Just turned 21: Need opinions on Bersa Thunder .380

[bsctov]

Hey all, Just turned 21 today and was looking for an affordable carry gun for the times that I cannot carry the Glock 19 I was given as a gift.


I was looking into the Bersa Thunder .380, but have read some horror stories about the trigger spring either snapping off or popping out of place, and wanted to know what you guys thought about it.



Thanks

 

[wbwanzer]

First off, Happy Birthday.

I have the Bersa 380CC model which is pocketable. I haven't had any trouble with the gun, but then again, I rarely take it to the range. For me, it's no fun to shoot. Too snappy. I keep it out of sight at home for a defenseive situation. It's good for what it is, but I don't take it to the range for fun.

 

[tjbeck]

I just took an concealed handgun course and we fired about 200 rounds. The one gentlemen that was using the bersa 380 had several failures.

I owned one a while ago that was given to me as a gift. I had a couple of failures to eject with it and later traded it on another gun. I would not recommend it as I have witnessed and read about a number of them not functioning properly.

 

[DAP90]

I used to own one.

The main problem I had with it was it wouldn’t eject an unfired round. I don’t know mechanically what the issue was but when I cycled the slide on an unfired round it would remove the round from the chamber but wouldn’t throw it from the gun. I had to tilt the gun and let it fall out while I was holding the slide back.

If I didn’t make sure to tilt the gun over and let the round fall out it would double feed and jam the gun up pretty good.

Fired rounds ejected just fine.

I had others do the same thing and they had the same result. I’ve never seen this as a complaint on any review of the Bersa so maybe it was just my one particular gun.

Other than that I thought it was OK.

 

[dprice3844444]

glock 26 mags are compatible

 

[almherdfan]

I owned/carried a BT CC for two years. I thought it was great. It fired everything I feed it, was comfortable to shoot, accurate and affordable ($275). I eventually traded it when I picked up a Ruger SR9c, but really enjoyed it.

Other options are Kel-Tec PF9, P3AT, P11. You should be able to find used KTs in the $200-225 range. They aren't range toys, but should serve well in the pocket carry mode.

I've owned the KTs, the BTcc, Ruger LCP and S&W bodyguard .38. I currently pocket carry the P3AT, but would pick up another BTcc if the opportunity presented itself.

 

[MedWheeler]

Bersa Thunder 380 is one of the best-kept secrets in defensive handguns. Rugged and affordable, they're not as finished as, say, a SiG P238, but they are known to be as reliable or more as many higher-priced weapons. That being said, they are larger than many guns in that caliber; there is a good selection of other guns in this size category that are chambered for the more-powerful and less-expensive 9mm Luger round. Some of those, however, are not as pleasant to shoot much as is the Bersa.
I carried the Thunder for about two years, and still own it. It runs any ammunition I've stoked it with, including a mix-mash of new stuff and stuff from nearly two decades ago (some of which was that aluminum-cased Blazer junk.) I only stopped carrying it regularly when I came across a good price on my current EDC, a Kel-Tec PF9, which is notably lighter and easier to carry. It is not nearly as fun or as easy to shoot as is the Bersa, though. Think about the PF9, the Diamondback DB9, or the Ruger LC9 (or even a "baby Glock") if you don't already own a .380. Having one of them would mean you can use the same (cheaper) ammo in both your carry guns.
There is plently more chat available over at BersaChat.com (or maybe it's .org; can't remember.)

 

[allaroundhunter]

IMO the Bersa is too large for what it is. I carry my Glock 19 or M&P9, but if I was to go smaller it will be either a Sig P238 (for a .380); or a Ruger SR9c or possibly an M&P shield if I want a 9mm.

 

[wrangler708]

People all over seem to love them and call them reliable. Almost all of the feedback I see on them is overwhelmingly positive.

However...

The one I bought is the biggest POS I own. Feed problems. Jams. Trigger doesn't work sometimes unless you hold it just right. Seriously you can squeeze the trigger over and over and over and nothing happens.

