Bersa Thunder 380

.22hustler · 09-21-2008, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big shrek

My g/f was checking out the Bersa Thunder .380 with the finger groove grips...it was her #3 choice at the gun show yesterday...the two-tone Bersa .380 above was her #4 choice.

I remember back in the late 80's being told by a gun shop owner that the .380 was the worst round ever for misfires...is that still a problem? Or was it resolved by modern powders?

My wife shot hers for the first time Friday.. Great little gun, though we only fired 50 rounds through it.

K75RT · 09-21-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big shrek

I remember back in the late 80's being told by a gun shop owner that the .380 was the worst round ever for misfires...is that still a problem? Or was it resolved by modern powders?

Sounds like the gun shop owner didn't know what he is talking about. If a cartridge has an inherant defect such as they are prone to misfires it would go the way of the .41AE(lousy sales). The .380ACP was introduced in 1908, it was adopted by several foreign armies as the 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Browning, etc. If it was prone to misfires I doubt it'd still be around today.

big shrek · 09-21-2008, 11:33 AM

As I remember he did a short rant about .25 & .380's being unreliable...but it stuck in my head. I never really paid attention to either caliber after that...plus I've always liked things that go BOOM (10mm & .50AE) as opposed to bang.

So the whole small gun thing is something I've not studied...but I'll catch up

sea_chicken1 · 12-19-2008, 10:43 PM

The bersa 380 thunder is a great little gun, I picked one up for my wife a wile ago and have not had any problems and the sights are great for a gun of it's size.

oneastrix · 12-22-2008, 07:42 PM

The Thunder 380's get very solid reviews all over the internet. We stock them and sell them frequently.

Gunny · 12-25-2008, 09:07 AM

Semper Fi! I am lucky to own both, no problem with the 380 but I find myself grabbing my Keltec PF9 with a belt clip when concealing is an issue. Smaller profile and more power. Both would do you justice but my vote if you were to get only one would be the Keltec. For the price why not make it easy and get both! When I carry it I think my Kimber gets jealous!

Gunny · 12-25-2008, 09:28 AM

Now that i finished reading the thread DAH, I am left handed with a large hand and find both workable in my hand and controls. the Bersa is definitely more "Comforable" than the Keltec as it is hard on my trigger finger. (probably due to my petite size hands). The Bersa is more fun to shoot as it is very managable with no recoil. I bought it for my wife in hopes to build interest, she perfers my Taurus 9mm Pro. Still cannot figure that woman out

MakeMyDay · 01-27-2009, 03:03 AM

I am wanting to buy a bersa 380, but it is a toss up between the blued or nickel....Which would retain the best value, not that I anticipate selling it...running around 280

Sloburn · 03-23-2009, 07:32 PM

I bought the Thunder CC for myself. I am a big guy but can still hold onto it with no problem. I did get the extension (10 rnd mag). I have since bought one for my wife and one for my son. I also have the Kel Tec P2AT .380. The Bersa is surprisingly accurate for the size. The CC is about 1/2" shorter than the standard but I shot both and didn't see any difference. I recommend it highly for a concealed carry. The Kel Tec is a great CC. It is fairly accurate at 7 yds. I say fairly but it is a lot more accurate than most of the mini's out there. I carry both. One in my pocket and one on my hip.

Thunder9UC4ME · 03-30-2009, 08:13 AM

I am a lefty that shoots both a Thunder 9 and a Thunder 380. I paid my local gun shop $25 for each to have the mag release swapped to the other side. Never had an issue with the magazine releasing when I didn't want it to, just more comfortable for me. I say go buy it.

22plinker · 04-13-2009, 10:49 PM

Any semi auto needs about 200 rounds to break it in. Dry fire it & the action will break in faster. I tried the Ruger LCP & could NOT hold on target. The Keltec P-11, same problem, I couldn't hold onto it! It was just too small & "squirmed around" in my hand. A gun is only as good as it shoots, & only as good as the aim of the person firing it. I have about 800 rounds through my Bersa Thunder 380 & it is acurate & reliable. For a new gun, use a tiny amount of white Lithium grease on the sliding surfaces. They will get really smooth & your accurace will get better as the gun breaks in. Expect the "white box" (WalMart) ammo to have some misfires, but it's fine for target & break-in of a new gun. Mine is a keeper! Yes, I carry it ccw! The Bersa Thunder is a GREAT GUN!!!

