Questions on Bersa Quality and UC Models

[Snowdog]

I have some crazy fierce itch to buy a Bersa Thunder UC in 9mm. I would likely carry it with some type of IWB rig on occasion, but for the most part it would probably be a tote-along for car/truck use. The price tag is incredibly appealing (I'm a sucker for "value").
I have limited experience with the brand and I’ve done some research over the past few weeks here at the THR, TFL, and Bersa Talk (and of course Google). For the most part, it looks like folks are pleased with their Bersa products. However, I did run into a few posts or comments questioning the metallurgy, fit and finish of Bersa handguns and I still have a host of questions.

To keep this from being excessively long-winded as my posts usually tend to be, I’ll try to keep this brief.

Has anyone experienced issues concerning questionable metallurgy (shooting loose, peening, etc). Likewise, any fit issues that detract from reliability or are blaringly obvious visually?
How does the Thunder UC (in 9mm) compare in size to a CZ-82, especially the grip width. I noticed the finger grooves that appear to be exclusive with the 9mm UC. How to folks feel about them? Do they enhance ergonomics for those with average size mitts? I would love to “try before I buy”, but local shops only carry the more common .380 models.

Finally, what’s the consensus on accuracy with the UC models?

Thanks in advance for any information you provide!

 

[bdb benzino]

I have had a BT380 and still have a BTUC 9mm. They both are reliable, but the ultra compact 9 is superior in my book. Never an FTF or FTE and have not even heard of any one having soft metal!
People that talk bad about them generally have either not had experience with them and are just talking, or had a bad experience with the older Bersa's.
I find the UC9 to be reliable and nice to carry IWB.
The finish is not as nice as a lot of guns but its inexpensive and they work. The parkerizing is tough though, and the lifetime warranty is comforting.
I have more expensive and "nicer" pistols but the UC9 rotates on my daily CC line up and is trusted by my life.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I have two UC 9s and one Hi Capacity. All three have over 1K through them with no issues at all. I have been hearing the crap about Bersas having soft metal for years but have never seen any evidence of it.
My HC 9 has over 5K downrange and is still going strong. Buy the UC 9 you won't be dissapointed.

 

[NMGonzo]

I had Bersas while living in Argentina and I have a Bersa Thunder .380 again.

The consensus seems to be that reliability is there, but the finishing is not as nice.

 

[38snapcaps]

I carried a Thunder .380 for four years, fired over 2,000 rnds, changed the recoil spring once, never any feeding or ejection problems. I only sold it because I went to a snubnose revolver.

I found the pistol to be very accurate, the double action trigger was smooth and not too heavy, I especially liked how the controls operated, they just "felt" good.

Recoil was a little hard on the hand, but less so than the Sig 232 I briefly owned. I also had a PPK/s for a month which was really painful to shoot and not as accurate.

True, Bersas do not have a very durable finish, but mechanically they are excellent.

If I was looking for a .380 of this size, I'd go right out and buy another Bersa.

 

[laktrash]

I havea bersa uc 45 bought used not sure of round count. I have never had any issues at all.

 

[ge0624me]

Bersa's= Good reliability especially for the price range, cosmeticaly though, not alway's the best finish on their firearms.Not to many afermarket options on there 9's as with the 380's. But It is what is, what it is, Bersa makes a good firearm for the money that functions a good percentage of the time, and for the money ,i would much rather have functionality than pretty, ...Just like the Glocks....not the prettiest tool i the shed but it work's when needed.

 

[MICHAEL T]

The 9 mm Bersa is a great pistol It is trouble free and relieable. I hear about the finish on a Bersa my Bersa is going on 5 yrs old and still looks like new. It is a carry gun but not as much these days I wax my carry pistols may be that why my finish stand up better

 

[M&PVolk]

The Bersa is the best value on the gun market. I have a .380 that is excellent, but the metal does have a softer feel to it. That said, there is no evidence of the way it feels having any impact on its longevity. The finish on the .380 is easy to scratch, though.

Now, the UC series is a little different. I have experience with the .45 and it is an excellent weapon. It is the stainless finish, and it is surprisingly durable. The gun beats my expectations of accuracy as well. The only thing about the Bersa is that you will find it runs a bit loose. I attribute this to its reliability...kind of like the AK of handguns. It has fed HP, WWB, UMC, and lead reloads without any issue at all. The only ammo it didn't feed well was Wolf. The front site has had to be re-peened on this gun due to recoil, but I wouldn't hesitate to trust my life to it.

 

[m2steven]

My bersa 380 compared to my SW ppk/s is a dream to shoot. The recoil is low, accuracy is high, and reliability is perfect. Finish on my gun is excellent. Plus, I paid $212 for it new 3 years ago.

 

[Old Navy]

The Bersa Thunder UC in 9mm is a great pistol. Very accurate, reliable and inexpensive. Maybe the best value gun for the money that you can find. THe 9 UC IS bersas best ever.

 

[tekarra]

My Thunder 9 has been rocking along for a good number of years now with no problems. I am looking at a UC right now.

 

[Snowdog]

Ok, I went ahead a bought one on Auction Arms. I was interested in purchasing one from SOG, but they had none in stock and would not give me a date more would arrive. They also couldn't tell me if these were the newer "Pro" they were selling or not (the images on their flyer and websites showed the non-pro models).

I found a NIB Bersa UC 9 Pro on Auction Arms for $325 with 2 magazines. So I bought it. I'll write up a range report once I get it in.

Thanks for all the information!

 

[tekarra]

Congrats! Don't think you will be disappointed. Waiting for your report.