Diference between a Bersa Thunder and Firestorm?

[aghauler]

What are the differences between the two pistols? Do they handle differently? They look about the same but the Firestorms grips appear different.
The Firestorm seems to run a little higher in price and nobody seems to have them.

[586L-Frame]

[Carsgunsandchics]

My understanding of them is that the Firestorm is just renamed for the importer. It is made by Bersa and parts are compatible. I just sold my Mini Firestorm 9 and the guy that bought it said that he'd been looking for one for quite awhile. Besides markings, and grips they are the same.

[aghauler]

Thanks for the photo and the information. I like the style of grips on the Firestorm better than the Thunder. BUT they run a little more price wise than the Thunder and the distributors don't seem to have them in stock, as noted the Firestorms are harder to come by compared to the Bersa Thunder so far in my research anyway.

BB

[aghauler]

Well I found Hoffmeyers website and he has the Firestorms ( $300) and Thunders($295) listed. I would est total cost pistol+Tax+USPS to my local FFL and his fee would be about $405ish. I can get a new CZ83 from J&G and total costs there would be about $40 more. Time to flip a coin I guess.

Pros or Cons for Bersa Firestorm or CZ83 anybody?

[Old4eyes]

Firestorm has the finger groove grip panels (and you can get them for your Thunder).
Firestorm has fixed rear sights, the Thunder is adjustable.

That is all that I can recall in the difference.

[aghauler]

Ah good point about the sights, that and the fact the grips are available for the Thunder may just seal the deal. Thanks!

[Old4eyes]

Grip panels & other goodies for a Bersa:

http://www.condorsflight.com/

I picked up the grooved finger grips and extra magazines from this vendor.

Just a note: The Thunder's rear sight is adjustable for windage only, not elevation.

[aghauler]

Grip panels & other goodies for a Bersa:

http://www.condorsflight.com/

I picked up the grooved finger grips and extra magazines from this vendor.

Just a note: The Thunder's rear sight is adjustable for windage only, not elevation.

Good info, thanks! I'm ordering one from Buds today. Now I just need to choose a color! Cabelas has a used one , blue with gold accents, which realy looks nice when new but I see what they look like when used, the gold seems faded and no longer nice looking. Not sure how durable the nickle finish is, or the duotone.

[RedFord150]

...Pros or Cons for Bersa Firestorm or CZ83 anybody?

My Bersa Thunder has been very good too me. I think it is a great small pistol for under $300.00. The finish is probably the only real complaint. It is not blued and the gold plating on my trigger, hammer, etc. is already wearing off. In my case, this is good. I quit obsessing over how it looked and just started enjoying shooting it.
I owned and sold a CZ40B. It was a good gun, just not my favorite.
Good luck in your quest...

[aghauler]

It is not blued and the gold plating on my trigger, hammer, etc. is already wearing off. In my case, this is good. I quit obsessing over how it looked and just started enjoying shooting it.
.

Good point! We buy'em to shoot'em. The used one that I saw was $45 less than a new one OTD. But I've had some not so good luck buying used guns lately. So I was thinking that new would be the best?

[Old4eyes]

The gold accents (the "Pimp Pistol") are not happy with Gunscrubber. I speak from experience. I bought the gold accent because the dealer was selling it less than the all black model. I prefer the looks of the all black gun. Up until I replaced a broken safety/decocker, the gun was rock solid. I have had issues since then but by and large, this gun has an excellent reputation.

[aghauler]

I ordered up a Duotone Bersa Thunder from Buds should be here Friday. Thanks for all the input guys!

[SIGman Freud]

I have a duotone and a nickel finish Versa (2 total). Great guns, tho I never shoot them anymore b/c I've since added a Sig, HK, CZ, Beretta, etc. Lol

The Bersas were my first handguns. I'be thought about selling them but they are good for my gf to shoot, and for my friends who don't know about guns. Bersas are great guns for introducing people to shooting.

Everyone should have at least one Versa in their collection.

[RedFord150]

... The used one that I saw was $45 less than a new one OTD. ...So I was thinking that new would be the best?

You are right. $45 is not enough of a savings to take even a minor risk on a used gun.
I think you'll be very happy with the one you are buying from Bud's.
Enjoy!