OT: Bersa Thunder 380 CC -- LOW Price & HIGH Quality!

[Old No7]

Some of you may recall a recent review I posted about the Taurus PT-22 semi-auto "mouse gun" in .22 rimfire. The gist of that post (see link) was that a small .22 in your hand, sure beats the bigger magnum or 9/45 you left at home.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10111

Since then though, I've been searching for a somewhat bigger mouse gun, call it a "rat gun" if you want. I checked out the KelTec's and its ripoff the new Ruger LCP, both .380 ACP's, but I just couldn't get past the "plastic-ey" feel of those guns -- they handle like a squirt gun I had as I kid. I really wanted something with a safety and just a little more mass, one that actually looked and felt like a gun when you handled it -- know what I mean? -- but not so big that it still couldn't be concealed easily. So I kept looking...

Then while shopping in the new Maine Cabela's (which I'm finding is located a little "too close" to work -- just 10 minutes south), I checked out the Walther PPK/S. Sure, they handle nice, and they're a little heavy with the all-steel construction, but the biggest objection I had was the price -- $500 to $600 -- ouch! Then the guy behind the counter suggests I take a look at the "Bersa". Well OK, I'd heard of the brand once before, but I didn't know much else. OK, I'll bite, let's take a look...

Well, they had two to look at... First up was a dual-tone Thunder .380, which is designed just like the PPK/S, with a decent beavertail, nice 3-dot sights and decent controls, with a hammer-drop safety. The sights, while highly visible, looked like they could snag pretty easily. So we switched to the other one. This was the "CC" (concealed carry) version, in a satin nickel finish with an alloy grip frame. ("Uh oh", I'm thinking to myself, as I like that brushed stainless "look", especially with the black grips). Here's what she looks like:



The CC weighs in a few ounces more than the smaller KelTec but it's lighter than the standard Thunder, with smaller controls so they wouldn't drag/snag and the sights were reduced too -- functional for 7 yards, but not useful for any target shooting, that's for sure. You can see how minimal they are in this pix:



I have to admit, there was a lot to like with the l'il Bersa 380 CC. I compared it versus a used Taurus PT-22 they had there, and the grip frames were about the same -- that's good to know, as the PT-22 carries easy in an IWB holster. The Thunder CC was bigger in the barrel area, of course, but I guess that's the whole idea of jumping up from the lowly .22 to the larger .380 ACP. Wow! The fit, finish, features and feel were all darn good! The perceived quality was very HIGH -- and better yet, the asking price was LOW! So, I put a 24-hour hold on it, just so I could check out the piece online.

Just as we enjoy all lever guns here (when we're not "off topic" that is...), I found http://www.bersatalk.com and those guys had a lot of good to say about the Thunder series. Sure, there were a few posts about an occasional problem, but I don't think any gun maker is immune to that today. So it's back to Cabela's I went, and she agreed to come home with me (as her "Uncle NICS" agreed too...).

100 rounds later at the range -- and WOW -- this had to be the most under-rated highest-value handgun I have ever bought! I'll bet I can do better on target with more practice with the trigger and the TINY sights, but overall I was very pleased with how she shot:



For any of those who want to know more details or hear someone else's opinion about the Bersa pistols, check out this excellent review by Jeff Quinn over at Gun Blasts:
http://www.gunblast.com/Bersa_380CC.htm
The funny thing is, I actually found that review after I'd brought mine home!

Oh, one more thing, I learned a neat trick over on BersaTalk about fitting a new leather holster to a gun -- wrap the piece in wax paper or a doubled plastic bag, and then push it into the holster as deep as possible. Leave it for 24 to 48 hours, and the fit of the piece will be much-improved. Some of the guys liked the wax paper for the extra "slip" that it provides. One holster maker also said he wets the holster with rubbing alcohol first (caution, as this can darker some leathers) and then he lets it dry to the shape of the piece (which is double-bagged, of course).

I am hoping that my next post may be ON topic, but since the Bersa name & quality was relatively unknown to me before, I figured I would post this and help enlighten some others.

So there you have it... The Bersa Thunder 380 CC -- complete with LOW Price & HIGH Quality!

Tight groups!

Old No7

[O.S.O.K.]

Congrats on your new gun! Sounds like its a winner

Here's my idea of an economical carry gun:



Cz-82 - chambered for 9x18, 12 round mag - $200

And here is what I carry most often:



Kahr-9 - not cheap and "only" holds 8 rounds of 9x19. But its very concealable, shoots like a dream and is chambered in 9mm Luger, a much more potent round.

