Picked up a Bersa 380 this evening.

[JGIORD]

Picked up a dual tone model tonight. It feels great in my hand and I picked up an extra mag (without the pinky extension) for $32. I bought it for my wife, but unfortunately she found the initial trigger pull too difficult. She may end up with my G26, which means I have to buy another one :rolleyes:, she likes the trigger better (but hasn't shot it yet).

I have not shot the Bersa yet, but did notice that my decocker was extremely stiff versus the model in the showcase. I hope running some rounds through it will help loosen it up a bit. It's slimmer than my G26 so should conceal better, but overall I'd still prefer the Glock (I love this gun).

Overall the Bersa seems well made (except for the stiff decocker). I'm looking forward to going to the range this weekend and breaking it in.

I bought it specifically to be an ankle gun when I can't carry my Glock IWB. I'll see how well I like it after shooting it.

Should I bring it back to the dealer to get the safety worked on before shooting?

[YounGun24]

I've owned the duo-tone Bersa 380 for a few months now (only shot about 200 rounds though) and I really like it. Mine has a stiff decocker as well, though it as eased up a tiny bit with my daily handling of it (either that or I've just gotten used to it). I hope you enjoy it! Let me know how the ankle carry works out for you.

[OldShooter]

I had a Bersa. It was a good shooter, reliable and accurate, not much barrel flip. I put Hogue rubber grips on it, that was an improvement over the hard plastic. The girl friend has it now.

[striker55]

My decocker was so tight it would not work. Took it to Gander Mtn, they are authorized gunsmith for Bersa, he fixed it up at no charge. Also wanted to say nice little shooting gun, I was pleasantly surprised.

[kristop64089]

I have a firestorm .380 and love it. Decocker was a little stiff but it has worked itself out(gives me something to do while watching tv)

[tshadow6]

I own/carry a Bersa CC .380 . Load it with FMJ .380 for the 1st hundred or so rounds. Mine does not feed Fiochi JHP too well, but LOVES Remington JHP. Buy a nice pocket holster and start breaking that baby in. You are going to LOVE your Bersa. Everything loosens up with use.

[cryption]

my bersa I got today is stovepiping hardcore. My decocker is still, but usable fine.

[JGIORD]

Well, I'll be taking it to the range tomorrow. I'll give a quick report on how well it performs.

I initially bought it for my wife, but she feels that the initial trigger pull is too hard and long and she likes my G26 better. She's coming to the range for the first time, so I'll let her try both out.

[michael t]

Bersa great pistol But you got ripped on the mag way to much. Is it a real bersa mag . Thec come in a clear blister pack . Says Bersa thunder 380 across top. Always remember a REAL factory 380 mag SAYS

BERSA cal 380acp INDUSTRIA ARGENTINA If this not on body of mag it is not a factory mag. Bersa makes their own mags and does not buy from any outside supplier no matter what gun show or gunshop tells you.
Factory mags work best Pro mags are very bad.
Come join http://bersatalk.com I am giving away to some lucky members factory mags Bersa patches and more .
Free to members, luck of the draw.

[JGIORD]

Mike,

Yes it is a Bersa Mag. Its engraved on the side, sucks that I paid too much though. :mad:

[Playboypenguin]

Enjoy your new toy. I am a big fan of the .380acp round for personal defense. I am not the biggest fan of Bersa but I hear great things about them from tons of shooters. It should be a very reliable firearm for you.

[Socrates]

I have one word for you:
solids.

S esq.

[DWARREN123]

I have one and yes it will get some what lighter with use. Mine has over 2,000 rounds thru without a problem. I would use a TC or FP ammo.

[JGIORD]

Well just came back from the range. 270 rounds later and not one problem with the Bersa. I fed it 50 rounds of Remmington FMJ, followed by100 rounds of WWB, then 20 rounds of Federal Hydra shock JHP, then 150 more rounds of WWB. Both mags and the gun functioned perfectly.

The decocker is still stiff, but definitely getting better. Initially I was shooting high and to the right. A quick adjustment to the rear sight (incredibly simple) and I was more on center, albeit I'm not that great of a shot.

Overall recoil was noticeable but comparable to my G26. Not bad. I did get beamed a few times with empty cases, but it was usually when I eased up on my grip.

I really enjoyed this gun. It was fun to shoot, accurate and so far problem free. If the decocker loosens up more I would be totally satisfied.

It won't replace my G26, but I have no worries carrying this on my ankle when I can't bring the G26 on my hip.:D

[Ivory Grips]

Got a Bersa .380 in matte nickle. Yes the hammer drop safety is stiff, but it's not an issue with me. This little jewel is so easy to conceal, shoots very good. Nice trigger, fits my hand really well. I'd bet if ol' James Bond had to make a choice, the Bersa would win hands down!

[striker55]

What ammo do you have in your carry bersa?

[Wrascal]

I put the rubberized wrap-around grips on my Bersa, and I'm beginning to like it better than my Glock 19 (heresy on some forums).

I haven't posted but maybe once/twice, but read this forum for good info on the Bersa

http://bersatalk.com/forums/11/ShowForum.aspx

[JGIORD]

So far I'm using Federal Hydra Sock JHP. So far so good.

[Socrates]

FBI .380 results
.380 Win Silvertip | 85@ 954, 11.6 mv, 172 E|BR 7.9", 0.58", 2.09cu|CL 9.1", 0.47", 1.58cu|avg 1.83, 1.11 re, 1.65
.380 CCI/Speer GD | 88@ 914, 11.5 mv, 163 E|BR 11.6", 0.46", 1.92cu|CL 17.2", 0.35", 1.66cu|avg 1.79, 1.09 re, 1.64
.380 CCI/Speer GD | 90@ 934, 12.0 mv, 174 E|BR 9.3", 0.59", 2.54cu|CL 11.3", 0.49", 2.14cu|avg 2.34, 1.19 re, 1.96
.380 Fed HydraShok | 90@ 971, 12.5 mv, 188 E|BR 6.7", 0.66", 2.29cu|CL 12.0", 0.49", 2.26cu|avg 2.28, 1.29 re, 1.77

http://demigodllc.com/~zak/firearms/fbi-pistol.php

[Socrates]

http://www.brassfetcher.com/90%20grain%20Federal%20Personal%20Defense%20Hydra-Shok.html

http://www.brassfetcher.com/images/380hs.jpg
http://www.brassfetcher.com/380ACP.html

You do your research, you evaluate your threats, and, you make your choices, then you may live or die by them...

S esq.

[JohnLizCas]

Got my Bersa Thunder in Feb and have never had a problem with it, no matter what ammo I used. Very reliable and accurate out of the box. Have about 1000 rounds through it.
Decocker loosens up with time and use. Play with it while watching TV. It'll come around. Make doubly sure the gun is empty. LOL

[JGIORD]

I'm not sure what all that data means in English?

Are the Hydra Shocks good? According to those figures, which is the best 380 SD round? :confused:

[Cremon]

Are the Hydra Shocks good?

I don't know about the 380, but in the 9mm they have good stopping power if the shots are placed well. I like Hydra Shok in my 9mm and Remington Golden Saber in my 45. The FBI uses the Remington GS ammo in its 45s and a lot of the GA police departments use Hydra Shok in their 9mm pistols.