New CCW Purchase - Range Report

[Dean1818]

After a few months of looking at different CCW options, I finally settled in on a relative unknown choice (at least in 40 cal) of a Bersa 40 Ultra Compact

My criteria for a CCW was the following

1) SA/DA Action
2) $500 Max
3) Light and small as possible
4) 40 cal

I looked at the P239, but the $600-700 price range was a bit too high
(I have a SIG226 in 40 that I love)

After looking at the few reviews, the feedback was very positive.
I was able to handle one in a gunshop and liked the feel.

I bought the Bersa and today I shot it for the first time.

A few comments:

Pros

1) Accurate
2) Solid, well balanced feel
3) Comfortable Grip
4) Easy to use controls
5) Price was excellent at $355 shipped
6) All metal construction
7) Small enough to CC
8) 100% reliable (so far) No FTE FTF about 200 rounds so far

Cons

1) Finish not as good as it should be
2) The kick is a bit snappier than I thought it should be

I think its a great deal for someone who wants a rugged inexpensive
CCW weapon

Not quite a Sig, but worth the money

 

[harmon rabb]

Uh, it's a compact 40. It's going to be snappy

 

[ultradoc]

nice looking gun

 

[Dean1818]

The recoil and the finish was the only things I could find wrong with it.....
(looking for an "even" mini review)

I will probably look for some stiffer recoil springs

 

[BP Hunter]

Congratulations. Practice with it frequently, know your gun, master it and it will serve you well. Many of have too many carries, and I feel we should just have one for summer and one for winter, or better yet just one for both seasons. I have the Ruger LCR for summer and my Glock 36 for winter.

 

[Dean1818]

Still waiting on my CCW license and my supertuck

If its comfortable, I will wear year around

If not..... will probably go with a keltec PF-9 for summer

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

6) All metal construction

Is the frame steel or aluminum?

8) 100% reliable (so far) No FTE FTF about 200 rounds so far

100% functioning out of the box? I've paid half again to nearly three times as much for guns that wouldn't fire two consecutive shots.

I will probably look for some stiffer recoil springs

Why mess with a good thing?

 

[Dean1818]

It is some type of metal alloy

The pistol has 2 recoil springs already, but has a bit more snap that my wife likes


I looked at many reviews for many type of pistols, but things that seems very consistent with these pistols are accuracy and 100% reliable

Its not a SIG by any means, but to me, for all things considered, it was a good choice

 

[bannockburn]

Dean1818

I think the frame is made from an aluminum alloy. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the design of the Bersa was derived from the Walther P88, so you do have some high-end pedigree there. For your price point (under $500), I think you did just fine. And yes, the finish isn't as nice as some other more expensive guns, but for a CCW what matters the most (at least to me), is reliability, durability, concealability, and accuracy. If you've got a gun that delivers on those four things, its cosmetic appearance really isn't all that important when compared to its tactical application. Buy ammo (or reloading equipment), with the money you saved and practice as much and as often as you can.

 

[Phil W]

Bought the same handgun 3 days ago...except a 9mm in bi-tone. I was leary about a 40 S&W on a 9 frame. Going to use it for a summer carry. It wasn't that easy to find around here. I like the 13 round mags and the decock. 250 flawless rounds so far. Comes in a cardboard box and the barrel looks like it was carved by a caveman (no offense to anyone), but it seems to be a rugged reliable piece. I passed on the XD, M&P and Ruger for this. Can't beat the price. It may become my favorite......

 

[Dean1818]

maybe I should have just settled on the nine, but I wanted to only stock one caliber (40)

I just recieved my supertuck and it fits fine.

I may have to go up one size in pants though...... (matbe a diet?) LOL


I may see what the fine folks at Bersa will do on the finish
(I bet not) I might just strip and park it if they dont.

I also will probably do something with the front sight to make it brighter
(I had trouble picking up the middle dot in a not so bright shooting lane)

May try some glow in the dark paint

Either way, I am happy with the gun

 

[MedWheeler]

I didn't know Bersa made a forty-cal. Looks nice. I've had my Thunder .380 for a couple of years and have loved it. However, I ran into a PF-9 earlier this year that ended up stepping into EDC duty most of the time.

 

[Dean1818]

I hear good things about the PF-9

The instructor for the CCW class I took has one and likes it much.


I was actually thinking of one of those for jogging.
(The Bersa, when loaded, is a bit heavy for jogging)

 

[harmon rabb]

I hear good things about the PF-9

the problem with the pf-9 is that the taurus pt709 exists and isn't that much more expensive. same size, much better trigger, soaks up recoil much better. i used to own both and have shot them side by side, and that's what my opinion is based upon. i now only own the pt709.

nothing wrong with the pf-9, but there is now a better option.

 

[Olympus]

Uh, it's a compact 40. It's going to be snappy

Yeah, what he said!

 

[Damon555]

Uh, it's a compact 40. It's going to be snappy

Yup, that's why I don't own a 40 anymore. Not very fun to shoot in my opinion.

That coming from a guy who doesn't mind shooting full power .357 loads out of a revolver. Snappy recoil in an auto is a whole different ball game for me.

 

[Dean1818]

I actually love the 40 in my 226

I will learn to live with the 40 on this one.....