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Old January 29, 2013, 07:54 PM   #1
Kreyzhorse
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Bersa Opinions

I need some suggestions and opinions. Short version of the story is my buddy is getting his CCW and is now in need of CCW gun. He does not have a ton of spare cash but would like to find a reliable gun in 9mm or .380 and has mentioned Bersa. He would like to spend around $300 if possible.

To be honest, I know very little about them but was curious what some real world experiences are with either their 9mm Compact or their .380 Thunder.
Is this a decent choice as a CCW or are their other lower end guns he should consider? I tend to stick with S&W, Ruger and the like so any suggestions or opinions are welcomed.
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:04 PM   #2
ttarp
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My first handgun was a slightly used Bersa .380, I've never had a malfunction with it and it's still probably my favorite to shoot. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest it for a ccw or a first gun, the thing to consider though is .380 is a little more expensive ammo, and a lot of folks don't trust its power.
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:06 PM   #3
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I would buy a Bersa without a hesitation.
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:14 PM   #4
Kreyzhorse
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I'd like to steer him towards a 9mm for just that reason. Personally, I don't have a problem carrying a .380 and carry a Ruger LCP on occasion.

How is the availability of quality holsters for Bersa?
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:19 PM   #5
bruno diaz
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I carry my LCP all the time, just because it's so easy to pocket carry. However, I can't say enough about my Bersa. It's accurate and reliable. I've never had a FTF or FTE. In my opinion, I'm finally accurate with my LCP because I have a grip extender and almost a thousand rounds through it. While the Bersa is easy to shoot accurately after about a hundred rounds.
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:21 PM   #6
tekarra
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I have found Bersas to be reliable.
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:31 PM   #7
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Bersa .380 Thunder good choice
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:33 PM   #8
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I have two of them...

Bersa's are hard to beat for the money.
I have a Thunder. 380, and a Ultra compact Pro. 45..
No problems, pick one and shoot it and learn all about it!
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:33 PM   #9
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Of all my pistols, the Bersa is the first one I would get rid of. Go compare it with a Sig P250 sub-compact in 9mm. Better pistol, larger caliber, more round capacity especially if you get an X-Grip and compact 15 round magazine.
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:36 PM   #10
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Great budget handguns.
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:40 PM   #11
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I bought a model 85 many years ago. It is nickle color and holds 13 rounds of 380. I don't think it has ever failed to fire. I wound not be afraid of another one.
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Old January 29, 2013, 08:43 PM   #12
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Hey Lamarw...

The Op said something about not having a lot of cash-- that Sig IS a great handgun.
BUT.. it is going to be hundreds more than a Bersa!!
Give the guy a break!

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Old January 29, 2013, 09:55 PM   #13
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Thanks for all the input so far. My buddy is going to check one out this week.
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Old January 29, 2013, 09:59 PM   #14
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Sorry you don't like my message Pud, but I tried to do the OP a favor by moving them to a better pistol. Bud's is currently out of stock on the Sig P250 which should tell us something. You can buy a new one off GunBroker for $425.00 vs. buying a Bersa 380 from Bud's at $329.00. The full MSRP on a Sig P250 is $570.00, but who pays full MSRP?

Your statement that a Sig P250 is hundreds above the price of a Bersa is mis-leading at best. I have a Bersa 380 and I own two Sig P250's plus an extra X-Change Kit. There is no comparrison in my opinion. Yes, there are other Sig models for hundreds more.

Which pistol would you take for about a hundered dollars difference in price with some smart shopping? Why not give the OP some options to consider?

I bought my Bersa new for over $300 and had to send it back for repair within the first twenty rounds. The repair was under warranty but the shipping cost was expensive and on me. I was also without the Bersa for close to a month.
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Old January 29, 2013, 10:03 PM   #15
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I was shocked back when I found out how cheap P250's were, Sig is generally equated with lots of $$$. If you want to check out holsters for Bersa's of any model, www.condorsflight.com has a good selection.
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Old January 29, 2013, 11:00 PM   #16
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I and several others I know carry the thunder regularly. It's a very reliable gun in our years shooting them.

I however, carry a P250c .45 even more often.

But, in the same price range your bud could also check out the S&W Sigma series. Personally, I hate the trigger. Kind of their first attempt to copy the Glock. But they are a solid gun.....
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Old January 30, 2013, 01:33 AM   #17
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380 Thunder get lot of carry at my house My son and Nephew both carry the 9mmUC

Go here and talk to owners http://bersachat.com over 5000 happy owners and a few grumps
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Old January 30, 2013, 09:44 AM   #18
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My first carry gun was the Thunder 380. Accurate, pleasant to shoot, and easy to conceal.

I'd buy another one without hesitation.
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Old January 30, 2013, 10:57 AM   #19
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One of the nicest things about the Bersa 380 IMO is it's one of the few 380's with a DA/SA trigger. The Sig comes with a long DA trigger that I found hard to get use to and stay on target with.Thats why I no longer own it. My 380 duo has been a great little pistol and always fun to shoot.
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Old January 30, 2013, 11:51 AM   #20
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Bersas are not lower end...just lower cost. They don't have huge advertising budgets or overhead.

Awesome firearms...period.
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Old January 30, 2013, 02:03 PM   #21
aarondhgraham
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Mine have been solid performers,,,

Mine have been solid performers,,,
I own a Thunder 22 and a Thunder 380,,,
Neither gun is ammo picky and they shoot well.

I have purchased and gifted away two of the Thunder 22 pistols,,,
Both of the owners shoot their guns often and love them.

Aarond

.
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Old January 30, 2013, 02:13 PM   #22
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I had a Bersa .380 and it was reliable and fun to shoot. Accurate too especially for a new shooter without a whole lot of trigger time. I ended up selling it to my sister. Not for any reason other than i had enough guns to choose form for play and home protection and well she needed all of the above stated in a gun. She enjoys it and does well with it also.
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Old January 30, 2013, 02:31 PM   #23
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Quote:
Great budget handguns
Totally agree with the above statement. I have 5 different Bersas, and they have all been very reliable in terms of function. Not the greatest in terms of finish, but if you are on a budget you can do much worse
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Old January 30, 2013, 02:38 PM   #24
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We just got a Thunder 380 and both the wife and I love it. It is a very well made pistol and feels and shoots like one that should cost more. It is very accurate and the best I have ever shot with it. I highly recommend them to new shooters.
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Old January 30, 2013, 03:27 PM   #25
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I bought a Bersa Thunder .380 and a Beretta 9000S (9mm) the same day. I had an emergency and had to sell one shortly after. I chose to sell the Bersa because the Beretta was a better name and caliber.

I don't have that Beretta anymore and regret selling the Bersa. It has not climbed back into my short list, but I would like to pick one up eventually. I have never heard any negative reviews of it. I've heard ".... Would be better", but never negative.

For the price it's hard to beat em.
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