Norinco Makarov versus Bersa Thunder 380

[Overclocker]

Newbie here It's gonna be my first gun.... I need your opinions on which is better, the Norinco Model 59 Makarov or the Bersa Thunder 380.

I've been reading the previous threads... The Bersa and Makarovs IN GENERAL seem to get everyone's approval, but the "Made in China" Norinco Makarov didn't seem to get much reviews here... Are they good/bad???

 

[denfoote]

Pistolet Makarova, Comrade!!!
If it's good enough for the PLA, then it ought to be good enough for you!!

 

[Pilot]

Chinese Maks are becoming collector items as so few were imported before the ban. You will usually pay a premium for them over the more common Bulgarian. Quality of the Chinese Maks is good, so no worries there. If your getting the Chinese Mak for under $200, then go for it. If not and you just want a nice carry gun, look for a Bulgarian.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Another vote for the Mak.

 

[horge]

Norinco 'Mak'? I know this is the autoloader pistol forum, but
let's be careful to avoid any confusion with the Norinco Mak rifle

As for the Makarov knock-off by China State Industries...
I handled one (a Norinco M.59) at the last gunshow here, and the fit/finish seemed on a par with some FEG's. Didn't get to check the internals, and certainly don;t know how easily/accurately it shoots.

Likely tougher steel than the Bersa.

 

[rde]

Mak collectors will (in some areas) run over top of you to get to the Norinco Mak if it is selling for at or below $200 and is in good shape. I have seen collectors trying to fill a hole in their collection pay over $300 for a Chinese Mak. If you can work the deal so that you pay at or below $200 for the Chinese Mak you will first...get a very good handgun. And second...if it doesn't work out for you then you have a pretty good investment. I don't see how you could lose money on a Chinese Mak that is in good shape unless you pay over $300 (then you may break even).

In my humble opinion you may be in a win win situation where you can buy the Chinese Mak, try it out...if you don't like it...sell it easy (no loss of $)..then try the Bersa. (Like many..though..you will probably end up with both).

Chinese Maks are not easy to locate in many areas where the Bersa's are.

 

[Zundfolge]

The Chinese Makarovs are probably among the most valuable as collectors, but are probably the worst made ones of the bunch ... ifn' I was you I'd keep that Norinco 59 in pristine condition in the box and get yourself a Bulgarian for EDC.

But as for the Makarov vs Bersa thing in general, I can't speak for the Bersa (although I hear its a fine gun) but I love my Makarov and carried it for quite some time (I carry a Steyr S40 now because I wanted more power).

 

[MICHAEL T]

Get the Bersa now! Why because everyone will have one There that good for the money. As for my self, I will not own or use a com weapon None of those countries are our friends

 

[The_Shootist]

A Vote For The Bersa!

I place my vote for the Bersa Thunder .380. Mind you, I'm biased as it happens to be my most recent purchase.

The price was right - $ 217 and I liked the look of the black matte finish. Its size and profile makes it an easy IWB CCW ( I think its too big for a pocket pistol) and you can buy .380 ammo (either quality CCW rounds or FMJ plinking stuff) pretty well anywhere and the price won't gouge you.

Consensus seems to be that .380 is at the light end of the spectrum for a self-defense round. But with sufficient practice and a quality JHP, I'm comfortable it probably will do as well as anything except for maybe the worst doomsday scenarios (multiple determined attackers). For that only a rifle would likley do anyway.

After 500 rounds mine has fed EVERYTHING - from reloads, to Co-Bon to
Golden Sabres to Win-White box practice . NO problems at all. As an added bonus, its a VERY easy strip/clean/re-assemble.

Funny how longer I go with a CCW and range shooting in general the last point becomes important to me

 

[kokapelli]

Another vote for the Bersa.

I had two Maks and sold one in order to get a second Bersa.

Bersa has better sights, less felt recoil and is lighter than the Mak.

 

[GrandmasterB]

Stephen Camp did an excellent comparison and range report on both of these.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/MakarovBersa.htm

 

[RichardW]

Yes that is an excellent comparison review.

I have owned both (still own the Mak). I would say the advantage of the Bersa are the weight and sights.

I like the Mak better for it's steel construction, slightly more powerful round, and historical interest (got a holster straight from Bulgaria).

If you got the Chinese for $200 you could sell it for $300 (I think you could), then get either the Bersa or a Bulgarian Mak and have money in your pocket.