolerances were so bad, with exposed seams - that it wore bright silver streaks down the side of the gun after only about 20 rounds. Field stripping was an impossible chore because the tolerances inside the gun didn't line up - and even the gunsmith in my shop worked about 10 minutes to get the slide off. Once the barrel was off the quality of components inside was evident - third world quality junk. Even the trigger was made out of plastic with plastic linkages.
Once apart, the slide rail had areas that were sharp as a knife, and the ejector port was filed so sharp as to be almost a knife. And the blueing (sp?) treatment was not even on the inside of the gun.
They said that I was the first person that they had seen this happen to - and usually Bersa's are very reliable guns. Common thought is that their demand is outstripping their supply because of the cheap prices - and the factory is getting sloppy.
I told my gunshop that although the review were great, I would not trust my life or that of my family to this junk. He agreed. I'm still considering an automatic in the Sig 232 or Walther PPK form factor - just not from Bersa.
In the meantime, I've gone with a S&W revolver for it's ability to be not-to-picky about ammo types, it's dead reliable, maintenance free, and reasonably priced. This whole experience opened up my eyes to the number of ways in which an autoloader might fail when that critical time comes.
SAG0282
Member
I love mine.......only got it this year but still have more than 1300 rounds through it, without a malfunction. Amazing little gun.
Targatop, it was one of your replys I read earlier today that made me think twice about the Bersa. Since then I read a good fifty other reviews and posts that said the Bersa was reliable, well made, and accurate, and now I cannot decide on if I want the gun. Do you think the gun you got was some terrible lemon or do you think the company is just producing sub-standard stuff? Maybe you should call bersa and tell them about the gun so they can either tighten tolerances or send you another one, as I can't believe the company would ignore such a lemon in what normally seems to be a great line of guns.
SAG0282
Member
Every gun model has stories like that Mono......if it's made by humans, there will be problems. Besides, his story involves the CC model, NOT the Thunder you asked about. The CC is new to the market, the Thunder is not.
Like I said, even my gunshop said that they had never seen one with as many issues as mine had - and they sell lots. As a matter of fact they swear it's the first one they've had any major issues with. That being said - it was also the CC version - which to me was the one that had the form factor I liked more than the regular 380 Thunder.
For me though it is about confidence levels. If I have that experience once on things I can see with a simple field strip - I am not going to continue down that path. For me a couple hundred dollars is worth the piece of mind knowing that I got something that was a bit more substantial - especially when considering it's intended purpose. A range or target gun misfeeding ammo - no big deal. A CCW misfeed is the loudest - and possibly last sound - you'll ever hear.
I'd say go for it and see how things go. My gun shop did indicate that in the past any quality issues require shipment back to Bersa at YOUR expense even when in warranty. For me, that turned me off big time - but I understand it is common practice.
For me though it is about confidence levels. If I have that experience once on things I can see with a simple field strip - I am not going to continue down that path. For me a couple hundred dollars is worth the piece of mind knowing that I got something that was a bit more substantial - especially when considering it's intended purpose. A range or target gun misfeeding ammo - no big deal. A CCW misfeed is the loudest - and possibly last sound - you'll ever hear.
I'd say go for it and see how things go. My gun shop did indicate that in the past any quality issues require shipment back to Bersa at YOUR expense even when in warranty. For me, that turned me off big time - but I understand it is common practice.
I guess what I'm saying is that things can change. Most owners without problems got their gun a while back. Mine with problems came in to the shop last week. Factories can be added, new workers hired, suppliers changed, etc., etc., etc.
My other complaint with the Bersa series is the external trigger firing linkage assembly - that should really be inside the gun. It can easily get gummed up with pocket lint in a hurry - especially if it is oiled.
Don't trust your life to any gun you haven't shot more trouble free rounds through than you can count.
