My first experience with the .380 auto.

[Hokkmike]

Took the Bersa .380 Thunder out for its first field test. Here are my observations. I have NEVER fired a pistol, except .22's, this small before.

* take down, cleaning, and reassembly was as simple as I have ever experienced with a pistol.

* fired three factory brands of ammo without any cycling problem. two hands, one hand, limp wrist, and canted....all OK. Did not use any hollow point rounds yet, though. We'll see about those.

* double and single action trigger pulls were both almost optimal. (I have a strong preference for the double first shot followed by the single action follow-up shots - hammerless double action pistols bother me)

* at 21 feet the pistol was as accurate as any handgun I have shot. (Ruger, S & W, Beretta, Colt, Springfield Armory)

* the recoil, though minimal, was not quite as light as I expected in this 23 ounce handgun and surprised me on the first shot. I didn't expect my hand to move but it did. I got a little thumb jolt but then tightened my hold somewhat.

* loading the paltry 7 shot clip was difficult and time consuming. The spring was very strong and fought against me. The single stack magazine is not to my liking, but it was OK. At least I didn't pinch my thumb in the ramp.

* I fired only one shot without ear protection. The report was sharp and harsh as has been my experience with the smaller calibers. I will NOT repeat this test and always advise shooters to wera ear and I protection. You can always buy other guns but not........(well, you know)

* decocker was easy to use with one hand. Saftey was easy to use as well.

* ammo averaged $11 a box. Not too bad. I do reload rifle but have never tried handgun yet.

All in all, it was a FUN afternoon. Now I'll look forward to getting to a shooting bench and see how close I can really shoot. At this point all I can say is that I like the looks of the gun, it seems reliable (so far) and shoots where you point. It will be easy to conceal and carry.

Eventually (soon I hope) I'll be looking to compliment it with a top of the line 9or .45 caliber semi auto. Maybe then some of you guys can help me pick out a nice pistol.

Until then, thanks for reading this report from a first time .380 shooter.

 

[1 old 0311]

I have both a PPK/S, and a Guardian in .380. Both are flawless. The Bersa is the ONLY other .380 I would trust for defense. Try the S&B .380 from Natshezss.com. It is about $7.00 per box. Both my .380's eat it up, but they do have hard primers and ALL pistols don't like them. If you make it through a box you are good to go. If you get light strikes I understand Bersa will fix it.

Kevin

 

[wally]

Took the Bersa .380 Thunder out for its first field test. Here are my observations. I have NEVER fired a pistol, except .22's, this small before.

* take down, cleaning, and reassembly was as simple as I have ever experienced with a pistol.

With the possible exception of the Beretta Neos just about every .22 autoloader is a PITA to takedown and re-assemble for cleaning making just about any otehr auto a piece of cake by comparison. Unfortunately, the Neos comes apart leaving springs under tension ready to cause damage should you mess up.

The Bersa's a nice little gun, but I don't like DA/SA guns so I've never got one. To each his own.

--wally.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Welcome to world or Bersa. You have one more thing to do come here and join.
http://bersatalk.com

 

[MCgunner]

If I got another .380, it'd be a P3-AT Kel Tec. But, the Bersa sure is loved by those who own the gun, not a negative word. I'm sorta wanting a Bersa in .22, but that's just what I need, another .22 autoloader. LOL! Looks like a useful, well built gun, though.

The ONLY complaint I have about it is that after the first complete strip down the grips start to loosen up after the first few mags at the range. I am sure I just need to get some sort of locking gel so to speak, but all in all it is a great pistol!!

Blue loctite is your friend.

 

[myusername]

I have not shot mine yet but I have been working the decock lever. I'm hoping it will get a little looser. Mine is pretty hard to work with just the thumb. I think it is because there is not much ledge to push on. When I compare it to other decockers it is much harder.

I need to take it out and shoot it to at least make sure it works.

 

[ChuckB]

MCgunner- unfortunately, there are plenty of negative words about the Thunder .380, including mine. After two trips to an authorized repair shop, it still wasn't near dependable. I liked it a lot, and still miss it now. Most seem to be great, but a few appear to be, well, lemons.

airborne- try blue Lok-tite. You're right- those grip panels do get loose, but the blue stuff works.

Chuck

 

[usp9]

MCgunner, ChuckB said it. Not all folks are happy with Bersa. I'm glad there are satisfied customers, but don't count me as one of them.

 

[sugar2xs]

I have a Bersa Thunder .380. I carry it for personal defense, I love this gun and have never had any problems at all with it. I talked one of my girlfriends into firing mine and she went and bought herself one. I am fortunate, my hubby cleans mine for me but she cleans hers all on her own. It's a great gun for women to carry. I am sorry to hear that some people had trouble with theirs! It really is a good gun especially for the reasonable price. I know a lot of people that have them and have never had any problems. It's like buying a car though sometimes you just get a bad one.

 

[rgs1975]

.380 is a great pistol caliber. Great for everything from plinking cans on the weekend to excellent concealed sef defense. I've no experience with the Bersa but I can tell you the Sig P232, in my opinion, is the finest .380 on the market.

 

[Pilot]

the Sig P232, in my opinion, is the finest .380 on the market.

In this size range I prefer the Beretta 84/85 series to the Sig. A Makarov is another great choice, but I like the 9x18 cartridge in the Mak over the .380.

 

[usp9]

rgs1975, you're correct, sort of...

Pilot, Meet rhs1975, your great minds think alike. I've used all three of the weapons, a Bersa Thunder380, the Sig230 and the Beretta 84 or 85, (I own both). Personally I rate the Sig and the Beretta equally. Both are first rate, duty quality arms. Both I would rate as the best with one caviat. The one .380 I've never had the pleasure to fire could possibly be THE best .380...and that is the Sphinx AT380.

I'm glad the Bersa fans enjoy their guns. Aren't we all lucky to have such a wide choice, and the freedom to discuss our preferences. Let's remember to thank a soldier for that feedom.

 

[MCgunner]

Well, I guess every factory cranks out a lemon now and then, after all.

I've got one .380, a Grendel P12, and I'm probably the only one in the country that got a good one by all the comments I get on it. I don't carry it much, just when I need to for concealment reasons. My 9mm is almost as compact. I like the P3-AT for the size. It's tiny and fits about any concealment need. I'm really not in the .380 market, though, got what I need for carry. I really prefer 9mm or .38 special +Ps for loads. .380 is pretty marginal. But, that's my personal opinion. Lots of folks trust the .32, even .22s and .25s, but I WILL argue against anything that starts with a 2.

 

[Pilot]

Pilot, Meet rhs1975, your great minds think alike. I've used all three of the weapons, a Bersa Thunder380, the Sig230 and the Beretta 84 or 85, (I own both). Personally I rate the Sig and the Beretta equally.

Well thanks, but as you infer its mostly a personal preference. The Sig 230/232 is an excellent .380 and my wife almost bought one with encouragement from me, but got a revolver instead. The Beretta fits my hand better and doesn't give me slide bite. I agree with your assessment.