I'm about to turn 21 and want to buy a handgun that I can ccw under a t-shirt. Right now I'm kinda leaning towards the Firestorm, even though the Shield is 9mm and basically the same size which makes it a little more practical. Also I'm in California so I have to get something on the roster which limits my options. What are your opinions on these two pistols?
Bersa Firestorm vs S&W Shield
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Zaydok Allen
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Shield
MosinT53Hunter
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I'd say Shield. Bersa has those classic lines, but you will appreciate the light weight and concealment of the Shield. Plus, magazines will be more available.
toivo
Member
I have to jump on the bandwagon and say Shield.
I love Bersas. At one time I had three: .22, .32, and .380. I sold the .380 because I had no intention of using it as a carry gun. I kept the .22 for fun at the range, and I kept the .32 because (a) I love .32s, and (b) it's a rare bird. But for carry, I'd opt for the slimmer pistol in a more potent caliber and with a simpler manual of arms. That's the Shield.
I love Bersas. At one time I had three: .22, .32, and .380. I sold the .380 because I had no intention of using it as a carry gun. I kept the .22 for fun at the range, and I kept the .32 because (a) I love .32s, and (b) it's a rare bird. But for carry, I'd opt for the slimmer pistol in a more potent caliber and with a simpler manual of arms. That's the Shield.
MedWheeler
Member
I have two of the Bersa Thunder guns, essentially the same as the Firestorm models. I like them a lot (one is in .380 and the other in .22LR.)
But, considering this is to be a defensive-piece, I'd go with the Shield. It's in 9mm Luger, a much more readily-available (and affordable) caliber that also provides more energy than the .380 does.
I carried my .380 Thunder for two years until I replaced it with a subcompact nine myself, a Kel-Tec PF9 (long before the Smith came out.)
But, considering this is to be a defensive-piece, I'd go with the Shield. It's in 9mm Luger, a much more readily-available (and affordable) caliber that also provides more energy than the .380 does.
I carried my .380 Thunder for two years until I replaced it with a subcompact nine myself, a Kel-Tec PF9 (long before the Smith came out.)
rdnktrkr
Member
I carry the Shield45 daily and it feels better than anything else I've conceal carried in 45, and I shoot it well. I have carried my wifes SCCY and I liked it and recently shot the G2C and liked it also, if another rebate comes out I will purchase one.
slide
Member
I'm chiming in too for the S&W. The only way I carry or would carry a .380 is in a sub sub compact such as the Kel Tec or Ruger LCP. Once we're up to compact size, the minimum I'd go is 9 mm although I personally do not use that caliber since the Shield in 40 is exactly the same size but carries more punch especially if you reload.
I do not agree that new bullet designs make the 40 and the 9mm equal since any design is available both in 40 and 9mm.
I do not agree that new bullet designs make the 40 and the 9mm equal since any design is available both in 40 and 9mm.
Cump
Member
Another for shield. Better trigger. Better and cheaper defensive caliber. Good company and warranty.
I wouldn't turn down a gifted bersa, but I've had issues with the two I have owned. I wouldn't use it for edc. On one, over tightening the grip interfered with the trigger bar, undertightening made for a loose grip panel. On one, a loose front sight within 200 rounds, as well as premature frame wear.
I will also note that felt recoil isn't any less on the bersa since it is a blowback action. May even feel like more.
I have also owned 2 shields, but with no issues -- and a 2.0 shield is my primary carry.
I wouldn't turn down a gifted bersa, but I've had issues with the two I have owned. I wouldn't use it for edc. On one, over tightening the grip interfered with the trigger bar, undertightening made for a loose grip panel. On one, a loose front sight within 200 rounds, as well as premature frame wear.
I will also note that felt recoil isn't any less on the bersa since it is a blowback action. May even feel like more.
I have also owned 2 shields, but with no issues -- and a 2.0 shield is my primary carry.
cc-hangfire
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For the use you intend, another vote for the Shield.