See another review from March on Hand Gun Review
mstrud
Florida
Posted: 3/19/07 3:24 AM
Member (Mar 2007)
2 comments posted
I bought a thunder 380 with the matte finish about two and a half weeks ago. I've only fired 200 rounds through it and i'd have to say the accuracy was alright, a little bit shy of a PPK. It stovepiped about a half a dozen times in those two hundred rounds and also jammed a half dozen or so times on the chambering. I own a PPK and know how to shoot em, so i know limp wrist wasn't why this happened. The ammo i was using was a mix of winchester whitebox, and remington, no HP's. So this jamming concerned me. I figured it was just in need of more break- in. Trouble is the damn thing's already getting warranty work done on it. On the second day of owning it, the mag release button completely froze up. Completely i couldn't even get the mag out. It's been at Gander Mountain for the past two weeks. When i went in the gunsmith replaced the button with one from a new gun and it worked fine, he ordered the new part but it has yet to arrive. I'm assuming i got a lemon because all the reviews i read praised the gun for having such a straight feed ramp that you could fire the most stubborn HP's without a problem, and the quality was so great regardless of it being relatively inexpensive. But i have to strongly dissagree, im stuck with a 300 dollar paper weight. Also im very unhappy with the company itself. I wrote Bersa an email, no reply. And what the hell is taking so long on the part? Yeah they made their sale, so who cares. I wouldn't recomend a Bersa to anyone other than those who'd use it unlawfully. I hope the kinks work out because im stuck with it. But if it can happen to me it can happen to anybody, so just be advised when considering one, you may get a peice of trash, and fixing their mistakes isn't even on the copmpany's "to do" list.
or
gunnutz
Texas
Posted: 2/6/07 5:45 PM
Member (Sep 2006)
145 comments posted
gunnutz
I guess I spoke to soon, my 380 started to mess up today, after 1000 rounds. Fail to feeds, not firing on double action, slide not going forward when mag. was inserted, anything over 5 rounds in the mag. not feeding. So my dealer sent it back for me. Prior to this my 380 was flawless. Im hoping it will be again!
or
fattsgalore
Florida
Posted: 1/9/07 10:35 AM
Member (Jan 2007)
10 comments posted
God bless us and pass the ammo.
Decent gun with decent accuracy even though ive shoot tighter groups with large calibers regularly. Only problem is if you get the blued version its crap. Mine had surface rust within a few months. The rust never hindered the function of the weapon though. No malfunctions what so ever.
namara
Pennsylvania
Posted: 12/14/06 5:28 PM
Member (Aug 2006)
45 comments posted
American On-Line, Long and Lovin it!
Glad you guys helped each other out on the jams. That is what this forum is all about. You still didnt sell me. Of course I have been informed that there is more than one flavor of ice cream too. THe copy of this firearm I had was NOT dependable at all. I would NOT risk my life on it.
or
byways
Idaho
Posted: 10/29/06 10:16 AM
Member (Oct 2006)
5 comments posted
Ive had mine for about six months, and shoot it often using a variety of brands. Im sure Ive put several hundred rounds through it by now. It consistently jams on the last round no matter what ammunition I use. The screw on the left side of the grip loosens every time. Beneath the right grip there is a C- clip on a pin, apparently related to the magazine release, that is a poor fit and often pops off the pin (I discovered this when I removed the grips for a more thorough cleaning. I do not consider it a reliable gun. Still, it is amazingly accurate, really dead- on, and is fun to shoot. Just dont count on it for defense. I paid $219 for the duo tone. I will be switching to a Sig P232 for reliability, but will continue to shoot the Bersa because it is a good gun to shoot under controlled circumstances.
My other complaint with the Bersa series is the external trigger firing linkage assembly - that should really be inside the gun. It can easily get gummed up with pocket lint in a hurry - especially if it is oiled.
Don't trust your life to any gun you haven't shot more trouble free rounds through than you can count.
