Ruger LCRx 3" 38spl vs Bersa Thunder 380

[Gerolf]

I have decided between these two as my first handgun. I am not interested in anything else at the moment as both of these fit my price range and have excellent reviews. I'm aware of the differences between the 38 vs the 380, and that will not be a factor I will be considering when purchasing because I have done enough research to know the pros and cons of both, and feel I would be able to work with either. I'm not looking for a gun that fits just one purpose and I feel either of these would fit multiple uses and I plan on getting both, but my question is which do any of you think I should get first? This will be my first handgun. I'm familiar with rifles and shotguns but have never owned or handled a handgun. I'm intending on using it as a home defense pistol that can be used for a bit of everything, including target shooting, sidearm while hunting or walking on a trail, carrying it in a vehicle and maybe some open/conceal carry but that is the least likely of what I'd be doing with these.

 

[Phaedrus/69]

Welcome to THR! Both are good guns but I would go with the LCRx 3". Great gun! The trigger is good and it's easy to shoot especially with light loads. It's a little more versatile than the .380 auto, especially if you only have one gun.

 

[Gerolf]

That's what I was thinking, too. I've seen that there's a lot more types of 38 rounds than 380 in many cases. I've also heard that a revolver is easier for beginners to learn and get used to. Also thank you, I'm happy to be here!

 

[CZ9shooter]

I'd say LCR as well. I have owned the Bersa. It's alright, nothing special. I do not own an LCRx, but I do own and carry revolvers with similar characteristics. Why? Simple, easy to use, almost fool proof operation. Capacity is somewhat limited, but the 38 is superior to 380 in my opinion. Enough so to offset my capacity concerns.

 

[Tallball]

I would also say LCRx. I feel that my revolvers can do more things than my small autos can.

 

[il.bill]

Of the two choices mentioned, for a first handgun, especially with the expectation of more to eventually follow - get the Ruger LCRx .38 Spl Revolver. No question about it.

 

[bannockburn]

If you're new to handguns and just starting out I would recommend going with a revolver. Somewhat easier to operate along with being able to shoot anything from mild target loads to higher velocity self defense loads.

 

[hannstv]

I own both and like both of them but believe the LCR would make the better "first" handgun. The manual of arms is simpler on the LCR, practice ammo can be found cheaper and there is a greater variety of ammo available for the LCR.

 

[Alte Schule]

I also own both. What's not to like about a 3" revolver that weighs right at 20 ounces when loaded and is rated for +P ammo? I carry a J frame S&W Lightwight in .38 Special 90% of the time so the five shot capacity doesn't bother me. The biggest problem I have had with it is finding a decent holster but I'm pretty particular about holsters, I like thumb straps, but I do have a Mitch Rosen that's OK but pretty $$$ and use it occasionally.
I have had a Bersa Thunder for several years and currently have two. Wife has a two tone model that she carries. To me they are the best bang for the buck in small automatic .380's although I have seen the Ruger LCP is now selling for $50 dollars less than the Bersa. Can't comment on the Ruger as I don't own and have never shot a LCP.
I do recommend the LCRx but if you should go with the Bersa be warned that they require an extensive break in period. A minimum of 200 rounds of ball ammo before going on to other types of loads. I prefer revolvers for EDC but wouldn't hesitate to throw my Bersa in my pocket if I needed to.
https://bersa.eagleimportsinc.com/b...-during-the-break-in-period-for-me-bersa.html

 

[Zendude]

The Bersa is easier to shoot accurately. I have owned one and the DA/SA trigger is better than one would expect for a budget gun. If you're familiar with rifles and shotguns then you should be able to figure out the Bersa fairly quickly. The durability of the Bersa can be an issue compared to the Ruger though. It's hard to beat a revolver for reliability.

 

[MedWheeler]

The Bersa is an impressive value. I've tried hard to get mine to malfunction and can't really do it without getting ridiculous with it. I've had it since 2008, and bought it used, so it might have already been broken in. It makes an excellent gun for self defense, in home and on the street....

