Bersa 380 thunder

[jloffermann]

As a few members already know I will be applying for my CCW when im stateside again and have been doing some heavy research on a good CCW weapon I thought I would like to have a 45acp and then a 9mm to make it easier. Has anyone used the Bersa 380 thunders before? Im really not liking the look but it looks like it would be very easy for concealment and have't read any bad reviews on reliability and acuracy providing some practice for such a small frame pistol.


I really try and stay away from the subcompacts on glock and SA because I get a much better grip on my SA 9MM SERVICE But it seems a little thick Of course Haven't even tried it yet. Do you guys recommend I try it with my SA or start looking for a small frame like bersa etc? I typiacly wear shorts and a t shirt. I don't mind wearing an under shirt and or belt at all though esp If im approved.

[Bug Splat]

I have one and used it for carry for about a year. Its a very thin pistol. Slide width is only like .79. It hides well in a IWB holser. The reliability has been 100% with full power defense HP rounds. It is a real bang for your buck.

Down sides.... it kicks more than you think. The blow back design does a great job of feeding but also does a great job of transferring all that recoil into your hand. A sub-compact 9mm kicks less. Also the rear tang can get painful digging into your side. Its ok when walking around but sitting for more than 30min with it poking into your lower rib sucks.

I ended up buying a Kahr K40 which is smaller and packs more punch. Its also easier to carry. here are some picture comparing the two.

[robert101]

The Bersa 380 is a good gun at a reasonible price. I do like the Glock 27 gen4 better for CCW. Some people might have an issue with the .40 cal recoil on a sub-compact but a little practice will fix that right up. I'm not a Glock fan boy (as I only own one of them) but for reliability they are hard to beat. The price is about double from the Bersa.

[chucksolo69]

I have around 500 rounds through my 3 yr old Bersa .380 with not a single malfunction; I shoot only factory ball ammo through it though. The recoil on the Bersa is more straight back into the web of your hand as opposed to a muzzle flip type recoil. Why only 500 rounds in 3 years? Because after an extended range session with the little gun, my hand gets sore. But, if you keep the gun clean and oiled, that is all you really need to do with this gun, practice once, maybe twice a year. Reliable as a crowbar. Excellent price too.

[2nd Shot]

The Bersa .380 is not nearly as small as state of the art .380 pistols, and there are 9mm/.40 offerings now that are smaller, yet fire a much more powerful cartridge. The closest thing in size I have is the Glock 26 which is more or less identical in all dimensions, while being a bit thicker. I would deal with the bulk for the extra ammo and muzzle energy, given the choice.

That said, if you've decided on the Bersa for your needs, my experiences have been the following:

- It's very accurate once you get the hang of it.
- It's very reliable. I have over 500 rounds through mine and it's never had a single issue. Ever.
- Slide velocity is pretty high (it's blowback, like most classic .380's) - recoil stings, especially if you grip the gun with an iron fist. It will also hit way low if you squeeze the life out of it. Hold it with handshake strength, and it won't be a problem.
- It's big enough to be a decent range pistol. Keep in mind that most east bloc .380 service pistols are this size.
- Ammo is too expensive for what it is... It cost more than 9mm, with less brass and lead, but it's liveable.

[BayouBullets]

My experience with this weapon was less than ideal. All of the above comments held true except the reliability. My recoil spring turned rather pliable/waxy around 600 rounds. This, of course, cause persistent feeding issues. Maybe I just got a lemon, but a major part failure at that low round count was completely unacceptable to me. I told a dealer at a show its problems. He seemed to think he could fix it. I was more than happy to let him try.

[Squid]

Bersa Thunder .380 also take 8(?)rd mags from deluxe for more grip OR

I've heard you can use mag bottom plate from the CC Bersa for non-finger hold regular mag. CC mags no work in Thunder, but that CC might be worth looking at for dedicated CCW gun.

I think you might be able to just cut off the finger grip part.

Bersa Thunder is real nice looking and feeling gun, old skool in a 1911-ish way. PPK clone-if it was cool enough for James freaking Bond and the Waffen SS officers I guess it is cool enough for me. An art masterpiece at any price. For about $300 brand new you can't afford not to, IMO.

The newer .380s I've looked at just didn't "have it". Cheesy design, seemed real low quality. Bersa has huge fan base and support. I was afraid newer ones were gonna be "here today, gone tomorrow".

Heard Bersa came all packed in grease, but any sold at shops will be cleaned up and ready to shoot.

I'm not a fan of Forbes $25 friction plastic holster. Unless you got an impossibly tight and stiff and wide belt it will pull up your pants awkwardly, and trying to push down on holster with thumb to separate just seems awkward and unnatural. I like the soft Blackhawk with snap retainer from Walmart much better $12.

Only thing I don't like is mags don't just hop in on their own so I'm looking to bevel the rim of mag well. Mags a little pricey, too. And it does kick little hard for little .380. I've told Corbon light loads help that.

[johnjohn301]

I went down this same road 4 months ago and was looking at the Bersa also. Lots of really good reviews on the Bersa, but for me - because I really wanted something that wasn't going to be a pain to conceal, the Bersa really wasn't any smaller than some of the 9mm pistols. I picked up a Ruger LC9 and have not looked back.

Qualified with it the week after I got it and now have about 500 rounds through it. Long trigger pull - yes, but the LC9 shoots and I have no concerns about the safety when carrying it. Looking backward - I'm glad I went the direction I did.

Your results may vary.

[jloffermann]

Thanks for the info had no idea 380 was more $ then a 9mm haha Well that Idea has been finished now I think I'll just have to live with my SA xd 9mm service its not that wide But like you guys just trying to have a little more comfort. Im due back to the states soon and I'll keep everyone informed on my progress for applying for a CCW I have a few members who are going to guide me through hopefully I can convince one of them to do some looking at my GC statement.


Thanks again esp. for the pics. it was nice to see a comparison.