Mini Firestorm Likes/Dislikes?

[honkeoki]

Mini Firestorm owners out there --

I'd just about decided to lay out half a stick for a Kahr when I found the Mini Firestorms...

Owners, I want to hear what you like and dislike about your Mini Firestorm. How's the recoil on the 40 and the 45? Were you able to find accessories you needed?

Because I'm looking for a CCW pistol, how's the reliability? Concealibility? I have a Makarov already -- similar in size and ergonomics? Premature wear, bad customer service, any complaints at all?

What did you wind up paying for your Mini?

I searched the THR forums for info before posting.

Thanks!

_____________________
Every vote counts.
And every shot counts.

 

[hilljack22]

I recently picked one up used, haven't shot it a lot but here is what I have observed.

1) It's thick - since it's a double stack, but still comfortable in my hand.

2) 1911 style - takes down the same way (officer type-no bushing)

3) Snappier recoil - not terrible though

4) Failures to feed and eject - it only had one magazine when I got it, but I have recently got another. Also have recoil springs on order from SGS (www.firestorm-sgs.com). The jury's still out on if I keep it or not...

I bought it on a whim; just for a plinking gun. I don't believe I would carry it daily (not just yet)...

BTW - It is related to Llama...

 

[Big Mike]

Have not shot one. Held one a while ago. Seemed like a pretty good pistol in the hand, comfortable, ergonomic (for me). Finish wasn't too bad either, it was the all stainless version. Mike

 

[priv8ter]

Mine

Here is some of what I have said prior to this about my Mini .45:

I like the ergonomics of this gun. The ambi-safety is just like a Colt...sweep down to fire. Placing the safety on de-cocks the gun...so no 'Cocked and Locked' which is a shame, because the DA trigger on this gun was rough. Like, worse than my SP-101 rough. Maybe time and dry-firing will take care of that. Another safety related quirk is the inability to rack the slide with the safety ON. Must take the safety off to rack the slide. Never ntoiced this on any other auto.

Now to the important stuff. I was only able to test the gun at two distances...10 yards and 25 yards. I used Blazer 230gr FMJ, PMC 230gr FMJ, and Winchester 185gr Silvertips. There were ZERO problems with the FMJ stuff. The Silvertips...well, they took some convincing to feed, on the first one. It usually took 2-3 attempts to get the first one to feed from the magazine, and then the rest of the mag worked fine. Still...not confidence inspiring.

Accuracy was satisfactory. All shooting was done free hand, and at 10 yards, most of my groups could be covered by a playing card, and were on the point of aim. At 25 yards...well, you know those HUGE playing cards they sometimes use on TV gameshows. I hesitate to even call my results at 25 yards a group. Everything was usually in a 10 x 10 inch square...usually. I am currently blaming this on my lack of experience with the Outline Sights. I think I may like three-dot sights better.

All in all, a good perfromance for a $350 dollar .45. It simply proves that this is not a target pistol. Kick was easy to control, and I thought it was more pleasent to shoot then my old H&K USPf .40. My only complaint was the hammer bite. This gun was quick to let you know if your hand got too high.


To update things a little bit...I still stick with harball, no hollow points in this gun. With the short barrel, I think expansion is a concern also.

Like Hilljack said, it IS thick through the grip, but the ergonomics are better than say....a Glock 30 or 36.

Concealibility...probably tougher than a Makarov. I've never held one of those, but I have to imagine the Firestorm is thicker. Also, I've had a tough time trying to find a holster for it.

I think I paid about $330 for mine, so about 150-200 less than a Kahr, but, it will never be a pocket gun like some brands of Kahrs are.

greg

 

[PCRCCW]

I think we need to clarify the gun you want info on......sounds like the Bersa mini thunder copy......not the 1911 style gun.

Which one????????????????????????

Shoot well.......

 

[Ringer]

I have the 9mm so I can't speak to the .40 and .45 but can to some of your other questions. To make a long story short the gun was horrible one I got it. Finish wore off the barrel, misfire 1 out of 10. They acknowledged a problem with the barrel and sent me a new one, promptly. It took a couple trips to repair facility to get the misfires straightened out.

Overall the customer service was very good outside of a service center I won't mention by name but it was in MN. Since getting the bugs worked out it has been a good gun. Not any more malfunctions, accurate enough and very comfortable to shoot. For a small gun it fits my slightly large hands very well. Concealability wouldn't be a problem if you could find a decent holster to fit it. Accessories are very limited and extra magazines are about $50 which is awfully pricey for a $300 gun. I carry mine occasionally in a High Noon IWB made for a G30. Hope that helps, YMMV.