Range Report: Bersa "Thunder" .380 ACP Duo-Tone...

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Thank you Mr. Camp for putting this into words far better than I can. I've been saying since I purchased my Bersa (satin nickle finish) that I believe it to be one of the best values on the market today. I got mine used for $175 and so far have approximately 2000 rounds through it with zero failures and no signs of wear at all.
 
Steve - More excellence! I've just forwarded to lady friend in Austin - and a couple of others. Will PM ya about lunch when a little more known here. ' Thinking maybe Thursday? Again, great write-up! :D
 
Stephen,
I hate to just repeat what everybody else said, but.....
Awesome dude!

I don't even "need" a .380, but now you've got me wanting a Bersa! :banghead:

I've gotten my daughter a bobbed hammer Taurus .38 that she likes, but I wonder what she would think of a Bersa?
 
Thanks for the informative report

It sure is a good looking little gun isn't it?

I noticed some vertical stringing on the 90 gr CorBon JHP; I had similar results shooting CorBon's 115 gr JHP in 9mm out of my Kel-Tec P11. Don't know what causes that but if you're shooting at a human target, you're going to hit something anyway!

I haven't examined one of the Bersas up close; are they as quality looking up-close as in the pics?

Thanks again......
 
very nice, i too am interested in what people have to say about the less well known .22lr version.

what are the differences between the "Bersa" model and the "Firestorm" model? it looks like just a classic rounded rather than curved trigger gaurd (better for looks, and holster compatability) but i don't really know.
 
Hello. Yes, they look as nice as the photos show.

The vertical stringing in the DA/SA target was due to my having some problems with the transition from DA to SA at speed.

Best.
 
Stephen, is there any pistol that you do not shoot well? Great report as usual. Thanks! Which do you like over all, The maks.cz-83 or the Bersa. Just curious about which one you would walk out the door withright now if you had to.
 
Hello. First, thanks for the kind words. Yes, there are pistols and revolvers I have trouble with and they are ....ALL of them. Some days I cannot shoot as well as I'd like. I'm right on the edge of having to have my glasses changed again and on some days, I just flat cannot get a sharp focus on the front sight. Some days I cannot get mind mind in gear. On those days, I pack it up and go to the house rather than ingrain bad habits...or just do the chronograph stuff.

If I "had to walk out the door right now" in a fight, I'd go with a .45 automatic...(or a Browning 9mm HP) if required to use a handgun. Just kidding, I'll answer.

If I left the house with the pistol concealed in a pocket holster, I'd go with the Bersa, no question. Were I wearing it on a belt and could use my Bulgarian Mak as it has Novak sights, I'd probably take it, although the Bersa would be OK. I have no problem with the folks who carry Maks concealed via belt holsters, but to me, it's just as easy to tote a Gov't Model or Hi Power if wearing a belt gun and jacket.

Folks should understand that if I wind up liking a pistol that fills the same "tactical niche" as another, ie: Mak vs. Bersa, it does not mean that the other is "bad" or "less good;" just means that I've found another one I like.

In a pure "torture test," I suspect the Makarov would win in sheer numbers of rounds fired before the gun suffered a catastrophic parts failure. This is not because of any inherent design weakness I can find (so far) in the Bersa, but because the Mak is built like a tank and all steel.

Were I giving one of these two to my wife, it would be the Bersa.
It fits her a bit better and on my particular pistol, the DA trigger pull is lighter (if a bit longer) than either my Bulgarian or E. German Mak.

Best.
 
Thank you sir,

Excellent review. Though never having owned a Bersa, I have heard nothing but good things about them over the years.

And I love the two-tone look.

Joe
 
As always, another great, informative report.

You've done it again, Esteban. You just keep churning out this objective, well-written, and useful information. Your tests are always of tremendous value, and I have yet to read one that doesn't increase my knowledge in one way or another, even when you cover a model with which I am quite experienced.

In this particular instance, though, you've given me some very valuable insight on a pistol about which I knew exactly nothing. I've seen a couple of Bersas at the range, but never shot one. I guess I have to confess a certain, uh, disdain for some guns, and you've expanded my consciousness today.

The Bersa appears to be more or less the size of a PP or PPK/S - -Is this correct? Anyhow, I will now move this pistol onto my list to recommend to those seeking input on a handgun purchase.

Best,
Johnny
 
Hello, Johnny, and thanks for the kind words. I like the Bersa, which is similar in size to a Walther PP better and I own both. The ONE example I've tried feeds anything and the sights are dialed in pretty close from the factory. The only question I still have is its long-term durability. As it's not an ultra small gun and the .380 is low-pressure, I suspect it's OK, but don't know that for sure and will wag it along just to get the round count up as I shoot other guns in future days and will report back at about 1500 rnds.......or if there's a problem.

Thanks again, sir.

Best.
 
Does anybody know if there is any signifigant difference between the bersa and the firestorm? I saw a nicely priced firestorm the other day and was considering it. Both are made by the same company, right?
 
Hello. The Bersa is made in Argentina and the other pistol is made by Llama* in Spain........I think.

Best.

*I'm not sure exactly how the deal goes, but I seem to recall that Llama and Star are now combined in one operation.
 
Chaim

I should start writing down the prices at On Target.

I hope your collection continues to grow, there are very few guns I shoot as accurately as that .45 Charles Daly of yours.

Newton (aka Mike)

PS - I hope you picked up that Winchester 9mm from Bass Pro at Arundel Mills for $3.88 a box, I got 2 cases for $80 or so, incredible value.
 
excellent review

I've been looking into buying a pistol in this size and caliber range for a while. After each of your reviews I think I have my mind made up then the next one comes along. Are you planning any more reviews in the near future of this type of firearm?

Also, what is the status of your book on the HP? I can't wait to get a copy.

You are head and antlers above the rest!
-bevr
 
Hello, sir. I'll probably wind up the .380 reports with the Walther PP. The Hi Power book is already being sold. Contact me via email for details.

Thanks and best.
 
Hello. I prefer the Bersa as it has better sights and just "feels" better. The finish is better as well. That said, my FEG PMK .380 has been reliable with all but Corbon 90-grain JHP.

Best.
 
Hello, and thank you. I just finished an article on my first Hi Power that will go on my site, which is still under construction, but should be up in a day or two. Right now, it won't have a forum, but hopefully will have some interesting information.

Thanks again and I'm glad you liked the post.

Best.
 
Excellent report! I just picked up 100rds of Corbon for my 383-A for testing, and carry use.
 
Question: Have you found any holsters that do work well with this gun, particularly IWB? My wife is considering one for a carry gun, and does like a small gun in an IWB, so holster selection would be important.
 
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