Bersal .380 Dimpling on Primer?!?!?!

thunderbird101 · June 21, 2011, 07:39 AM

I have a Bersa Thunder .380 that I carry and have never had any problems with it, though I have carried it for 2 years and it is beginning to show basic signs of being carried, such as scratches.

Upon unloading it the other day I noticed that a few of the rounds appeared to have dimples in the back of the primer, not deep, but enough to be worrisome! I figured it was from before I loaded the rounds and was just from basic wear and tear. However, to experiment, I loaded a fresh round that had no such dimples. Upon chambering the round and immediately ejecting it, 2 small distinct dimples were present. I tried this with a few other rounds and discovered that chambering and ejecting the rounds left 2 disctinct dimples on all primers! Is this cause for concern, is this normal, or what am I dealing with? I've tried to take pictures to post, but the camera i have can't focus that close up.

Yung.gunr · June 21, 2011, 08:08 AM

I would take it in to a gunsmith. Most of em will give you off the cuff advice as to wether it is something to be concerned about or not. I personally would not carry it loaded until I talked to a smith. Maybe I'm being over cautious but what you are describing does cause some alarms to sound.

Kodyo · June 21, 2011, 05:06 PM

Try this: Put the gun on safe and load a round. I say this because with the safety on the bar on the decocker will prevent the hammer from hitting the firing pin in any way. Are the dimples there?
Can you tell if the firing pin is loose or stuck forward?
Maybe you can remove the firing pin from the housing and clean it and see if that helps any.

Pahoo · June 21, 2011, 08:12 PM

thunderbird101
Off topic but have to ask you how you like your Bersa and what kind of performance has it provided? Never thought I'd be shopping for a .380 as I sure like my 9MM. I feel this might fill a niche for my needs. .....

Be Safe !!!

Kodyo · June 21, 2011, 08:19 PM

Although you weren't directing your comment to me, i'll help you.

I love my bersa thunder. I think I have about 600 rounds through it so far. I've had one FTF with a non standard magazine. I would highly recommend them!

BTW, here is a small review I wrote on mine:
http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...ighlight=bersa

Pahoo · June 21, 2011, 08:26 PM

Kodyo
You are fine and I certainly thank you as well as appreciate your input. ....

Be Safe !!!

thunderbird101 · June 21, 2011, 10:10 PM

The dimples are closer to the side of the primer, irregular and not circular, therefore I do not think the actual firing pin is the suspect here. (THANK GOD!!!!)

POHO,

I would recommend the Bersa, as I have had decent performance with it and find it to be very accurate. For the price it is a phenomenal pistol. Please note, I say "decent" performance, as I have found mine to be very picky on what type of ammo it will run. I have over 500 rounds through it and have only had a few FTE with cheap target ammo. However, I believe these FTE are caused by cheap target ammo and over oiling. However, it is not like a Glock which will typically run regardless of anything you throw at it (personal opinion here, you will find PLENTY of people who disagree w/ this statement about Glock!) All in All, I would definitely recommend it, but there ARE MUCH BETTER pistols out there, but you will also be paying quite a lot more for those as well! Hope this wordy explanation helps!

Cheers!

Kodyo · June 21, 2011, 10:25 PM

The only other thing I can think of causing the mark is the extractor.
Can you cycle a round and check if the extractor mark lines up with the mark on the cartridge?

bull bob · June 22, 2011, 09:09 AM

Check to see if there are any burrs around the firing pin hole in the breach wall. I have seen this with some guns of lesser stature that were not finished very well. If there is a burr, a small file should take care of it. It would most likely be from creating the firing pin hole at the factory and just wasn't machined out perfectly. A CNC machine doesn't always brush off the dust and admire it's finished work like a true craftsman would.

michael t · June 23, 2011, 12:16 AM

Come over to http://bersachat.com members will help you or we will tell you where to send it for warranty.