I have a couple of the Bersa 380’s and do love them — for range use.
I pocket carry the very small 380’s for their very small size. At Bersa Thunder size, I carry a 9mm. Holsters, accessories, and support will be better w the Shield, too.
BSA1
member
Shield.
For all of the above reasons.
For all of the above reasons.
Shields aren't the hot new CCW anymore but honestly they're pretty tough to beat. Especially the 2.0 version which improves on the trigger and grip. I guess they're a bit large relative to capacity but they're dead nuts reliable and really nice little pistols. 99% of the time I carry a 9mm Shield or 380 LCP, depending on clothing and circumstances. The Shield is the objectively better pistol and caliber between the two but the LCP can go anywhere and is so comfortable I forget it's there.
Shield vs Bersa is a no brainer, imo - Shield all the way.
Shield vs Bersa is a no brainer, imo - Shield all the way.
Mustangowner
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Neither. I've had 4 Smith & Wesson autos break multiple times (all of the S&W autos I've owned), an M&P 40, a Shield, a 4013 TSW and a Walther/Smith PPK/S. I would almost trust the Bersa more, but I've never owned one, I certainly won't buy another Smith & Wesson auto (I do like their revolvers though). Go for Ruger in that price range or save your money and get a Glock, Sig, or CZ. Don't worry that much about caliber, in FMJ form a .380, 9mm, .38, .357 Magnum and Sig all punch the same size holes, which is all you can count on, and the 1/10 inch difference between those and .45 isn't anything against the size of a human torso... It's inconsequential. A .32 isn't that much different and you can certainly stop someone even with a .22. I'd say just get a Ruger that fits your hands and your needs and become proficient with it, you'll do just fine.
Trunk Monkey
member
After 14 straight responses in favor of the Shield (I'll be number 15) would anybody else care to bet that this guy is going to go out and buy a Bersa?
bannockburn
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Yet another vote for the Shield.
Welcome to THR!
For reasons already expressed, Shield. My EDC is a Shield 1.0 in 9mm, and it's a great little gun. IMHO, pound for pound and dollar for dollar, the Shield is the best value on the concealed carry pistol market today. YMMV.
For reasons already expressed, Shield. My EDC is a Shield 1.0 in 9mm, and it's a great little gun. IMHO, pound for pound and dollar for dollar, the Shield is the best value on the concealed carry pistol market today. YMMV.
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Robbins290
Member
Shield, in any caliber. They run like tanks. They have a 45 with crimson trace green laser for 360 right now. That is a deal
I'm a Bersa Guy...but even I would have to go with the Shield here. Now I will say, my first pistol was a Thunder 380cc...no regrets in that. Manual safety, magazine safety, long double action trigger pull....helped ease into carrying. First with an empty chamber, then with a loaded chamber, safety on, and eventually loaded chamber, safety off...relying on the double action trigger as the safety. But if I had to do it over again, I may have gone with the shield, as it is, i ended up going even smaller with my concealed weapon, to the LCP, TCP, 911 size.
OP, please note that even the guy who says he's a Bersa Guy and calls himself bersaguy says to go with the Shield.
Jeb Stuart
member
I had a Shield, sold it. Nothing wrong with the gun, just not for me. I have Never owned The Bersa 9mm so obviously it would be totally wrong to judge it or give a opinion. Pick the gun right for you and don't concern yourself with so many opinions from others. Both guns have a good reputation.
PS if you read the whole text of the person that had the Bersa, he also mentioned size as a consideration for his choice. And their are other guns even smaller.
PS if you read the whole text of the person that had the Bersa, he also mentioned size as a consideration for his choice. And their are other guns even smaller.
danez71
Member
OP, please note that even the guy who says he's a Bersa Guy and calls himself bersaguy says to go with the Shield.
That is kinda funny on the surface but to me, it shows good character by bersaguy.
Without a doubt.
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