Bersa Opinions

Kreyzhorse · January 29, 2013, 08:54 PM

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.

ttarp · January 29, 2013, 09:04 PM

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.

BGutzman · January 29, 2013, 09:06 PM

I would buy a Bersa without a hesitation.

Kreyzhorse · January 29, 2013, 09:14 PM

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?

bruno diaz · January 29, 2013, 09:19 PM

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.

tekarra · January 29, 2013, 09:21 PM

I have found Bersas to be reliable.

jmortimer · January 29, 2013, 09:31 PM

Bersa .380 Thunder good choice

Pud · January 29, 2013, 09:33 PM

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!

Pud

lamarw · January 29, 2013, 09:33 PM

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.

shootniron · January 29, 2013, 09:36 PM

Great budget handguns.

454me · January 29, 2013, 09:40 PM

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.

Pud · January 29, 2013, 09:43 PM

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!

Pud

Kreyzhorse · January 29, 2013, 10:55 PM

Thanks for all the input so far. My buddy is going to check one out this week.

lamarw · January 29, 2013, 10:59 PM

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.

ttarp · January 29, 2013, 11:03 PM

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.

SauerJackson · January 30, 2013, 12:00 AM

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.....

michael t · January 30, 2013, 02:33 AM

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

bird_dog · January 30, 2013, 10:44 AM

My first carry gun was the Thunder 380. Accurate, pleasant to shoot, and easy to conceal.

I'd buy another one without hesitation.

group17 · January 30, 2013, 11:57 AM

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.

Nasty · January 30, 2013, 12:51 PM

Bersas are not lower end...just lower cost. They don't have huge advertising budgets or overhead.

Awesome firearms...period.

aarondhgraham · January 30, 2013, 03:03 PM

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

.

JarheadHunter · January 30, 2013, 03:13 PM

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.

Sparks1957 · January 30, 2013, 03:31 PM

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

bonefamily · January 30, 2013, 03:38 PM

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.

Yung.gunr · January 30, 2013, 04:27 PM

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.

January 29, 2013, 08:54 PM	#1
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 10,811	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. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

January 29, 2013, 09:06 PM	#3
BGutzman Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2009 Location: Frozen Tundra Posts: 2,411	I would buy a Bersa without a hesitation. __________________ Molon Labe

January 29, 2013, 09:14 PM	#4
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 10,811	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? __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

January 29, 2013, 09:33 PM	#8
Pud Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2002 Location: Virginia...!! Posts: 120	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! Pud __________________ In the immortal words of Red Green: "Quando Omni Flunkus, Moritati" - "When All Else Fails, Play Dead" Ruger P97 / Ruger SR1911 CMD /Bersa .45 UC Pro/Ruger SR9c/S&M M&P 15 Sport/Ruger Mk 3 22/45.

January 29, 2013, 09:40 PM	#11
454me Member Join Date: January 26, 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 34	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. __________________ Hey I didn't do it. It was like that when I got here. http://community.webshots.com/user/454me

January 29, 2013, 09:04 PM	#2
ttarp Member Join Date: January 4, 2013 Posts: 48	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.

January 29, 2013, 09:19 PM	#5
bruno diaz Member Join Date: July 25, 2011 Posts: 23	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.

January 29, 2013, 09:21 PM	#6
tekarra Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 1,027	I have found Bersas to be reliable.

January 29, 2013, 09:31 PM	#7
jmortimer Junior member Join Date: January 24, 2010 Location: South West Riverside County California Posts: 2,765	Bersa .380 Thunder good choice

January 29, 2013, 09:36 PM	#10
shootniron Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2011 Posts: 1,146	Great budget handguns.

January 29, 2013, 09:43 PM	#12
Pud Senior Member Join Date: April 1, 2002 Location: Virginia...!! Posts: 120	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! Pud __________________ In the immortal words of Red Green: "Quando Omni Flunkus, Moritati" - "When All Else Fails, Play Dead" Ruger P97 / Ruger SR1911 CMD /Bersa .45 UC Pro/Ruger SR9c/S&M M&P 15 Sport/Ruger Mk 3 22/45.

January 29, 2013, 10:55 PM	#13
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 10,811	Thanks for all the input so far. My buddy is going to check one out this week. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

January 29, 2013, 10:59 PM	#14
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 1,230	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.

January 29, 2013, 11:03 PM	#15
ttarp Member Join Date: January 4, 2013 Posts: 48	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.

January 30, 2013, 12:00 AM	#16
SauerJackson Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2011 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 117	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.....

January 30, 2013, 02:33 AM	#17
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 3,348	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 __________________ Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic, Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa American Classic new home www.americanclassic1911forum.com

January 30, 2013, 10:44 AM	#18
bird_dog Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2004 Posts: 173	My first carry gun was the Thunder 380. Accurate, pleasant to shoot, and easy to conceal. I'd buy another one without hesitation.

January 30, 2013, 11:57 AM	#19
group17 Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2009 Posts: 307	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.

January 30, 2013, 12:51 PM	#20
Nasty Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Posts: 323	Bersas are not lower end...just lower cost. They don't have huge advertising budgets or overhead. Awesome firearms...period. __________________ Above is based on the opinion of a 20 year Small Arms Marksmanship and Training Unit USAF instructor with more than 30 years in competitive shooting sports. Your mileage may vary.

January 30, 2013, 03:03 PM	#21
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 6,356	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 . __________________ Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Combat: "A Silent Cry" Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

January 30, 2013, 03:13 PM	#22
JarheadHunter Member Join Date: October 8, 2012 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 24	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.

January 30, 2013, 03:38 PM	#24
bonefamily Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2012 Location: central Ohio Posts: 255	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.

January 30, 2013, 04:27 PM	#25
Yung.gunr Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2010 Location: Phoenix area Posts: 1,181	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.