June 21, 2011, 07:39 AM	#1
thunderbird101 Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2009 Posts: 118	Bersal .380 Dimpling on Primer?!?!?! I have a Bersa Thunder .380 that I carry and have never had any problems with it, though I have carried it for 2 years and it is beginning to show basic signs of being carried, such as scratches. Upon unloading it the other day I noticed that a few of the rounds appeared to have dimples in the back of the primer, not deep, but enough to be worrisome! I figured it was from before I loaded the rounds and was just from basic wear and tear. However, to experiment, I loaded a fresh round that had no such dimples. Upon chambering the round and immediately ejecting it, 2 small distinct dimples were present. I tried this with a few other rounds and discovered that chambering and ejecting the rounds left 2 disctinct dimples on all primers! Is this cause for concern, is this normal, or what am I dealing with? I've tried to take pictures to post, but the camera i have can't focus that close up.

June 21, 2011, 08:08 AM	#2
Yung.gunr Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2010 Location: Phoenix area Posts: 1,442	I'm no gunsmith I would take it in to a gunsmith. Most of em will give you off the cuff advice as to wether it is something to be concerned about or not. I personally would not carry it loaded until I talked to a smith. Maybe I'm being over cautious but what you are describing does cause some alarms to sound.

June 21, 2011, 08:12 PM	#4
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	How's it working for you ?? thunderbird101 Off topic but have to ask you how you like your Bersa and what kind of performance has it provided? Never thought I'd be shopping for a .380 as I sure like my 9MM. I feel this might fill a niche for my needs. ..... Be Safe !!!

June 23, 2011, 12:16 AM	#10
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	Come over to http://bersachat.com members will help you or we will tell you where to send it for warranty. __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

June 21, 2011, 05:06 PM	#3
Kodyo Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2011 Posts: 320	Try this: Put the gun on safe and load a round. I say this because with the safety on the bar on the decocker will prevent the hammer from hitting the firing pin in any way. Are the dimples there? Can you tell if the firing pin is loose or stuck forward? Maybe you can remove the firing pin from the housing and clean it and see if that helps any.

June 21, 2011, 08:19 PM	#5
Kodyo Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2011 Posts: 320	Although you weren't directing your comment to me, i'll help you. I love my bersa thunder. I think I have about 600 rounds through it so far. I've had one FTF with a non standard magazine. I would highly recommend them! BTW, here is a small review I wrote on mine: http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...ighlight=bersa

June 21, 2011, 08:26 PM	#6
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Kodyo You are fine and I certainly thank you as well as appreciate your input. .... Be Safe !!!

June 21, 2011, 10:10 PM	#7
thunderbird101 Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2009 Posts: 118	The dimples are closer to the side of the primer, irregular and not circular, therefore I do not think the actual firing pin is the suspect here. (THANK GOD!!!!) POHO, I would recommend the Bersa, as I have had decent performance with it and find it to be very accurate. For the price it is a phenomenal pistol. Please note, I say "decent" performance, as I have found mine to be very picky on what type of ammo it will run. I have over 500 rounds through it and have only had a few FTE with cheap target ammo. However, I believe these FTE are caused by cheap target ammo and over oiling. However, it is not like a Glock which will typically run regardless of anything you throw at it (personal opinion here, you will find PLENTY of people who disagree w/ this statement about Glock!) All in All, I would definitely recommend it, but there ARE MUCH BETTER pistols out there, but you will also be paying quite a lot more for those as well! Hope this wordy explanation helps! Cheers!

June 21, 2011, 10:25 PM	#8
Kodyo Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2011 Posts: 320	The only other thing I can think of causing the mark is the extractor. Can you cycle a round and check if the extractor mark lines up with the mark on the cartridge?

June 22, 2011, 09:09 AM	#9
bull bob Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 114	Check to see if there are any burrs around the firing pin hole in the breach wall. I have seen this with some guns of lesser stature that were not finished very well. If there is a burr, a small file should take care of it. It would most likely be from creating the firing pin hole at the factory and just wasn't machined out perfectly. A CNC machine doesn't always brush off the dust and admire it's finished work like a true craftsman would.