First Pistol

[ComradeWinston]

So, I've been to the range with friends, and I've shot quite a lot of rounds through a basement bargain .45, and far more enjoyably .22lr through a decent rifle, but I'm looking to pick up a pistol of my own, and I find myself contemplating either a Bersa Firestorm .380 for $320 or a Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm (DA/SA) for $500, so I'd be mighty obliged to know what ya'll think.

[5.56]

If those are your only 2 choices, the Beretta. For $500, there's a lot you can get in the classifieds section on Calguns.

Don't forget for $500 you can get a Glock made by Nike designed by Michael Jackson and you'll fit in and be sooooo C00L.

Or you can get a gun you actually want.

[sealocan]

Your two choices are not terrible ones but you might want to consider the price of ammunition difference between the two calibers.

You'll be able to find ammo for both at most gun stores in California but you're almost always be paying more for the .380 ACP. That the Bersa will need compared to the 9 millimeter, used in the Beretta, which is usually one of the cheapest ammos no matter where your shopping.

The price might not seem that much difference per box but when you consider a gun can last you a lifetime , in which you may end up shooting a lot a little or somewhere in between, you'll see that you could actually save money in the long run buying the more expensive pistol in 9 mm.

Glocks come highly recommended for first time pistols because there are no manually operated safety controls, like the Beretta will have, but maybe that's what some folks prefer on their very first pistol. A safety they can actuate.

So if it was me I would probably, get a Glock or of the two choices get the Beretta unless of course I was hurting for money then I probably wouldn't be up set to own the Bersa and just shoot it less.

[Ora Serrata]

I had a bersa firestorm and it’s a great gun for what it is. Much smother and comfortable than my actual Walther PPK. But keep in mind there are smaller .380s out there if you plan to CCW. I never put mine on my permit because it was too big for a .380. For the size gun better to get a 9mm for CCW.

I’ve shot the Beretta PX4. It just doesn’t do it for me. I much prefer my 92fs. And you can get a used 92fs in good condition for $500.

[sealocan]

I'll also throw out something that may Not be applicable but of the two companies I would say Beretta will probably be around and operating longer then Bersa.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying I know that Bersa is going to under or that they're doing financially bad , as far as I know they're doing great, it's just of the two companies I would put my money on Beretta being around longer as they have global market share of the firearms industry both private and Military.

How that effects a consumer of a firearm (like you) is that many times a gun manufacturing company will stand behind your product even years down the road, especially if there's been some kind of manufacturing defect that they've discovered.

IIf the company still in business and your issue is covered its a simple mail it to them, they fix it and then they send it back.

If a firearms company goes out of business, which does occasionally happen, even if their name/ designs are bought out or the company has restructured and they're reproducing similar pistols they may not extend their warranty coverage to the any firearms not made under the current company. This is a historical fact.

Just something to consider even if it really may not apply strongly in your case.

[BigPimping]

Gaston will fulfill your needs.

[Donkeypunch0420]

If it's not for carry, the Beretta hands down. Like others have said, with the Beretta, you're in the same boat as some other great guns. Go to a store, and grip the Beretta alongside a Glock 19/17, Sig 2022, XD9 etc. If you really want to treat yourself, up your price by about a c-note and get yourself a CZ P01 or SP01. You won't be sorry.

[DNA]

Well. Quite honestly, there are plenty of available options for you as far as full sized 9mm pistols. The PX4 is an excellent choice that it can pick up used for >$400. The bersa in 380 is also an excellent choice for the price.

As someone else already brought up, if you do any amount of shooting, you'll easily spend more on ammo than the original price of the gun itself over the course of this fun journey.

Is there a specific budget and use for this gun?

Dan

[plumbum]

Of the two listed, I’d vote for the Beretta. The Bersa is a great gun, but less range friendly, and less useful.

I’d also suggest the usual Glock 19 and it couldn’t hurt to look at the Springfield XD or SIG 2022.

[XDJYo]

[Mr. Meeseeks]

With a $500 budget buying used will open you up to a wider variety of options. Check here in the private sales, or your local LGS's used section. Turners has decent used and consigned section you can check online. A couple of months ago I picked up a near new Glock 26 from them for $425 before tax and fees.

9mm is the most economical and versatile caliber, but also consider magazine availability and cost, as well as other accessory availability and after market support. The accessory bug will eventually bite and it's very frustrating not being able to find what you need. Because of this Glock's current ubiquity and popularity get you a lot of advantages.

[BillyMays]

If you're not going to CCW then a full size 9mm like the Beretta wins hands down. A full size gun is generally easier to shoot and 9mm ammo is cheaper. I would recommend you go to LGS and hold all the full size 9mm pistols in your hand. Get a feel for the ergonomics of each gun- operate the safety, mag release, slide release, etc. The gun that is right for you is the one that fits you best, and to your surprise it may not be the Beretta. There must be a dozen guns around your price range that you could try.

[still919]

and far more enjoyably .22lr through a decent rifle

Potential alternate plan : pick up a Ruger 10/22 at half your budget, keep the enjoyable fun going while improving your overall technique, and rent a different handgun to go along side it every time you go to the range....all the while keeping an eye out for a good deal/sale.

No matter where this hobby takes you; chances are a 10/22 stays in the collection.

[Bakerloo]

Get a Springfield XD9 when they have the free mag promo. The ergonomics are better than the Glock. (I have XDs and Glocks)

[aca72]

Go Beretta Px4 Storm

"...like a mini machine gun..."