See another review from March on Hand Gun Review
mstrud
Florida
Posted: 3/19/07 3:24 AM
Member (Mar 2007)
2 comments posted
I bought a thunder 380 with the matte finish about two and a half weeks ago. I've only fired 200 rounds through it and i'd have to say the accuracy was alright, a little bit shy of a PPK. It stovepiped about a half a dozen times in those two hundred rounds and also jammed a half dozen or so times on the chambering. I own a PPK and know how to shoot em, so i know limp wrist wasn't why this happened. The ammo i was using was a mix of winchester whitebox, and remington, no HP's. So this jamming concerned me. I figured it was just in need of more break- in. Trouble is the damn thing's already getting warranty work done on it. On the second day of owning it, the mag release button completely froze up. Completely i couldn't even get the mag out. It's been at Gander Mountain for the past two weeks. When i went in the gunsmith replaced the button with one from a new gun and it worked fine, he ordered the new part but it has yet to arrive. I'm assuming i got a lemon because all the reviews i read praised the gun for having such a straight feed ramp that you could fire the most stubborn HP's without a problem, and the quality was so great regardless of it being relatively inexpensive. But i have to strongly dissagree, im stuck with a 300 dollar paper weight. Also im very unhappy with the company itself. I wrote Bersa an email, no reply. And what the hell is taking so long on the part? Yeah they made their sale, so who cares. I wouldn't recomend a Bersa to anyone other than those who'd use it unlawfully. I hope the kinks work out because im stuck with it. But if it can happen to me it can happen to anybody, so just be advised when considering one, you may get a peice of trash, and fixing their mistakes isn't even on the copmpany's "to do" list.
or
gunnutz
Texas
Posted: 2/6/07 5:45 PM
Member (Sep 2006)
145 comments posted
gunnutz
I guess I spoke to soon, my 380 started to mess up today, after 1000 rounds. Fail to feeds, not firing on double action, slide not going forward when mag. was inserted, anything over 5 rounds in the mag. not feeding. So my dealer sent it back for me. Prior to this my 380 was flawless. Im hoping it will be again!
or
fattsgalore
Florida
Posted: 1/9/07 10:35 AM
Member (Jan 2007)
10 comments posted
God bless us and pass the ammo.
Decent gun with decent accuracy even though ive shoot tighter groups with large calibers regularly. Only problem is if you get the blued version its crap. Mine had surface rust within a few months. The rust never hindered the function of the weapon though. No malfunctions what so ever.
namara
Pennsylvania
Posted: 12/14/06 5:28 PM
Member (Aug 2006)
45 comments posted
American On-Line, Long and Lovin it!
Glad you guys helped each other out on the jams. That is what this forum is all about. You still didnt sell me. Of course I have been informed that there is more than one flavor of ice cream too. THe copy of this firearm I had was NOT dependable at all. I would NOT risk my life on it.
or
byways
Idaho
Posted: 10/29/06 10:16 AM
Member (Oct 2006)
5 comments posted
Ive had mine for about six months, and shoot it often using a variety of brands. Im sure Ive put several hundred rounds through it by now. It consistently jams on the last round no matter what ammunition I use. The screw on the left side of the grip loosens every time. Beneath the right grip there is a C- clip on a pin, apparently related to the magazine release, that is a poor fit and often pops off the pin (I discovered this when I removed the grips for a more thorough cleaning. I do not consider it a reliable gun. Still, it is amazingly accurate, really dead- on, and is fun to shoot. Just dont count on it for defense. I paid $219 for the duo tone. I will be switching to a Sig P232 for reliability, but will continue to shoot the Bersa because it is a good gun to shoot under controlled circumstances.
DougB
Member
Targatop,
I'm surprised to hear that the trigger and other internal parts on your gun are plastic. I don't think that's the case with my Bersa .380, or the others I've seen. I wonder if Bersa has changed the gun? Is there any chance that the shop sold you some other gun as a Bersa? (I've noticed some similar looking models that appear to be cheaply made - the one I'm thinking of looks much like a Bersa .380, but is single-action). Anyway, sorry to hear yours didn't work out. I'm very happy with mine, and I have quite a few friends with them. I believe most are very happy with theirs, though I did have one tell me he's hand some problem with his (I think the safety/decocker broke or something).
