Old Bersa Thunder = Lots of Fun!

[WoodchuckAssassin]

After scrounging around for the last couple of weeks, I finally decided on the Bersa Thunder .380....but there's a few things that set it apart from what most people would consider a "regular" Bersa.

For one, there's NO ugly, unnecessary, unwanted side lock. I'm sure it makes the lawyers happy, but it's a major turnoff for me.

Two, the slide and frame are ALL steel - no aluminum in sight. It might make it lighter, but steel-on-hand is something light alloys will never touch.

The 3rd thing is the trigger pull. Both the DA and SA are very smooth, and much more consistent than the newer Bersas. I wouldn't call them "crisp" but that's not really the point of this gun. I'd compare the trigger pull to something close to a Kahr DA pull. The bersa is a touch heavier, but the sensation is the same.

The 4th thing isn't unique to the older Bersas (at least from what I've read), and it's this gun's accuracy. It is VERY accurate. The heavier steel frame makes followup shots a piece of cake, and the gun is a natural pointer. Not sure if that would be true for everyone, but it points well for me. I also have smaller hands, so it feels very natural in my hand. My friend with much larger hands didn't find it as comfortable.

It's no Walther PPK, but for $250 OTD, I could almost buy THREE of these for the price of one PPK. I'm happy with the Bersa.

 

[bikerdoc]

Have had one for over 10 years. I agree, well made, accurate and fun.

 

[spazzymcgee]

The old model Bersa .380s are a real steal at the price. I've always found them quite underrated, and of high quality.

 

[WardenWolf]

Not bad. Good to hear they didn't use to have such awful triggers. I considered a Bersa for concealed carry, but given that I'd already decided a Makarov (which is actually a tiny bit smaller) was too big, I ruled it out and got a Polish P-64 instead. You can see how they're the exact same size here: http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/MakarovBersa_files/image002.jpg

I compared my Polish P-64 (basically a PPK) side by side with a newer Bersa. For all the rap the P-64 gets about its trigger, mine with a lighter hammer spring was excellent compared to the Bersa. The Bersa was long and heavy and didn't break until I'd pulled so far I started to lose leverage.

 

[JimKirk]

My Wife has a Bersa ... and I hate to be the one on the "other" end ... that thing is scary accurate!

 

[MICHAEL T]

http://bersachat.com Bersa home on the net

 

[alexcue]

I've got one... or should I say had one. The GF took it over, may have to get another one. I'm a sucker for .380, and other than a bum stock magazine, this thing is rock solid. And you are right, up close and personal? this thing is pretty darn accurate.

 

[Scarpia]

Exactly which "old" model are you referring to??? I have the 1980's vintage model 85 which is all steel, 13+1, as you described. They also had the M83 single stack 380. The M85 evolved into the current Thunder 380 series. Yes, the "older" Bersa 380's are terrific guns and bargains. They don't last long on GB if they ever show up.

 

[Wil Terry]

The BERSA pistols are easily the most underrated pistols imported into the USA. Had seven, still have four, ALL are excellent, but the BERSA 23 22LR will pick off blackbirds out to thirty five yards, has 19,265 rounds through it as we speak; it has never EVER malfed once... not once !
And so it goes...

 

[kokapelli]

I will take the Bersa trigger over all of the Walther DA/SA style 380 pistols.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Sorry, but I don't trust Bersa.

Bought one new about six months ago, fired it 60 times at the range and... the slide stop sheared off in the frame and completely locked up the gun. After disassembly it appears that Bersa manufactures this rather critical part out of pot metal, very porous and rough looking stuff. I had the gun fixed under warranty and promptly sold it.

I get it. Some people have a ton of success with them. But life's too short to shoot junk guns, and that's exactly what that little Bersa was. I could have easily been killed if it failed out on the street and I needed it to safe my life or others, and only after 60 rounds of firing quality factory ammo. My confidence in the gun and company plummeted.

I'll stick to some better made options, like a Glock 42.

 

[MaterDei]

Don't know about the old one but if it is better than the new one than I would definitely like it. I agree with what others have said, except Cooldill, about the Thunder. Great value, super trigger, very accurate and great ergos.

Cooldill, a pity you got a bad part in your Thunder. Happens with all manufacturers from time to time. However, comparing the Thunder to a G42 is apples and oranges. Other than caliber the guns are VERY different. The Thunder is not polymer, has a very good reputation for reliability, costs ~half the price of the Glock, is hammer fired, is SA/DA with double strike capability, etc.

While Glocks generally have a great reputition, the G42 has a very spotty reliability reputation. I realize you have had a bad experience but the Thunder has a very good reputation for reliability.

 

[WoodchuckAssassin]

Mine is a single stack, 7 round mag.

The new Bersas do feel a little, well...kind of "toyish", especially the trigger. The one I stumbled upon feels as solid as my 1911.

 

[Scarpia]

Mine is a single stack, 7 round mag.

So I assume it's an 83 or 383...

 

[MedWheeler]

I'll stick to some better made options, like a Glock 42.

I wonder if anyone, anywhere, has had a failure with the 42, and subsequently swore them off.

I was amazed with my secondhand Bersa (Thunder series) the first time I had it out. I could not get it to malfunction, even with mixed-in-the-mags differing loads from different makers, with different bullet profiles. Still haven't.