[Buffboy]

I have one of the Firestorm 45s(same gun as the Bersa Thunderer). I've had it a year and not had a single malfunction. It's a nice piece. My wife has one of the 22s, again a nice piece. I always looked down on the Bersa pistols because they were "inexpensive" but I'm sorry now that I missed out for so long.

[mescalero1]

Small carry gun here in Phoenix for me is a Star Model S brushed stainless .380.
Put on some 1911 aftermarket sites, thinned the rear pretty good on the mill, rides strong side hip rear, even I can hide it.
Got an extra barrel to make a .32 NAA when I get off my posterior and do it.

[Andrew]

I've been eyeballing the Bersa's for awhile but have never snatced one up yet. They do look good don't they.

[kirkwood]

Let us know what loads you run through it and what to avoid if you have any problems. Thanks for the post.

[Old No7]

Hi all, me again, about this awesome l'il Bersa 380 I found...

As for loads -- she's been 100% reliable with full-metal-jacket loads from MagTech, Winchester (white box), Wolf and Remington, and also 100% reliable with jacketed-hollow-point loadings from Wolf "Gold" and Remington "Golden Saber".

Again, I really feel this is the highest-value but most little-known or under-rated concealed carry piece on the market today.

Sure, the KelTec and Ruger LCP's are a tad smaller and lighter, but with their smaller grips and plastic-ey feel, it just wasn't what I wanted... For a couple of extra ounces and maybe an extra half inch here or there, this little Bersa conceals and carries really well and shoots GREAT! What else could you ask for?

Oh, I asked for and got 2 things...

One was a little "fuller" grip, which was accomplished by adding a cut-down Hogue Hand-All to the stock grip (as the L & R palm swells are sweet). And the other was adding new magazine-bottoms which add a rest for the extra finger. Here she is now, in "battle dress":



God only knows if I'll ever need to use her in a SD role, but if I'm ready, she'll be ready, and God willing we'll both live to see another day.

I you've been considering a KelTec or Ruger, I'd really suggest you look at the Bersa Thunder line before you part with your hard-earned money. Good luck.

Tight groups!

Old No7

[adirondakjack]

I was an early adopter of the Bersa Thunder .380, and have never had a single complaint.

Feeds anything ya throw into it, and did about 3 inches at 25 yards rested with a "first stab" handload.


My favorite load is a 90gr XTP and 4.6 of Power Pistol. With 93 grain LRN and 4.4 of PP as a "practice" load.

[Ysabel Kid]

Small carry gun here in Phoenix for me is a Star Model S brushed stainless .380.
Put on some 1911 aftermarket sites, thinned the rear pretty good on the mill, rides strong side hip rear, even I can hide it.
Got an extra barrel to make a .32 NAA when I get off my posterior and do it.

Here's mescalero1's carry piece:

[Grizz]

Based on No 7's enthusiasm I looked at the Bersa CC. My impression was that it is BIG compared to my smith 64 and my wife's 642. I'm mainly interested in a boot gun as backup, and the kel-tec or lcp would ride comfortably and inconspicuously in a boot top. Bersa, not so much. I can't even carry the 642 in my boot because of its width, but the lcp I looked at slips right in and disappears.

The Bersa does feel and behave like a serious gun, but I'm sticking to revolvers for primary carry, I prefer to have common ammo in them so they're interchangeable.

Grizz

[JJ_Miller]

I have to agree, during my tenure at our State Police Academy as a Range Officer/Instructor I observed several city and county officers use the Bersa as a back up. They shot great from 25 yrds and NEVER saw one jam..ever. I cannot say the same for the Walther PPK, Glocks or an occasional Sig Sauer................................JJ

[Hobie]

Jeff Quinn did a review of the Bersa on GunBlast.com but aside from that I think he kept the test gun and still recommends it. I'm kinda surprised he hasn't posted her yet but he might be out enjoying life rather than being in front of a computer.

[Old Ironsights]

...but he might be out enjoying life rather than being in front of a computer.

And here we are... ***...

[Ysabel Kid]

...but he might be out enjoying life rather than being in front of a computer.

And here we are... ***...

Guilty as charged. But considering I do most of my posting between 10:00pm and midnight, I guess what I miss most is sleep!