Doug
I'm surprised to hear that the trigger and other internal parts on your gun are plastic. I don't think that's the case with my Bersa .380, or the others I've seen. I wonder if Bersa has changed the gun? Is there any chance that the shop sold you some other gun as a Bersa? (I've noticed some similar looking models that appear to be cheaply made - the one I'm thinking of looks much like a Bersa .380, but is single-action). Anyway, sorry to hear yours didn't work out. I'm very happy with mine, and I have quite a few friends with them. I believe most are very happy with theirs, though I did have one tell me he's hand some problem with his (I think the safety/decocker broke or something).
Doug
Mortech
Member
I like the main version but I don't like the CC version , I got my wife one because she could no longer rack the slide on her Sig P230 . The safe levers gave her extra gripping surface . you can go here
http://bersatalk.com/forums/ or
http://p081.ezboard.com/bbersathunderchapterhouse
For Bersa info
http://bersatalk.com/forums/ or
http://p081.ezboard.com/bbersathunderchapterhouse
For Bersa info
wnycollector
Member
I have shot a buddies Bersa thunder and really liked it...but I bought a Mak as my CCW. Its built like a tank and has never had a fte or ftf!
sansone
Member
sago282 got it, the cc model is new. the thunder series (9mm+380) have been around a long time. I think they were called "Firestorm" long time ago
Richard
Member
I have owned my Bersa Thunder 380 for years and the only problem I have had was a bad factory magazine. I prefer to carry my Bersa Thunder 380 to a J-frame but that might be just me. Regards, Richard
dleong
Member
I acquired a new Bersa Thunder 380 a couple of years back when it was on sale at Gander Mountain. For the money, it was a very nicely finished gun that had a decent trigger and good ergonomics. Accuracy was surprisingly good, with one big problem: the shots all printed about 5" low at 15 yards. I called the importer in New Jersey to see if they had any taller rear sight blades--no joy.
GaryArkansas
Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2007
- Messages
- 152
I've got close to a thousand rounds through my thunder 380, and its the most reliable gun I own.
I bought mine from a salesmen who also carries concealed. He told me that he has never had a Thunder 380 returned. As he works in a high volume store, I tend to believe the folks who have experiences similar to my own.
I bought mine from a salesmen who also carries concealed. He told me that he has never had a Thunder 380 returned. As he works in a high volume store, I tend to believe the folks who have experiences similar to my own.
I own three models of Bersa. Two t380, and the CC model. I find them reliable, easily concealable, and accurate. They have a lifetime guarentee. I carry them daily. CC during the summer and the other two during cold weather. Whats not to like???
usp9
Member
The Bersa Thunder is the only .380 I didn't like. The quality, when compared to other .380s, is lacking in my opinion. The qualifier you always hear is "for the money...it's a good gun", and it is true...for the money you get a $200 gun. I just couldn't stand the flaws of the gun. Doesn't mean it's a POS, just means I don't like guns that rattle, grips fall off, etc.
Richard
Member
usp9, I guess this: "Doesn't mean it's a POS, just means I don't like guns that rattle, grips fall off, etc." infers you do not like "Old Slabside" either. am I correct? Regards, Richard
Green Lantern
Member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2006
- Messages
- 1,665
Yeah, come to think of it the grips DO shoot loose after a bit.
A Thunder .380 was my first autopistol. The only problems I've had was with Wolf ammo. Other than that, runs like a dream.
I haven't had trouble with the factory mags, but I DID buy a Mec-Gar that I had to 'fiddle' with the spring a bit to make it feed reliably.
Hey - does anyone have a source for flat-bottom mags for the Thunder .380?
A Thunder .380 was my first autopistol. The only problems I've had was with Wolf ammo. Other than that, runs like a dream.
I haven't had trouble with the factory mags, but I DID buy a Mec-Gar that I had to 'fiddle' with the spring a bit to make it feed reliably.
Hey - does anyone have a source for flat-bottom mags for the Thunder .380?