JUNKER · 04-23-2009, 08:02 PM

The Bersas are good pistols, they are made good (in relation with the final cost) (price), I Know the factory in Argentina (Ï´m argentine), and it is modern and serious people work in it...
I have one model 83 ( "old" all steel frame) in 22lr
another one model 85 (all steel) in 380
a new one Thunder (black finish) in 9mm
They has its "things" but they work very well
The trade mark has good relation final cost-product...
I think that buy one it is not bad choise, but you must to know that you are not buying a sig sauer in 1600 dollars (that the price of this in my country actually)... that´s all, something good for a just price
sorry my poor english...

leadfoot · 06-29-2009, 08:38 PM

I have a Bersa Thunder 380 that I have used as a CCW for about two years. I have a couple of Revolvers also that sometimes I will carry, but much prefer the Bersa Thunder to any other.

I am considering buying a Bersa Thunder or Firestorm in a 22 Caliber to use for target practice. 380 ammo is getting so high, not to mention hard to get. What I am thinking is to get the same gun I carry in a 22 caliber with cheaper ammo for practicing that will feel and be an exact duplicate to my CCW.

I cannot find a Thunder in a 22, but I have located a Firestorm in a 22. The sights on the firestorm are not the same three dot sights as on the Thunder and the Firestorm has the finger groves, whereas the Thunder doesn't, others wise they are the same.

I love the Bersa Thunder 380. It is the dualtone and has never been a problem with any ammo I have fed it. I do keep it clean and oiled. I have a 9mm and a S&W Model 60, but I always lean toward the Thunder.

Has anyone done as I am suggesting? Any suggestions appreciated.

leadfoot · 07-09-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakeMyDay

I am wanting to buy a bersa 380, but it is a toss up between the blued or nickel....Which would retain the best value, not that I anticipate selling it...running around 280

By now you have probably already purchased your Bersa 380. I own the Thunder in the Dualtone and am completely happy with it. Blued or nickel? I have several pistols and revolvers, other than the Thunder, all are nickel. I much prefer the nickel over the blued for the obvious reasons. At night, if needed, a blued ccw might give you a little edge as it would not be as apt to stand out with a little light shinning in the area. But, I intend to keep mine holstered unless I intend to use it, at which time I figure it would be too late for Mr. Bad Guy regardless of what color my gun was or lighting in the vicinity.

As for value retention, my vote would go to nickel.

Ballbearing · 08-12-2009, 01:21 AM

What metals are these guns constructed of? Does anyone know if they are all steel or not? I hefted one the other day at a gun shop and it seemed a bit on the light side.

DWARREN123 · 08-12-2009, 02:34 PM

Newer ones are steel slide and aluminum frame, like many all metal handguns.

Ballbearing · 08-12-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWARREN123

Newer ones are steel slide and aluminum frame, like many all metal handguns.

Just like my Beretta, Thank you very much for the information.

group17 · 08-13-2009, 08:56 AM

I'm a lefty and own and shoot a Bersa 380 duo. The gun is a great little pistol and very easy to handle left handed. Have had no problems with mine at all except finding 380 ammo.

09-21-2008, 11:33 AM	#43
big shrek Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northwest, FL Posts: 3,128 Images: 56	As I remember he did a short rant about .25 & .380's being unreliable...but it stuck in my head. I never really paid attention to either caliber after that...plus I've always liked things that go BOOM (10mm & .50AE) as opposed to bang. So the whole small gun thing is something I've not studied...but I'll catch up __________________ In every Unit...there is a Scrounger...

12-22-2008, 07:42 PM	#45
oneastrix Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: on the road Posts: 5,244	The Thunder 380's get very solid reviews all over the internet. We stock them and sell them frequently. __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.

03-23-2009, 07:32 PM	#49
Sloburn Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N.E. Texas Posts: 2	Bersa Thunder I bought the Thunder CC for myself. I am a big guy but can still hold onto it with no problem. I did get the extension (10 rnd mag). I have since bought one for my wife and one for my son. I also have the Kel Tec P2AT .380. The Bersa is surprisingly accurate for the size. The CC is about 1/2" shorter than the standard but I shot both and didn't see any difference. I recommend it highly for a concealed carry. The Kel Tec is a great CC. It is fairly accurate at 7 yds. I say fairly but it is a lot more accurate than most of the mini's out there. I carry both. One in my pocket and one on my hip.