Warranty is the most useless thing on the planet. Bersa doesn't fix the guns. They have a collection of LGS that they have deemed "Authorized Serivce Centers". Have you ever tried to deal with a LGS to get your gun fixed? Good luck is all I can say. Oh and they want all kinds of proof your the original purchaser of the gun. When I had to deal with Ruger on my SR9c all they wanted was my serial and address and I had a prepaid sticker in my email inbox in 15 minutes.

Anyway. imho... For not much more, you can buy something from a reputable manufacturer where you can get service if you have a problem. I guess what I'm saying is that to me, they're a gamble. If you get a good one, you got one of the best deals in a firearm that can be had. If you get a bad one, well, good luck.

 

[Plan2Live]

Keep looking around, do more research, shoot as many candidates (not the political kind) as you can before deciding. I think you will find better alternatives with similar or even smaller dimensions. Like the brand spanking new Smith & Wesson M&P Shield in 9mm. Or wait until this time next year, I'm sure Glock will be forced to play catch-up to M&P, Walther PPS, Kahr and others and offer a single stack 9mm by then.

 

[bsctov]

Ah ok, how about a Ruger LCP?

 

[kayak-man]

I like the LCP, but if I had to do it over again, I'd get the Taurus TCP - the slide locks back after firing your last round, which is helpful if you have other things on your mind (like cover, concealment...)

Like I say, I like the LCP. I can usually carry it in a back pocket or IWB holster and make it disappear. So far, mine's been pretty reliable, and even though the sights are VERY scant, its an accurate shooter.

Happy Birthday,

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[robctwo]

I bought the Bersa Thunder a few years ago. Nice light weight gun. Not a great gun for range work. It is easier to carry than a 19, however there are smaller easier to carry guns, including some small revolvers.

Blow back design makes the felt recoil of the .380 comparable to the 9mm with a different design. I also have a Beretta 84. Bigger gun, easier to shoot, harder to carry as concealed.

 

[Shuler13]

Love my bersa thunder ct 380. Naturally fits my hands. My wife can work it with no issue and for that reason ours lives at the bedside in a drawer safe. I shoot it less than my other guns but haven't experienced any problems others have reported.

 

[bikerdoc]

I got a Bersa 380 CC. Flawless performer with all types of ammo, Backs up my 1911 or 357

 

[cluznar]

Bersa Thunder .380 is a nice carry weapon I own one and carry it either loaded with Corbon Pwrball ammo or Hornady Critical Defense. I really like the Bersa have had no problems with it, it's accurate, dependable and affordable. Check out forums on the Bersa .380

 

[bsctov]

Found a LCP at Gander Mountain (Yeah..I know) at normal price, so I went ahead and got it. Thanks for your help guys

 

[tomrkba]

Nope.

I do like the SIG P232. It's a better gun that fills a similar role with similar dimensions.

 

[Pilot]

I know you said "affordable". Well, I'd save my money, and get a Walther PPS, Glock G26, or other small 9MM. However, if you want a .380, there is none better than a Beretta M85FS. It is pricey also, but utterly reliable, very accurate and will last a lifetime or more.

The nice thing about the G26 is that it can use your G19 mags, and they also can be found at reasonable prices used.

 

[wickedsprint]

If you like 380,there are smaller platforms with better reliability.

Sig p238/ruger lcp/keltec

If you like the size of the bersa, there are better calibers available.

Keltec pf9/kahr cm9

 

[kayak-man]

Congrats on the gun purchase!

Now you just need to get some ammo, some rocking training.... and a revolver

Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson

 

[rxspeed88]

bought one for my girlfriend a few years ago. Out of all the guns we tried she fell in love with it. I didnt care for it. Slide bit the crap out of my hand. I look at it like this, if you can hold out and save a 150 or so more... get a glock 26 or 27 or an xd subcompact. If you have to have it today, go ahead but if you can wait there are better options for guns that may save your life.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Don't see the point of a .380 bigger than a P3AT/LCP. Why not just get a smaller 9mm like PF9, CM9, LC9? You already are using 9mm so why not just get something smaller than the G19?

 

[shootniron]

I have the Bersa and would recommend it to anyone.

 

[BoltActionPrepper]

i hope it works for you...my friend had problems with his not ejecting