Monoceros, You have fallen into the same pattern most of us men do. Keep in mind this is not pointed towards you.We all do it including myself. You have read 100's of posts on what a good gun the Bersa is, yet you are focused on the 1 bad one. Everyone will put out a peice of junk, I don't care what brand or what item tv's, car's, watches, and even guns. I don't own one and I think I would get a Walther if I carried a 380. With that said this is the first bad story I have heard of. I have several friends that have them, and most would not trade even for a walther, or sig. Maybe not owning one I should'nt have even responded, and maybe i'm out of line. It sounds like you have already done the research, if it fits your hand and you like it, I'll bet you'll never be sorry for getting one, and it will never let you down.
scurtis_34471
Member
I've got a Bersa Thunder .380 CC with over a thousand rounds through it that is 100% reliable. I had a couple FTF issues in the first 200 rounds, but its been flawless after that. I've put about 800 consecutive rounds through it with a bunch of different types of ammo and has zero problems. The gun is both rock-solid and reasonably accurate. I am seeing a few spot where the finish is wearing off and I will admit that the finish is not as good at that on my other guns. That's a pretty small complaint for a gun that is otherwise fantastic and really inexpensive.
New_geezer
Member
Good observation. I also have the Bersa Thunder 380 and like it very much. I too noticed after many rounds the grips loosened up - well a little medium loc-tite on the grip screws and the problem's solved. You will hear horror story examples about every make and model available. People are rarely reluctant to relate their bad experiences. But IMO it's best to look for the overall pattern in the comments and not over-emphasize the exceptions. I bought my Bersa base on the overwhelming number of positive comments. No regrets so far.
MICHAEL T
Member
Ok we have 1 bad gun and 1000's of good ones. Tell you what several have linked to this http://bersatalk.com
We have 1500+ members and growing. Come ask the owners (most have Thunder or CC ) what they think some have 1000's or rounds thru them. I venture 99% of my members will give high praise.
The grips working loose a design flaw Blame Walthers remember Bersa is a close copy of PPK.(blue loctight fix) Out side linkage and lint give me a break proper holster and lint not a problem I carried a Kel Tec for 6 mo in pocket never cleaned and shot 1 mag a mo. Oh yes I used grease on rails . After 6 months gun was filithy and looked was a dryer screen Guess what fired last mag as good as first 6 mo before,. Lint not a problem with a KT see no reason will stop a Bersa.
GM not a good place to get gunsmith Sort of like wal mart Your hired and you gunsmith now get to work.
We have best warrenty shop and gunsmith as member I have given him own tec section to answer questions. If he says send to me. It will be fixed
Eagle imports are importer of Bersa/Firestorm I spent week end last mo with President and other members of company. They are listening to members of BT .We got mag prices lowered to a more realist price. They are trying to get Bersa Factory to ship more parts as well as guns .
Is Bersa Perfect NO but I give it a A-
I carried mine ,not every day any more .But its stilled carried I have over a 1000 rounds trouble free from mine
Come join and ask questions then decide
We have 1500+ members and growing. Come ask the owners (most have Thunder or CC ) what they think some have 1000's or rounds thru them. I venture 99% of my members will give high praise.
The grips working loose a design flaw Blame Walthers remember Bersa is a close copy of PPK.(blue loctight fix) Out side linkage and lint give me a break proper holster and lint not a problem I carried a Kel Tec for 6 mo in pocket never cleaned and shot 1 mag a mo. Oh yes I used grease on rails . After 6 months gun was filithy and looked was a dryer screen Guess what fired last mag as good as first 6 mo before,. Lint not a problem with a KT see no reason will stop a Bersa.
GM not a good place to get gunsmith Sort of like wal mart Your hired and you gunsmith now get to work.
We have best warrenty shop and gunsmith as member I have given him own tec section to answer questions. If he says send to me. It will be fixed
Eagle imports are importer of Bersa/Firestorm I spent week end last mo with President and other members of company. They are listening to members of BT .We got mag prices lowered to a more realist price. They are trying to get Bersa Factory to ship more parts as well as guns .
Is Bersa Perfect NO but I give it a A-
I carried mine ,not every day any more .But its stilled carried I have over a 1000 rounds trouble free from mine
Come join and ask questions then decide
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