Differences between Bersa Guns?

[SapperLeader]

I was at the richmond gunshow yesterday, helping my brother pick out potential carry guns for when he turns 21 next fall. His top choice is the bersa thunder .380, which we have found countless rave reviews all over the internet and from friends.
As far as the bersa thunder ultra compact 9mm, and the bersa firestorm 9mm, how do they compare. Both seem to be rather similar in design, almost identical. They both seem to be da, doublestack 9mm's, with similar controls and sights. What are the holster options for these, and what size and type magazines are available. Our plan right now, is to get the bersa thunder .380 first, and start breaking it in, and have him start saving up for the 9mm versions. We just dont know the difference between the two models, and the pros and cons of each.

 

[CWatson]

I have no personal experiance with the 9mm.I do own the Bersa Thunder 380 Duo Tone.It is compact reliable and fits both my large hands and my wife's small hands.I have nearly 800 rounds through mine now with several brands of ball and hollow points with no jams.

The Firestorms are the same guns made at the same factory by the same people.If I were to buy another Bersa/Firstorm it would be the all black Firestorm model and I would put a pair of Bersa grips on it because Firestoms have the finger grooves which I do not care for.The reason I would get the Firestorm is it appears easier to find a all black one with a round trigger guard(which I preffer for pocket carry) than a Bersa in the same configuration.

If you like your guns a little flashy the Dou Tones seem the most popular and seem to run about $15-$20 cheaper than the other models,at least here in Los Angeles.

The only down side is unless you find them on sale the spare factory mags are a little pricey. I think the Bersa/Firestorms are the best buy in handguns today.

CWatson

 

[SapperLeader]

SO the Thunder and Firestorm series are the same gun, just marketed under different names?

 

[CWatson]

YEP!

CWatson

 

[horge]

Well, the Firestorm 380 does have a rounded triggerguard, and a wraparound grip... but yes, Firestorm 380's are basically re-labeled, modified Bersa thunder 380's.

I haven't fired the Thunder 9mm Parabellum yet, nor the .45 ACP, but here is a webpage with a consumer comments on Bersa's in general, with some reviews of the .45 and .40 towards the bottom:

Consumer reviews on Bersa Handguns


You can visit my site too if ya like

 

[NavajoNPaleFace]

My wife bought one of the Firestorm compact models (can't tell you which one since it was so long ago now) in 9MM.

Between her, myself and three other people we couldn't get it to print consistantly on paper.

We took it back and got another gun for her.

I sent several e-mails to them about the problem and they never returned my e-mails (at the time the site didn't have a telephone number to call).

It sure spoiled any positive ideas I had for Bersa/Firestorm.

 

[71Commander]

Sights are different on the Firestorm, also.

 

[Rustynuts]

Get the Thunder 45, I did! Love it so far (100 rds). Not as nice fit/finish as my XD45, but about $150 less. I think the 45 seems to have a higher quality feel than the 380. The 380 seems "stamped" out to me, where the 45 feels milled.

Only 7+1 capacity, but it's single stack, so slimmer than the XD.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Horge, You know Bersa Talk is the NOW the place to be Just kidding
Firestorm and Bersa same company makes. Bersa is going to start shipping the 9mm 40S&W and 45acp with 2 mags . Next mo. Also will be a price reduction
Will be a new Firestorm 1911 coming soon also.

Come vist me at http://bersatalk.com
At present having Karma drawing for $50 worth of Corbon ammo. This will be going on for next week. Must be a member to play Did I metion Horge is a member. I belong to his board also. Were a friendly group

 

[LightningJoe]

I've heard the Firestorm's sights are larger and fixed, which might make them more suitable for combat than the Thunder 380's smaller, adjustable sights.

 

[Maj.Striker]

I'm a huge fan of the Bersa/Firestorm guns, they are supremely well made and I will pit them against anything within 2-4x their price range. I was shooting a Bersa .380, never had a problem with it. I'd recommend it has a good starting carry weapon. About a year and half ago I bought the Bersa High capacity thunder 9mm full sized pistol...wow, just wow. I'm still amazed with this gun. As good as any Beretta or Sig that I've ever shot. 17 round capacity is niiiiiice.

 

[Maj.Striker]

Sorry, don't mean to double post...Michael T, I saw your statement about a Firestorm 1911 coming down the line? Do you have any information on that? I'm very interested in seeing anything you might have on that.

 

[horge]

Hi Striker,

The Firestorm 1911 used to be manufactured by Fabrinor of Spain, until
the Spanish company went belly up, and their manufacturing assets were sold
off piecemeal by their rapacious creditors, a couple of years ago.
If you do a search, I posted on the whole ugly mess some time back.
Fast forward to 2006-2007...

Last year, the Sodini family of New Jersey, which controls Firestorm,
finalized arrangements to have the FireStorm 1911 revived, but this time built
by Metro Arms Corporation, controlled by the Rodriguez family, in the Philippines

I have handled the FireStorm 1911's, and while I haven't fired them yet,
the fit, finish and cycling are surprisingly good. Checked sear engagement
too. All the units I got to fondle, at the AFAD Gun Show here in Manila
earlier in July, were New Jersey rollmarked --meaning these 1911's are meant
for export to your side of the giant urinal, with limted quantities reserved
for Philippine retail.

The first shipments of FireStorm 1911's ought to be over there already.


hth,
horge


PS: Geez Mike, you had $50 of ammo up for grabs and you didn't let me know?

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I have a Bersa Thunder 9 UC and a Firestorm Mini 9. The only difference between the two is the triggerguard, the Bersa is squared off and the Firestorm is rounded. The sights are the same. Both have been very reliable and accurate. The Firestorm is my daily carry gun.