ruger lcp or bersa thunder .380

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gunflask

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held both, but never fired either. I know the lcp is smaller, but I have no intentions to carry it in a pocket. Which ever pistol I choose they will be either carried IWB or ankle holster. Also I would like to know if the bersa cc has the same repution, reliability, as the bersa .380 with the exposed hammer. It's pretty much up in the air. I've only shot a glock and 1911 style pistols, this will be my first "pocket size" pistol. Are the trigger pulls heavy on the lcp and bersa? Thanks in advance.
 
Given the choice I'd take the Bersa 380CC.

I have the Thunder 380 for cost reasons alone (I got it for $100 less than the 380CC).

Trigger pulls on the LCP and Bersa are reasonably light ~6 lbs if I had to guess.
 
Very happy with my Bersa CC, but haven't handled the LCP. I typically pocket carry, but the Bersa CC is extremely comfortable IWB as well. No edges to snag, very light and flat. Trigger feels like it belongs on a MUCH more expensive gun.

From the sound of things, you can't go wrong with either one. A lot of satisfied owners of both of these firearms.
 
I have no doubt the Bersa is a better shooter in many ways, but if you are going to carry it by any method, the LCP is awfully hard to beat.

Mine has been utterly reliable, and is far more accurate than I thought it would be...

Good luck,
FT
 
If size is not a factor that is being considered I would take the Bersa thunder. I very nearly purchased one of these fine pistols a while back. The only reason I didn't was that size for me was a factor and pocket carry was an issue if not I would take the Bersa over the other small .380s on the market. When you consider its price the Bersa is a real steal. As I think about it I am starting to want one again even if it is too big for pocket carry.
 
Both are a good option, hold/handel both...get the one you feel is more comfortable being carried. I had a bersa and sold it for a kel-tec just because i wanted something smaller to be more comfortable...which lead to me carrying it a lot more.

First rule of a gun fight....
 
The Bersa was my choice. I handled the Ruger (I'm a Ruger fan by the way) but I could only get one finger on the grip.

I know they make an extended mag that allows you to get 2 fingers on it but with the price of the Ruger compared to the Bersa it was a no brainer for me.

I bought the Bersa and ordered 2 extra mags for about the same price that the Ruger goes for by itself.

The Bersa is a little larger but it's not so large you can't put it just about everywhere you can the LCP with the pocket being the main exception.

So far I haven't had one issue with the Bersa. It's extremly accurate for it's size and it always fires regardless of the ammo I use.

The only thing I've seen on the net about problems with it was one guy posted a video on youtube about the Fiochi ammo failing to feed so I stay away from it.

Plus, the Bersa is super easy to maintain. Break down is a snap and it doesn't require the use of any tools.

IMO you can't beat it for the money. Plus it's a good looking piece!
 
If I had no plans on pocket carry I would definately go with the BERSA THUNDER.

I just purchased an LCP, and have never fired a BT; however, I haven't found a single reference to Bersa Thunders being unreliable.

Furthermore I have seen the Bersa Thunder with the double stack magazines in a bi-tone finish for as little as $329. The double stack mags only fit in the Bersa Thunder Plus version of the pistol, but allow for a total of 16 rounds including one in the pipe.

Also the Bersa has a decocker, and a manual safety. Some would count the manual safety as a drawback but I would not.

Having said all of that, I was very sceptical about the LCP. I currently have only 50 rounds through it, which is not really a milestone of reliability, but it seems pretty solid. Accuracy with the LCP is going to be much harder to achieve past 7 yards than with the Bersa.

Once again if pocket concealability is of no concern there should be no debating what you will carry. BERSA THUNDER PLUS is the way to go.

If you are considering the regualr Bersa Thunder with either the 7+1 or 9+1 capacity I might consider purchasing the LCP because then you have the option to pocket carry effectively if you change your mind later on down the road.
 
I haven't fired either, but I handled both. That experience taught me about the point of diminishing returns for size: the LCP was simply too small for my hand. Not only was it (along with 2 Kel-tec models) uncomfortable to grip, but I was uncomfortable not knowing whether I could control it.

A smaller, lighter gun appeals to me in theory, but my hand size requires a larger gun--so for me the Bersa would be the clear choice.
 
I own both. The ruger's fit and finish is much better than the bersa's. LCP is lighter and much smaller. The recoil is less on the bersa, and the trigger on the bersa is great. LCP for a small mouse gun is pretty good as well. If you were to carry I would have to steer you to the lcp if you are going to use it the range then go with the bersa. The bera loaded is nearly as heavy as my ppk/s which could become a pain to carry if you are not wearing a jacket.
 
I own both, love both, and have fired both extensively. The Bersa is my wife's carry gun. The LCP is my church gun. A guy can dang near hide an LCP in a bushy eyebrow. The Bersa is a fine-shooting, smooth running handgun. It's also plenty small for CCW. The wife has it in an Uncle Mike's IWB.
 
IF you are thinking about putting this on your ankle - it's gotta be the LCP.

(Bersa makes a great gun at a great price as well, but it is SIGNIFICANTLY bigger and heavier.)
 
+1 for bender.
The Bersa is a lot bigger than the Ruger.

My suggestion is go to a show and fondle both.
The Ruger is Small. And I mean small. That's great in a carry gun but for my taste it's too small.

There is also the problem of getting the Ruger. They are in way short supply and the backlog at FFL's is long.

Good luck

AFS
 
I have the Bersa .380CC. It is a solid little gun. I've not shot the LCP but would expect it to be pretty snappy because of the light weight.
See if you can rent them somewhere so you can make a better decision.
 
Today for sure I would own the lcp as it is now being shipped.

Nothing wrong with the Bersa but to big IMO for pocket carry and size is about the same as a Kahr PM9 (9mm)
 
I shoot Bersa Thunder and Thunder Plus as well as two Kel-Tec 380s which the Ruger is copied on. All are very reliable. The little Kel-Tec hides so easily that it's my 24/7 gun plus sometimes an XD-45c when possible.
The bersas are too heavy for pocket carry but the Thunder Plus fits my hand well and is a joy to shoot.
 
On the size issue, I prefer the Bersa because I have large hands. The Ruger simply gets lost in my paws. It's not that I can't shoot well with the smaller weapon; I'm just more comfortable with something that has a little meat on its bones.

This is no knock against Ruger. My buddy Sturm and I go way back to my childhood, and I fully intend to flesh out my toy collection with several Ruger revolvers. They make some fine firearms, period!

That being said, I bought a Bersa Thunder .380.
 
I bought my girlfriend a Bersa Thunder 380, and I have never regretted it. It is one of the most reliable .380 pistols on the market, and the best kept secret in the handgun industry. It is the single best thing $250 can buy.
 
Have the Thunder in 380,...good gun,...that says it all. ALso have the "Pre-Ruger LCP", (the Keltec P3AT),...both have their place, both are inexpensive,...the solution?? Buy both.....
 
Bersa for rugged reliable-ness, LCP for deep, deep conceal. Choose a priority.

If pocket carry is not super important, Bersa. I considered\handled both and went LCP personally.
 
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