Double stack .....380 CZ 83 vs Bersa Thunder Plus

[TennJed]

I have settled on a double stack 380 as my next handgun purchase. It will mainly a range toy. I have settled on either a CZ 83 or a Bresa Plus

I doubt I will consider anything else, but I respect everyone opinions so if you have others go for it.

-Beretta Chettah is too rich for my blood. I want to keep this under $500.
-Must be new. More than half of my guns I bought used and would like to get a NIB this time.
-Must be double stack--12 rounds min.
-I really like the look of the Bersa and CZ...I know looks are not as important as function...but if it functions AND looks good why not...it is a range TOY after all

Anyway, Does anyone have any opinions on the CZ and /or the Bersa. Particularly the following:

1) Warranty and Customer Service
2) Function...esp. with cast lead reloads...don't want any FTF or FTEs
3) Finish durability.. I will probably get black and the CZ's high gloss looks better but how to the different finishes hold up
4) Takedown and cleaning

The Bersa seems to run about $350-$375 here and the CZ about $450-$475....all else the same it might come down to CZ's looks vs Bersa xtra rounds and $100....but I wanted to see if anyone here could helo me decide

 

[wnycollector]

Why not buy both Here is a link for a used CZ 83 for less than $200 from this seller on gunbroker http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=256711407 and a new Bersa thunder plus for $335 here http://www.jetguns.com/bersa-thunder-380acp-15round-nk-p-25601.html

 

[ugaarguy]

Do you have a strong preference on frame mounted safety w/ cocked & locked SA capability & manual hammer lowering for DA/SA vs. a slide mounted decock safety? According to their website, CZ is also using hammer forged bbls in all their pistols. I don't know that I'd ever shoot enough .380 through any handgun to wear out a conventionally rifled bbl, but you at least get a premium bbl for the extra money spent on the CZ.

 

[TennJed]

ugaarguy...thanks fo the info on the cz barrell ...i was not aware of that...that is the type of info i am looking for....a plus for the cz

 

[dwhite]

Nothing quite like the smoothness of the trigger on the CZ-82/82. It's like silk. Things are built like tanks also.
The 82's can be re-barreled from 9mm Makarov to .380 pretty easily from what I understand . I can't see why you would though, Mak ammo is pretty cheap and available.


All the Best,
D. White

 

[harmon rabb]

I'll second the trigger on the 82/83's being excellent. The Bersa trigger isn't going to touch that. The 82/83 trigger is one of the nicest and smoothest DA/SA triggers of all time.

 

[TennJed]

thanks guys

 

[Furncliff]

"To me" the Bersa feels like it was made by a blacksmith. Having said that I've read many reviews that praise this pistol.
The trigger on my CZ82 is excellent.
I have had several occasions to use the folks at CZ repair. They are A Plus in my book.
All the women in my family like the CZ, the size the weight the grip and the trigger.
Mine has a rifled barrel and there is no issue with lead ammo, don't think there is a problem with the Hex barrel either.
Take down for cleaning takes ten seconds.
Considering this will be a range gun, the CZ 82 surplus pistols can be had for $200 and the last time I looked .380 ammo was significantly more than 9mm Makarov.

Two downsides, at least with my gun.

Don't attempt to take this handgun down past what is necessary for cleaning, they are easy to take apart and difficult to reassemble. CZ has a flat fee ($70?) for guns that come to them in pieces.

I probably should get new grips for mine, I can't put a box of ammo through it without having my fingers fall asleep.

 

[usp9]

"To me" the Bersa feels like it was made by a blacksmith. Having said that I've read many reviews that praise this pistol.

Made me laugh, but also made me think "... and the CZ was made in a tractor factory, but they at least had a fine file."

 

[bigfatdave]

for a cheap range toy, I don't see why a CZ82 in 9x18mak wouldn't be preferable - but the 83 in .380 should have the same action and nice trigger ... although firing a more expensive and less powerful round sounds like an annoyance more than a benefit, unless you're really recoil-sensitive.

 

[TennJed]

for a cheap range toy, I don't see why a CZ82 in 9x18mak wouldn't be preferable - but the 83 in .380 should have the same action and nice trigger ... although firing a more expensive and less powerful round sounds like an annoyance more than a benefit, unless you're really recoil-sensitive.

a 380 P3AT is my carry gun and I already reload for 380. I can reload 380 for less than 5 cents a round or approx $4.50 a box....doesn't get much cheaper than that

 

[bigfatdave]

ah, I see.
at $0.05/round .380 gets less annoying - that beats out even the cheapest Mak ammo

Still, the CZ82 and its identical cousin the CZ83 are very nice guns, and share most parts between 9x17/9x18 variants ... unless you have a personal attachment to Bersa, go with CZ

 

[PabloJ]

I would think second-hand Beretta would be superior to both I have seen ones in excellent condition go for same price as new Bersa.

 

[TennJed]

... unless you have a personal attachment to Bersa, go with CZ

Dave I think you are right. I held both today in my LGS and the Bersa is nice, but the CZ just fit in my hand very well. I think I will def. put the CZ at the top

 

[MICHAEL T]

Might be hard to find the Bersa their not that many of that model imported and they sell fast . Go with the CZ

 

[usp9]

I would think second-hand Beretta would be superior to both I have seen ones in excellent condition go for same price as new Bersa.

My opinion as well.