Although I'd like an SP101 or a J-frame, modern fashion would seem to dictate a small thin autoloader. Bersa Thunder 380 or FEG PA-63? I like the round and cost of the FEG, but I hear a lot of good things about the bersa. I will probably use this piece for my CCW class, as well.
Thinking about a CCW piece
- Thread starter Tortuga12
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Breakdaddy
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I have had two thunder .380s. One a CC model and the other a standard thunder 380. Both were 100 percent reliable after several hundred rounds (bout 500 each or so). I sold the standard to my dad who uses it as a BUG and I kept the CC model which now sits comfortably in my gun safe since I got my PM9, which is smaller and more powerful. I can't recommend Bersa 380's highly enough, they are solid performers IME.
I would be less concerned about what is "in style" and more concerned with 1) what you shoot better and 2) what you can conceal and still quickly access better.
One advantage of using an auto is that many states require you to qualify with an auto to carry an auto or revolver.
One advantage of using an auto is that many states require you to qualify with an auto to carry an auto or revolver.
In style
Sorry, when I refer to style, I'm thinking about the clothes I wear, not my choice in, shall we say, accessories? I personally find gun fads to be just a little bit silly, and agree that one should carry what one can shoot well. That being said, which of the two do you find to be more accurate/easy to handle? I've heard that the FEG's recoil can be pretty sharp, but I've shot .44 mag and done ok, and regularly shoot my CZ-52, which is pretty snappy with no problems.
Sorry, when I refer to style, I'm thinking about the clothes I wear, not my choice in, shall we say, accessories? I personally find gun fads to be just a little bit silly, and agree that one should carry what one can shoot well. That being said, which of the two do you find to be more accurate/easy to handle? I've heard that the FEG's recoil can be pretty sharp, but I've shot .44 mag and done ok, and regularly shoot my CZ-52, which is pretty snappy with no problems.
KINGMAX
Member
Cz 83
IF choosing a small auto loader, consider trying out a CZ83 as one of your choices. I have had and gotten rid of a Walther PPK to aquire a CZ83. The feel and features are great. I am not much on a .380, but I do like the CZ for a light-weight CCW backup. Please note: The CZ83 is carried consealed as a backup to either a GLOCK 21 in .45 acp, or a S&W 686 in .357. I seldom carry the .380 as a primary weapon.
IF choosing a small auto loader, consider trying out a CZ83 as one of your choices. I have had and gotten rid of a Walther PPK to aquire a CZ83. The feel and features are great. I am not much on a .380, but I do like the CZ for a light-weight CCW backup. Please note: The CZ83 is carried consealed as a backup to either a GLOCK 21 in .45 acp, or a S&W 686 in .357. I seldom carry the .380 as a primary weapon.
Thought hard about the CZ 82
I really like my -52, and my friend's 75 compact, but for Florida CCW (light clothes, no jackets) I was not sure how the grip frame would conceal. Otherwise, I'd snap up a surplus 82 from Classic Arms in a heartbeat!
I really like my -52, and my friend's 75 compact, but for Florida CCW (light clothes, no jackets) I was not sure how the grip frame would conceal. Otherwise, I'd snap up a surplus 82 from Classic Arms in a heartbeat!
Whirlwind06
Member
Have you looked at the Kel-Tec P11?
About the size of a PPK/bersa .380 and you get 12+1 rounds of 9mm.
About the size of a PPK/bersa .380 and you get 12+1 rounds of 9mm.
nwilliams
Member
I had an FEG PA-63 and I did not care for it one bit, I shot it once and it bit so bad that I didn't want to shoot it anymore.
Go with the Bersa or find a nice real Makarov. I carry a Russian Makarov in 9x18 I picked up for $165 and its one of my favorite guns. Its comfortable to shoot, fits my hand, very accurate, has almost no bite and has never had a single problem. Its my summer ccw and I would trust my life to it.
Go with the Bersa or find a nice real Makarov. I carry a Russian Makarov in 9x18 I picked up for $165 and its one of my favorite guns. Its comfortable to shoot, fits my hand, very accurate, has almost no bite and has never had a single problem. Its my summer ccw and I would trust my life to it.
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wnycollector
Member
+1 on the mak. my personal CCW is a russian mak. I just finished shooting 1000 rounds of wolf FMJ through it over a 2 month period without a cleaning! it was 100% reliable! My summer project is 1000 rounds of silver bear JHP w/o cleaning it!
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