[RSY]

I find it ironic that we sit around the fire here and kick around overkill items like favorite .45-70 loads for whitetail deer; yet, when it comes to something that is truly life-or-death, like defending ourselves or our loved ones from two-legged predators, we seriously consider the .380 as a viable option. If ever "use enough gun" applied, it's here. At the very least, find a good 9mm for your defensive duties.

As for "back-up" guns...they should start with the .38 Spl. +P, IMNSHO.

Stay safe out there,
Scott

[lever-4-life]

While .40 or a .45 is my first pick, a good easy to carry .32 or .380 that you always have on you is ideal. A combat commander or glock 23 is my primary carry gun, and alot of times I can not carry a weapon of that size so I will pack a colt 1903 .32 in the side waste band. I know that a 165 grn golden saber or 230 grn hydrashock is better I would rather have my 8 rounds of fmj fury than my spyderco...

[Old Ironsights]

I find it ironic that we sit around the fire here and kick around overkill items like favorite .45-70 loads for whitetail deer; yet, when it comes to something that is truly life-or-death, like defending ourselves or our loved ones from two-legged predators, we seriously consider the .380 as a viable option. If ever "use enough gun" applied, it's here. At the very least, find a good 9mm for your defensive duties.

As for "back-up" guns...they should start with the .38 Spl. +P, IMNSHO.

Stay safe out there,
Scott

Show me a .38 I can adequately conceal in bicycle shorts/swim trunks (like I can with my NAA Guardian .32) and I might agree.

FWIW I used to have an AMT .45 DAO, but it was still really too big for bicycle shorts.

My NAA pushes a 60gr SJHP at 1000fps (+/-) that expands to .50 quite nicely.

It's not my primary carry gun (that's what the SP101 is for) but it will go where no other gun larger than a .22 will go...

[Mike D.]

Although it may be a little outdated and somewhat grandé, I still prefer the old .45 ACP thumper. Of course, bicycle shorts carry is out of the question. In that case I just toss it in a belly bag.

[mescalero1]

Bicycle shorts?

[Ben_Rumson]

Thanks for the reoprt Glad you're happy with what you got!

[Old Ironsights]

Bicycle shorts?

Been a while, but I used to race a bit and fanny packs get in the way.

[mescalero1]

I don't think anything can be hidden in bike shorts

[tman]

had the keltec pf-9 out for a shoot the other day. burned a lot of ammo before i could hit consistently at 25 yards. this thing beats your hand up pretty good. easier to conceal than the glock 27. more power than the keltec .32. this just has become my carry piece

[Tennessee Hayre]

I own a Bersa .32 and a Bersa Thunder .45 Compact and love both of them. out of at least 500 rounds in the .32 had only 2 stove pipe jams. I have fired about 100 round through the .45 and never had one jam. So I'm happy. They are well built and for the price can't beat um.

[Old Ironsights]

I don't think anything can be hidden in bike shorts

"Hidden" is a relative term.

It's "hidden" in the way my wallet is "hidden"... i.e. it is a bulge that looks like (is actually smaller than) a wallet.

[mescalero1]

Ah, I see, like my Star; in the summer in Phoenix, people do not wear a lot of clothes.
Ask Joe, makes for good sight seeing, if you can keep the sweat out of your eyes.

[trgo]

For those who feel that the Bersa 380CC is not a suitable personal protection weapon, I offer the following scenario:
I am 68 years old. Last week my wife and I attended an evening concert at one of the the downtown auditoriums in our city. It is my opinion that at 11:00PM, when a couple nearing 70 years of age, is walking to parking, in a darkened downtown area, the chances for bodily harm are greatly increased.
Just prior to entering the auditorium, my wife's purse was searched, and I was asked to open my sportcoat. Had I been carrying a .45cal, or similar weapon, I would have not been admitted. Had I had been wearing a " belly bag " as some have suggested, that too would have been inspected. Since I DID know, in advance, that this would be the scenario, I would have thus left any sort of larger weapon at home, or locked in the trunk of the car.
As it was, my trusty little .380 Bersa 380CC was nicely nestled in it's very own Uncle Mikes holster, in my right front pocket. No one knew, no one asked, because no one could see, or even suspect that it was there.
Sure, a larger caliber defensive weapon would be the best, but I'll choose my little Bersa 380CC, over the NOTHING choice, any day ( or night ) of the week !!
I keep a stainless Beretta 9mm with 16 rounds, in the glove compartment of my car. Still not a " blunderbuss ", but a mighty fine, and manageable, weapon, and with LOTS of personal defense rounds.