That being said, though, I'd go with the revolver were I getting my first handgun, and a 3-inch anything-in-.38 is hard to beat. True, five rounds aren't that many, giving up three to the Bersa, and the gun won't won't conceal as easily. But its ammo-versatility is certainly an advantage that is hard to ignore. For me at least, having been trained far more in revolvers than with autos, I'd find one more fun for disciplined target shooting and plinking than an auto, or at least, the Bersa.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would choose the revolver. I carry one daily.

Be aware, the trigger on a small revolver is a little harder to get used to that on a semi-auto. A set of snap-caps and a few hundred trigger pulls will help that a lot.

 

[Cump]

Think I will buck the trend and say the Bersa. They are easy to shoot, easy to field strip and maintain. I have had three, and none needed the 200 round break-in. They have been reliable. And for some a light revolver may be difficult to shoot well. I'd say a good intro to pistol shooting.

The other benefit is that the Bersa is less money, and you can get a second sooner.

And fyi I have seen Ruger sp101s on sale on wikiarms.com for $400, which seem close to the Lcrx price.

 

[chicharrones]

This http://ruger.com/products/lcrx/specSheets/5431.html

versus

This https://bersa.eagleimportsinc.com/bersa/firearms/thunder-series ?

Capacity of 5 versus 7+1 leans me over to the Bersa, but capacity isn't always the answer. If capacity is the answer, the Bersa Thunder Plus sure would be interesting with 15+1 capacity and a magazine release where it should be. Yet, I never see the Plus for sale.

One thing I absolutely love about revolvers is you don't have to purchase spare magazines. Maybe a speed loader or two if you want.

I sure like that Ruger though. The fully adjustable rear sight would make up for any elevation differences for shooting .38 Special wadcutters up to full house .38 Special ammo.

 

[Jim NE]

I'd say either would be a good choice. As I recall, there was a recent thread on revolver vs. semi-auto for defensive use, so if you need a gun for defense, you might search out that thread, too.

You'll probably find revolvers more straightforward to deal with - all double action revolvers pretty much function the same way. You'll also find more powerful loads in .38 Special. OTOH, even though the Bersa only holds a couple more rounds than the Ruger, it still has a great ammo capacity advantage because preloaded magazines can be changed in an instant, and you can carry as many extra mags as you want.

As Cump said, polymer .38 revolvers with heavier loads can be a handful. My poly .38 is a Taurus, and I didn't like the recoil impulse at first, but I got used to it. (I had an LCR, but it was a .22 mag, which isn't as bad.) I think think both of the guns you're looking at are good values and have a good reputation for reliability, so you're not going to make a wrong choice here.

 

[Kendahl]

The Thunder is a good gun but the LCRx in .38 Special +P with the 3" barrel is a better choice for a first, general purpose handgun. The .380's niche is as a self defense pistol small enough and light enough to be carried concealed in a pocket or ankle holster. There is a broader range of choices in .38 Special ammunition than in .380 ACP. If recoil is a concern, you don't have to shoot +P loads with heavy bullets. Reloading is easier, too, if you're into that.

 

[Spats McGee]

My caveat: I am not any kind of expert in ballistics; I have very limited experience with the Bersa; and I have no experience with the LCRx.

With those things said, I do own an LCR in .357, and I'm going to recommend the LCRx, but I'm going to suggest that you step it up to .357 Magnum. Quite frankly, the main reason that I think you should go with .357 is for versatility's sake. I've had my LCR for 4-5 years and it's my hot-weather pocket carry pistol. It's a fantastic pistol. I would describe the trigger as long but smooth, and it just disappears into a pocket. I'm not particularly recoil-sensitive, but I don't care for shooting .357s in it, to be honest. I can do it, but my groups at 10 yards are about the size of an Edsel. When I dial it back to .38s, my groups shrink dramatically. It's a pussycat, recoil-wise, with .38s. I'm willing to trade the extra power of the .357s for my improved accuracy with .38s. Even though I don't carry .357s, it's nice to have that option. I just think that with a LCRx in .357M, you get a whole world of versatility that you can't get in a Bersa .380. Everything from powder-puff, low-recoil, .38 wadcutters up to heavy-duty .357 Magnum hollowpoints. It won't have the ease of reloading or the capacity of the Bersa, but I think it's a fair trade.

