Bersa CC Impressions

[FunYet]

BERSA THUNDER .380 Concealed Carry

OK. I’m weak. Saw one of these at the store today and just happened to have a .22 I wanted to trade for a slightly larger caliber.

I got the nickel finished model. Took it to the range with a couple boxes of .380 Blazer Brass. I also had 20 or 30 rounds of SXT from a previous .380.

I was extremely surprised at how this gun handled. Quite accurate given the minimal sights. What surprised me more was the relatively mild kick of this gun. In the past I’ve had a Bersa Thunder, a Sig 232, a Kel-Tec 3AT and a Guardian .380. Since this gun is straight blow-back I braced myself for some discomfort on the first shot. I recall my Guardian slamming the trigger guard into my knuckles, but the guard on this gun is a bit wider in the opening so I didn’t have the knuckle-banging problem. The Bersa also didn't have the “snappy” feeling I associated with my 232.

This gun appears to be close in size to the Thunder. Maybe a bit shorter. It’s definitely rounder and could be used as a pocket gun. It fits nicely into a Hume pocket holster that once was used for a Kahr PM9. It also fits into a similar Kydex pocket holster from Fist, though it’s not as snug a fit. It also fits my Fist #1 clip holster for a Sig 229. However I think using this as an IWB gun defeats its purpose.

All in all I like the gun. It’s close in size to my J Frame but thinner.

I’m disappointed that the gun (at least the one I got) has only one magazine. It also has some edges that could stand to be softened, but that’s just how it fits my own hand. If I decide to keep it I’ll take some file to it.

These are more ore less random thoughts and impressions since I’m in a hurry. I hope this info is helpful to anyone considering one of these guns.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Bersa belives you only need one mag. The 380 Thunder mag will fit but has shown not to be relieable on last round. As far as I know no CC mags have been released for sale. Some have complain about mag release to small Thunder mag release can be used as a larger replacement. Pistol is smaller than Thunder and around 4oz lighter. empty weight.
All reports so far at Bersa Talk have been good and as Bersa are known for flawless feeding.

http://bersatalk.com

 

[o/u mike]

I've been looking at this pistol also after reading about it on GunBlast. May I ask how much it was in nickel? I understand that Lipsey's has an exclusive on the nickel version. The matte black version was $249 at my local shop.

 

[FunYet]

May I ask how much it was in nickel? I understand that Lipsey's has an exclusive on the nickel version. The matte black version was $249 at my local shop.

The price was $270. I paid a fraction of that since I put a trade toward the purchase. $270 is a bit steep but I figured I'd end up paying $30 to $50 on shipping and the FFL transfer if I purchased it online at at the $230 or $240 going price. Wil make another trip to the range today or tomorrow to give it further workout time.

 

[o/u mike]

That's a pretty good price for one in the nickel finish. Enjoy your new addition!

 

[PX15]

IMO, Ninety-nine % of complaints regarding Bersa/Firestorm pistols have absolutely nothing to do with their reliability or accuracy, OR quality, OR value, it is about the price of extra factory magazines.

I have the Bersa Thunder 9 (UC) which came with only one ten rd. mag. I paid over $50 for an extra 13rd mag from the distributer. I found out later that the same mags are available elsewhere online for around $40.00.

I have the Firestorm FS 22 and the extra mag I bought from the dist. was also quite high. (I forget how much).

It is my opinion that Bersa sells their products with only one mag to keep the price as low as possible, and probably a large percentage of buyers will be happy with one mag. Folks like us, on firearm forums, are generally more "gun" oriented and we like having more than one mag.

I don't even care for the 380rd, but I will probably wind up buying a blued version of the cc Bersa Thunder 380 just because I'm curious. It seems the Bersa Thunder 380 is a favorite of a lot of folks.

Both my BT9UC and FS22 have been excellent pistols. Both 100% reliable, and very accurate. I'm a big fan of Bersa/Firestorms.... I find the folks over on www.BersaTalk.com are very nice, love the pistols, and are more than willing to share information or advice regarding the pistols.....

JMOFO

Best Wishes,

J Pomeroy

 

[birddog]

The nickel Thunder 380 was one of my first pistols. It has been 100% reliable, eats all kinds of ammunition, easy to field-strip, and is very concealable. Even though I've switched to carrying heavier calibers most of the time, I will probably not part with the Bersa. It's a good little gun.

 

[DougW]

I have been carrying a Thunder 380 for almost 8 years now. I saw the new CC Thunder for the first time today. Looks slim and interesting, but I don't have any plans (or reason) to change from the current Thunder 380. Nice looking pistol though. Enjoy!

 

[MICHAEL T]

Word is the new mags for CC ( their8 rounders) are 33.95 from the Bersa Dist.

visit http://bersatalk.com

 

[drbironhead]

I also have a Bersa Thunder 380 i love it i can cary it in my pocket going to the store, or in my ankle holster at work. the gun shoots great hasent jam yet i got a nickle one from a guy i work with he sold it to me for $150 i couldent refuse it was brand new in the box. Came with 1 mag but i bought a black 7 rd mag for 23.00 dollers. I also found out they make an 8rd and a 9 rd mag for it now.

 

[Blaster]

Can't go wrong for under $300