S&W 642 vs Bersa Thunder as next purchase

[sm]

Which one do you shoot best?

Okay, I am old school and admit it. I just come up with one should try before they buy is all.

Not only should one investigate and verify which gun they shoot best, also can they carry it effectively, meaning will they actually carry it? Other considerations include, but not limited to, will they put in the trigger time to become one with the gun, and continue quality practice?

Can they run the gun? Which includes manipulating any safeties, loading/unloading, and any one handed drills.

Just me you understand.

Steve

 

[MICHAEL T]

Well the fact that your set up to reload 38/357 will tip scales to S&W.
Bersa Thunder a good pistol and CC id even better for carry But the reloading factor says S&W to me . See even thought I own a bersaboard I suggested might not be right answer for you.

But you can still come vist We talk about wheel guns also.

http://bersachat.com

 

[wlewisiii]

Well, $350 more to pay off the lay-away & then a 48 hour waiting period till a new S&W 642 is mine. Nice light tiny little +P J frame. Hopefully I'll never need it anywhere but the range, but it's something I'll feel confident carrying.

Thanks all for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

 

[DAdams]

If you have settled on a Centenial J Frame like the 642 you may wish to narrow it down a bit further. 442 is the "black" version of a 642. A bit more stealthy FWIW. I think the finish on the 442 is slightly more robust than the 642 with clear cote. I would also try to find one w/o the ILS (lock).
Having said all that I have a 642 with the ILS and although I have never had any problems with about 250 rounds through it knowing what I know now and the availability of the X42s w/o locks I would go that route.

I also have a BERSA BT 380 and it is too heavy for pocket carry IMO. If I were going to do the BERSA again I would probably do the smaller CC version.
My BERSA has been trouble free up to round count 600+.

For pocket carry the J Frame is a good choice. Did you look at the S&W Body Guard with laser?

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_922/products_id/62622

50 dollars more and bit over 1 ounce lighter. A great deal if you like lasers (I do) and lighter is better when it comes to pocket carry.

Buds has 642 and 442 with no lock $361 delivered FWIW.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_39_922/products_id/70712

 

[offonroad]

The J-Frame in my opinion!

 

[Dr_2_B]

I think you made the right choice in the 642. Better bullet and better platform.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Bersa CC loaded with Corbon DPX or Bufflo loading with same bullet. CC is slighty smaller and thinner than Thunder and has 8+1 verses Thunder 7+1 . Factory says not to use the CC mag in Thunder We have tried at Bersachat with mixed results They work fine in my Thunders other not as lucky.

 

[defjon]

Think he already bought the J-frame

Anyway, I owned both.

Sold the 642 no lock, and kept the Bersa.


Weird choice by most, but I have bad joint and wrist issues. The light weight recoil with even 130 grain fmj loads was too much with the SW.

The Bersa was accurate out to 15 yards and beyond. The SW not so much. Your mileage will vary, and the SW is a solid platform if it works for you. I'd say its probably better made and will last longer too.