Perhaps not much use to you, but here in the Philippines, a Colt Mustang Pocketlite
in very good condition with a single 6-round mag fetches roughly US$640.
A brand new BERSA Thunder 380 in nickel finish with two 9-round mags
costs about US$270
Colt Mustang Pocketlite: 14 oz. light, 3.9" high, 5.5" long, 1" thick, 6 round mag
BERSA Thunder 380: 20 oz. light, 4.7" high, 6.6" long, 1.3" thick, 7-9 round mag
I found the longer-barrel Thunder more accurate when rested, but in real life use, I guess it matters little. The Thunder 380 was easier to shoot fast for me. A Pocketlite would easily beat the Bersa Thunder 380 in terms of carry-bility (size, weight). Superior reliability probably goes to the Thunder 380: I had one FTF in 18 rounds of factory (Fiocchi FMJ) through the Pocketlite, although 18 rounds is far too small a sample to be making assumptions off of, right? Again with factory ammo, I believe I'm only 1 (with a Hornady XTP) out of 880+ through the BERSA thus far.
With the Pocketlite: you'd be getting a real classic. You can get a BERSA Thunder 380 virtually anytime these days, but finding a good Pocketlite might not be something you can count on 24/365, unless those perennial rumors 'bout Colt's cranking them out again by the bazillions finally ring true.
BERSA is coming out with new Thunder 380 'Concealed Carry' model this December, weighing 16.8 oz. with a shorter 3.2" barrel (still not as short as the Pocketlite's).
hth
horge