[O.S.O.K.]

For those who feel that the Bersa 380CC is not a suitable personal protection weapon, I offer the following scenario:
I am 68 years old. Last week my wife and I attended an evening concert at one of the the downtown auditoriums in our city. It is my opinion that at 11:00PM, when a couple nearing 70 years of age, is walking to parking, in a darkened downtown area, the chances for bodily harm are greatly increased.
Just prior to entering the auditorium, my wife's purse was searched, and I was asked to open my sportcoat. Had I been carrying a .45cal, or similar weapon, I would have not been admitted. Had I had been wearing a " belly bag " as some have suggested, that too would have been inspected. Since I DID know, in advance, that this would be the scenario, I would have thus left any sort of larger weapon at home, or locked in the trunk of the car.
As it was, my trusty little .380 Bersa 380CC was nicely nestled in it's very own Uncle Mikes holster, in my right front pocket. No one knew, no one asked, because no one could see, or even suspect that it was there.
Sure, a larger caliber defensive weapon would be the best, but I'll choose my little Bersa 380CC, over the NOTHING choice, any day ( or night ) of the week !!
I keep a stainless Beretta 9mm with 16 rounds, in the glove compartment of my car. Still not a " blunderbuss ", but a mighty fine, and manageable, weapon, and with LOTS of personal defense rounds.

This just really upsets me (sorry) - they will search you there but not worry a wit about when you have to go out into the parking lot after the event. It's not their skin you see. And it also makes me very mad that you have to litteraly committ a crime in order to see after your own safety.

[trgo]

I do not believe that I commited a " crime " by carrying my Bersa 380CC into the auditorium event.
I consider that I simply voilated the policy of the facility.
I DO have a permit to carry concealed, and that is exactly what I was doing.

[JohndeFresno]

Show me a .38 I can adequately conceal in bicycle shorts/swim trunks (like I can with my NAA Guardian .32) and I might agree.

Sure... a .32 might work with bicycle shorts. But what can I carry for my speedo?

[Grizz]

with the right holster I can carry a J-frame on my ankle or in my boot. the P3AT is smaller still, and more comfortable in the boot because it's thinner. BUT I decided to just carry revolvers.

I agree that stadium and auditorium events are very dangerous and attract all kinds of nefarious creeps to the periphery...

I still wear clothes, even in Arizona. No sense in provoking an already overheated populace, eh?

[trgo]

Revolvers are great, but ALL are more bulky, and difficult to conceal, than the Bersa 380CC.
An ankle holster, or boot carry, may be OK for some, but all things considered, the 380CC in the Uncle Mikes holster, in my right front pocket, is the best choice for me.
I can simply walk along normally, with my hand in my pocket, and I am ready to go at a moments notice.
I don't have to bend down, or make any obvious moves.
If it should turn out that the perceived threat is not real, no one would even know that I am armed.
I like it that way! Completely concealed,..... until it is too late for the attacker to react!

[Dyerbill]

I have the Bersa and the Taurus pt-22 and both of these guns work well. I hike a lot and take photos of every where I go. The Bersa rides well on my hip in the summer mostly covered by my camera bag, and the pt-22 is inside the bag. Great guns!

[slimster]

My anywhere, anytime carry gun of choice is a NAA Guardian 380. It's not what I would carry if I was expecting to get into a gunfight, but if necessity arises, I feel pretty comfortable with 6+1, 1000+fps 90 grain hp Corbons in a gun that has proven trouble free so far for over 500 rounds, and it conceals easily in a pocket holster in the front pocket of my jeans.

[pharmseller]

Show me a .38 I can adequately conceal in bicycle shorts/swim trunks (like I can with my NAA Guardian .32) and I might agree.

Sure... a .32 might work with bicycle shorts. But what can I carry for my speedo?

Thanks for the visual...

P

[Old Ironsights]

Show me a .38 I can adequately conceal in bicycle shorts/swim trunks (like I can with my NAA Guardian .32) and I might agree.

Sure... a .32 might work with bicycle shorts. But what can I carry for my speedo?

If I MUSTwear a speedo without a "pocket" pair of swimshorts, I would defer to an NAA Mini.22, but since I'm not vain, and can "show off" even in normal trunks I don't need to go that route.