06-29-2009, 08:38 PM	#53
leadfoot Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	Bersa Thunder I have a Bersa Thunder 380 that I have used as a CCW for about two years. I have a couple of Revolvers also that sometimes I will carry, but much prefer the Bersa Thunder to any other. I am considering buying a Bersa Thunder or Firestorm in a 22 Caliber to use for target practice. 380 ammo is getting so high, not to mention hard to get. What I am thinking is to get the same gun I carry in a 22 caliber with cheaper ammo for practicing that will feel and be an exact duplicate to my CCW. I cannot find a Thunder in a 22, but I have located a Firestorm in a 22. The sights on the firestorm are not the same three dot sights as on the Thunder and the Firestorm has the finger groves, whereas the Thunder doesn't, others wise they are the same. I love the Bersa Thunder 380. It is the dualtone and has never been a problem with any ammo I have fed it. I do keep it clean and oiled. I have a 9mm and a S&W Model 60, but I always lean toward the Thunder. Has anyone done as I am suggesting? Any suggestions appreciated. Last edited by leadfoot; 06-29-2009 at 08:49 PM.

08-12-2009, 02:34 PM	#56
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 1,098	Newer ones are steel slide and aluminum frame, like many all metal handguns. __________________ Have a nice day!

12-19-2008, 10:43 PM	#44
sea_chicken1 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everett WA. and Norfolk VA. Posts: 1,017	The bersa 380 thunder is a great little gun, I picked one up for my wife a wile ago and have not had any problems and the sights are great for a gun of it's size.

12-25-2008, 09:07 AM	#46
Gunny Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 37	Semper Fi! I am lucky to own both, no problem with the 380 but I find myself grabbing my Keltec PF9 with a belt clip when concealing is an issue. Smaller profile and more power. Both would do you justice but my vote if you were to get only one would be the Keltec. For the price why not make it easy and get both! When I carry it I think my Kimber gets jealous!

12-25-2008, 09:28 AM	#47
Gunny Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 37	Now that i finished reading the thread DAH, I am left handed with a large hand and find both workable in my hand and controls. the Bersa is definitely more "Comforable" than the Keltec as it is hard on my trigger finger. (probably due to my petite size hands). The Bersa is more fun to shoot as it is very managable with no recoil. I bought it for my wife in hopes to build interest, she perfers my Taurus 9mm Pro. Still cannot figure that woman out

01-27-2009, 03:03 AM	#48
MakeMyDay Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8	I am wanting to buy a bersa 380, but it is a toss up between the blued or nickel....Which would retain the best value, not that I anticipate selling it...running around 280

03-30-2009, 08:13 AM	#50
Thunder9UC4ME Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 6	I am a lefty that shoots both a Thunder 9 and a Thunder 380. I paid my local gun shop $25 for each to have the mag release swapped to the other side. Never had an issue with the magazine releasing when I didn't want it to, just more comfortable for me. I say go buy it.

04-13-2009, 10:49 PM	#51
22plinker Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Yuma, AZ Posts: 84	Any semi auto needs about 200 rounds to break it in. Dry fire it & the action will break in faster. I tried the Ruger LCP & could NOT hold on target. The Keltec P-11, same problem, I couldn't hold onto it! It was just too small & "squirmed around" in my hand. A gun is only as good as it shoots, & only as good as the aim of the person firing it. I have about 800 rounds through my Bersa Thunder 380 & it is acurate & reliable. For a new gun, use a tiny amount of white Lithium grease on the sliding surfaces. They will get really smooth & your accurace will get better as the gun breaks in. Expect the "white box" (WalMart) ammo to have some misfires, but it's fine for target & break-in of a new gun. Mine is a keeper! Yes, I carry it ccw! The Bersa Thunder is a GREAT GUN!!!

04-23-2009, 08:02 PM	#52
JUNKER Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Posts: 18	The Bersas are good pistols, they are made good (in relation with the final cost) (price), I Know the factory in Argentina (Ï´m argentine), and it is modern and serious people work in it... I have one model 83 ( "old" all steel frame) in 22lr another one model 85 (all steel) in 380 a new one Thunder (black finish) in 9mm They has its "things" but they work very well The trade mark has good relation final cost-product... I think that buy one it is not bad choise, but you must to know that you are not buying a sig sauer in 1600 dollars (that the price of this in my country actually)... that´s all, something good for a just price sorry my poor english...

08-12-2009, 01:21 AM	#55
Ballbearing Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Boondocks Posts: 519	What metals are these guns constructed of? Does anyone know if they are all steel or not? I hefted one the other day at a gun shop and it seemed a bit on the light side.

08-13-2009, 08:56 AM	#58
group17 Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 74	I'm a lefty and own and shoot a Bersa 380 duo. The gun is a great little pistol and very easy to handle left handed. Have had no problems with mine at all except finding 380 ammo.