Question for those of you who carry.

[telecaster1981]

I'm looking to get my CC permit soon and I've got my options narrowed down to either a Rossi .357 snub (6-shot) or a Bersa Thunder .380. Right now, the .357 has the edge in my mind, but I'm back in forth so much I can't really decide! I guess what I'm asking is do any of you see any reason either of them can't be carried well concealed in regular summer clothing? Any thoughts on the subject of carrying either of these two weapons are welcome and I thank you in advance!

Ben

 

[KevininPa]

I think the Bersa would be lighter due to its aluminum frame. It would also be slimmer. I find the Bersa comfortable to carry since it's not a large package. Don't know anything about the Rossi, but since you say it's a six shot, I'd have to imagine it's larger and heavier than your average snubbie.


Kevin in Pa

 

[telecaster1981]

If I'm not mistaken, I think the .357 only weighs a couple more ounces than the Bersa. I'm not sure about how thick the Rossi is though. A Colt Detective Special is 1.35" thick or so...perhaps the Rossi is similar?

 

[OpFlash]

Bersa has a relatively new model of the Thunder .380 out called the Concealed Carry, it's been out about a year. Its significantly shorter, thinner and lighter than the normal Thunder and has all the edges smoothed, bobbed hammer, shortened beavertail, etc. but holds one more round (8+1) than the regular model. My local shop has it for $255. The only thing I didn't like was that they severely minimized the sights, which I didn't think were that obtrusive on the regular model.



OVERALL LENGTH: 6"
HEIGHT: 4.54"
WIDTH: 1.05"
BARREL LENGTH: 3.2"
WEIGHT: 16.4 oz without magazine

http://www.gunblast.com/images/Bersa_380CC/Bersa_380CC.mpg

.

 

[Green Lantern]

What kind of carry are you thinking about? IWB, OWB, pocket?

The (regular) Bersa Thunder .380 is not that fun of a "pocket gun" to carry for me in most of my clothing. Though I think I mostly tried it in jeans - slacks might have worked better. I still think the Bersa is a GREAT gun and plan to hold on to mine for a looong time.

Have never owned a snub, so can't really compare.

I can easily manage my Glock 19 IWB in a "Low Rider" holster in the summer with only a dark, striped polo or button-up shirt covering it, so I think you should be able to manage either one with the right holster and cover garment.

 

[Euclidean]

The Rossi he's talking about, assuming it's the current production model, is like a cut down K frame. It's thick.

If it had to be one of these two... man that's tough. How's it going to be carried?

 

[GotGlock]

Snubbies are hard guns to shoot. I would look into a pocket auto, but bigger then a .380. Look at Kahr, they make a great little auto.

 

[rantingredneck]

Don't feel you have to limit yourself to a .380 or .38 snubby for summer concealed carry. My routine, every day carry in NC is a Ruger P345. Before that it was a P89 or 90. You can conceal a larger gun if you are willing/able to dress around it. That being said I've heard many good things about the Bersa even though I have never personally shot one. Enjoy your search and best of luck to you.

 

[KINGMAX]

For total CCW - (JMOHO) = get a five shot revolver, (38 - 357 ) of some type. I would even prefer one w/ no hammer if putting it into my front pocket.

 

[1BLINDREF]

Any thoughts on the subject of carrying either of these two weapons are welcome and I thank you in advance!

Since you specify these two guns, I'd go with the Rossi. I'd feel more comfortable carrying a .357 or 38spl +Ps then a .380. I'm not familiar with either of the two guns weights, but a good IWB holster should do the trick for the Rossi. Wheel guns are a good choice for CCW. They always go bang when you need them, and they are easier to bring into action in a stressfull situation.

 

[Ala Dan]

Take your pick~! The Bersa will be lighter in weight, hold more rounds, be
easier to conceal, etc; but the Rossi will "pack a punch" with .357 magnums~!

 

[DAdams]

Bersa Bt 380

BERSA BT 380 was my first auto. Very reliable, easy to shoot, and great value. I still have it and use it as my "truck gun". I often put it in a holster and carry it in my business backpack. I have an extended magazine that allows 9+1.
It didn't turn out to be a good pocket carry gun. Too heavy at 24 ounces.
The ergonomics on the BERSA 380 CC weren't right for me.
My brother-in-law liked the BERSA BT 380 better than his Walther.



It wasn't a fussy eater either. Any .380 round would run through it. over 600 rounds and not one malfunction.

Having said that I now pocket carry either a S&W 642 .38 +P or a recently purchased M&P 340 both are J Frame snub nosed revolvers.

 

[DawgFvr]

The auto thing is ok...it's ok until you have your first malfunction requiring a bit more than immediate action. Save yourslef the time and money...go out and get a Ruger SP101 and a good belt and OWB holster.

 

[Dienekes]

Small autos are inherently crankier than small revolvers. I also don't much care for offshore made guns (some exceptions, but not many). And then there's the KISS principle which matters a great deal.

I carried a 4" .357 Ruger Security/Service Six plainclothes for many years and it is still my primary CCW piece. If there had been a better gun for the purpose I would have used it (and I did experiment around a lot). Depending on whether an outer garment is practical, a well holstered 4" works fine. 100% reliable, lots of power, easier to hit with.

If going smaller I like the J frame S&Ws. As it happens my "always" piece is a 442. The little 3" FL M60 is awfully nice. Mine is a very smooth .38 Spl but it and the other Js are now available in .357 if you feel the need.

Heck, I even feel okay with a smooth old Model 10 as long as I stoke it with FBI loads.

Less is sometimes more.

 

[chris in va]

I see one potential problem with the Bersa. A safety. I don't like safeties whatsoever on my carry guns. That's just me though and there are plenty of people out there that have mentally trained themselves to flick the thing off before shooting.

I carry either a P11 for pocket duty, a 3" SP101 for IWB or my Sig 220 with Blackhawk OWB during the winter.

Hey, here's a test. Making SURE the gun is unloaded (and double check) keep the gun with safety on in your holster all day at home. Have a friend (or alarm clock) make some sort of noise when you least expect it, draw and dry fire at a wall AWAY from living creatures within 2 seconds. See if you flick that safety off without thinking.