I should probably also admit to being fond of Rugers. I've owned a variety of them over the last 30 years and I can only think of one of them jamming one time. In 30+ years of shooting, I've never had to use Ruger's customer service, but it's reputed to be some of the best in the industry. Maybe Bersa has outstanding CS. I don't know, because I've never owned one, much less had to call their CS.

 

[SteadyD]

Another vote for the lcrx, though I'd also consider the lcr in 327 federal magnum. 6 shots versus 5 and the option to use the lower recoiling 32 H&R, 32 S&W, and 32 long rounds as well.

 

[chaim]

I think either would make a great first carry gun. However, for a first handgun, I don't think either are your best choice. I know you said you don't want other suggestions, but for a first handgun I think you should either go with a .22 or with a full sized service pistol. If you want something, like you said, that can do everything, maybe the compact service pistols (G19, CZ PCR/P01, P229, etc) or the largest subcompacts (G26, S&W M&Pc, P239) would be a suitable compromise for easier CCW. You can learn the fundamentals in a gun with more reasonable recoil so you don't develop bad habits and a flinch. While some that I listed may not be in the price range you are looking (they are just some of the best and most well known of the categories), there are definitely good guns in those categories that are. Then, in a few months to a year, you may want to go with a small carry gun for that particular specialized use.

If you won't consider anything else, either are decent guns. I used to own a Bersa Thunder .380. It was reasonably reliable and it wasn't bad on recoil, but it is a blowback so it was stronger than a full size 9mm recoil. A small snub can be pretty tough, but the 3" barrel will help with practical accuracy. If you go with the revolver, shoot mild wadcutters for practice to minimize recoil. I'd probably go with the LCR over the Bersa since you are looking at the 3", otherwise I'd go with the Bersa.

 

[pezo]

Another vote for the fantastic LCR

 

[edmo01]

I've owned an LCRx 3" for over a year and recommend it...

Some of the features I like: Very light weight, 3" barrel gives better velocity and longer sight radius than the snubbie version, adjustable sights, easily replaced front sight, smooth trigger stroke, chambered in an effective and readily available round.

Edmo

 

[Spats McGee]

OP, did you ever make a decision?

 

[8ring]

I recommend neither the Bersa Thunder nor the Ruger LCR-X as a "first gun". Unless you have an urgent need for a lightweight, small, easily concealed carry weapon, you will be better served by starting with a medium sized 9mm auto or a Smith and Wesson K frame revolver. These somewhat Larger guns with bigger grips are easier to shoot and handle, are more accurate, and have less recoil. In addition, 9 mm ammo is cheaper that .380 or 38 special.

A glock 17 or 19, a Springfield XD, or a CZ 75 would all be good choices and many should be available on the used market at reasonable prices. Smith and Wesson K frame .38 specials are very good revolvers and you should be able to find good used examples at many gun shops. If you want something a little bigger that can handle both .38 spl. and .357 magnum rounds, both the Smith and Wesson 626 (L-frame) and the Ruger GP-100 would make guns for home defense, car carry, and woods waling.

 

[DaveTNC]

I have an LCR (not "x" because I pocket carry and don't want a hammer sticking out) and my wife has a Bersa Thunder. Both are great guns. The Bersa is heavier and has less recoil and is fun to shoot. The LCR is very light and you feel it when you shoot it, but is better, in my opinion, for pocket carry if that matters to you. I also like the simplicity of the revolver. You pull the trigger and it goes bang, no need to worry about failures to feed or eject, or "break-in" periods. But my wife's Bersa is very reliable, too. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

[tactikel]

Ruger, great all around gun, it covers so many bases. You will never regret buying it.