Probably going to buy a .40 handgun today...need advice!!

[saturno_v]

I'm the happy owner of a Tanfoglio Witness 10 mm Auto pistol but today I may buy an other handgun in the more popular .40 S&W .

My choice at the moment would be a used Beretta 96 in very good shape for $455 (I think I have a good chance to drop the price to 400) or a brand new Bersa Thunder 40 for 330 + tax (a total just shy of $360)
They both come with only one mag.

I want an external hammer double/single action pistol

The Beretta has a ban magazine max 10 rounds however even with a post ban magazine the max capacity with a flush mag is 11 rounds.

The Bersa holds 13 in the mag

They have both ambidx safety, firing pin lock and decocker

They are both full size, the Bersa has a 4.3 barrel versus the Beretta that has a 5 inch barrel.
The Thunder is basically a clone of the Walther P-88.

I like aestetically both.....I have a bit of soft spot for the Beretta because it was my side arm (in 9 mm) during my service time

I would use them for home defense and sometimes carry..I think the Bersa is a bit more compact overall.

What do you sugggest??? How is the quality of the Bersa products???

Thanks


BERSA THUNDER 40

BERETTA 96

 

[Nomad101bc]

Do the right thing get the berreta. Its longer barrel is going to be more accurate and send rounds down range at higher FPS. Berettas are also famous for accuracy. The 96/92fs series are supposed to be much better quality than the M9 you would have been issued.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The Beretta will outshoot and outlast the Bersa. Much higher quality. That's why the Beretta was $650 new.

 

[saturno_v]

My side arm was a 92..I was in the Italian Army!!

 

[michiganfan]

Never had a Bersa but you can not go wrong with the Beretta.

 

[camper]

Take a look at the FNP40 as well.

 

[leadcounsel]

If you like the Tangfolio then get the original CZ in a .40 caliber.

 

[ZeSpectre]

If you like the Tangfolio then get the original CZ in a .40 caliber.

That was going to be my suggestion as well. The CZ-75b in .40 is an astoundingly accurate pistol. Probably the most accurate semi-auto I own.





But if you aren't going that route I'd probably go with the Beretta.

 

[-v-]

Since you have a Witness, why not just get a .40 upper from EAA and spend a total of $250 for the upper + 2 14rnd magazines?

 

[Texastbird]

I thought you could just change barrels out on the 10MM and have a 40 pretty cheaply.

 

[Hokkmike]

I have both brands. Both are great. If money is a real issue get the Bersa. If not go Beretta.

 

[Treo]

Of the two choices I'd go W/ the Beretta . Of all .40s I'd say get a CZ75B

Whatever you decide please post pics

 

[-v-]

Good point on the barrel, a Match .40 barrel for an EEA is $150 and is a drop-in fit for a 10mm.