New buy..

[gt3944]

Well guys I went to the gun show today and purchased a Bersa thunder 380. Any comments on this gun??and also wanted to know if anyone has ever used POW'R'BALL ammo, I purchased some today and am interested in comments on that too. Oh yeah, what do you guys think about Makarovs, are they pretty reliable, or are they junk???

 

[Bob F.]

Makarovs are TOTALLY reliable!!!!!!!!! Very underrated pistols although prices are going up while availability is going down. Sold an East German Mak (considered cream of the crop) to buy a .357Blackhawk. Ought to have my butt kicked.

SWMBO & I stopped by Gunshop for something or the other, my idea. She handled a Mak, East German also, and plunked down $200. It's now her everyday carry piece, replacing an SP-101, bobbed hammer.

The Maks are surprising (or not) accurate, also: the old fixed barrel trick.

Mine (and her's) liked Hornady and Blazers. Will shoot the crappy lacquered Russian stuff all day long. Mak has 27 parts IIRC. Check out makarov.com

Stay safe.
Bob

 

[gt3944]

Well they had a very nice looking makarov 9mm at the show today and am thinking about going back to buy it, they are asking 160.00 for it. Will it take the 9mm parabellum and what do you think about the price??

 

[bpisler]

Makarov's are chambered in 9X18,some
are chambered in 380acp,also known
as the 9X17 and 9mm Kurtz

 

[rangerruck]

i like all the features of the bersas, problem is , they have virtually no support, and mags are big bucks.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I really like my Bersa - just the right size and it feels good in my hand. Most people report they are reliable, well made weapons.

My Bersa feeds HP ammo just fine....I really dont think Pow'R'Ball is as great as the claims are.

 

[ACORN]

Well they had a very nice looking makarov 9mm at the show today and am thinking about going back to buy it, they are asking 160.00 for it. Will it take the 9mm parabellum and what do you think about the price??

No the Makarov's will not shoot 9mm Luger or Parabellum. It's either going to be in .380 ACP or 9X18 Makarov. The Makarov round being a little more powerful albeit a little harder to find.
I think $160.00 is a fair price if it is in good condition. I'd have seriously considered it for that price.
Do you know where it was made?
A word of caution; don't be mislead into thinking that the Polish and Hungarian made pistols are true Makarovs. They only are chamered for the 9X18 round. They are not true Makarovs. Parts won't interchange.
IIRC the only countries that made Makarovs (true Makarovs) were East Germany, Russia, Bulgaria, and China.

 

[candr44]

I have a Bulgarian Makarov and it has been totally reliable and I paid $180 for it. I don't have a Bersa Thunder .380 but I have a Bersa .45 compact. It has been totally reliable also. I shoot my Bersa a lot and it refuses to jam. Bersa makes a good gun but I don't understand why they don't get more after market support.

Another gun you might want to look at is the CZ82 in 9x18 Makarov or the
CZ83 in.380

 

[lee n. field]

. Oh yeah, what do you guys think about Makarovs, are they pretty reliable, or are they junk???

Reliable.

Well they had a very nice looking makarov 9mm at the show today and am thinking about going back to buy it, they are asking 160.00 for it. Will it take the 9mm parabellum and what do you think about the price??

OK price. I hear tell that prices are going up. Over the years I've paid anything from a low of $99 to a high of $170.

9mm parabellum -- NO! They're made for 9x18, aka 9mm Makarov.

Other posters have covered it pretty well, and I'd recommend reading through the Makarov.com website.

 

[robctwo]

I have and like the Bersa .380. I carry it on occaision. Pretty accurate and very reliable. Not the best range gun. Blow back design gives a good pop.