Bersa Thunder .380 vs Kahr PM9 vs Walther PPK

NurseMinnie3n · 10-22-2007, 04:41 PM

Hey everyone!
I'm just recently getting into shooting, I've been around guns but, not too much knowledge about them here!

I haven't shot in about 8 years which was a rifle, just recently did I get to fire a Bersa Thunder .380 which I have to say was exhilarating.

I went to a gun show this weekend, held a few to see what felt right in my hand, as I'am a small woman, I'm 5'1 and 140 lbs. with small hands.

My top three picks
Kahr PM9
Walther PPK
Bersa Thunder .380

I'am getting my CWP soon, but mainly wanting to just be a hobbie and go to the range on a weekend

Any tips or ideas would be greatly

appreciated !!

Thanks!!

knightRider · 10-22-2007, 04:57 PM

i like my keltec 32 acp for a concealed carry gun if you have small hands youll enjoy it.
btw welcome to gun and game

toolman · 10-22-2007, 05:03 PM

Welcome to the site! I'd suggest goint to a range that rents guns and see which one you like while actually shooting. If you're just looking for a fun plinking gun that's cheap to shoot, take a look at some of the .22's, they're a blast to shoot! If you want a centerfire, I'd suggest a 9mm as the ammo is usually cheaper and is powerful enough for self-defense. A .380 will work, it's just not as powerful. A .38 Special revolver is a good choice as well. Take a look at Gallery of Guns.com - Gun Gallery, Ruger Firearms, Shooter Online Services, Firearm Industry News, Firearm Dealer, Gun News for a good idea of what's on the market.

SilentSoul · 10-22-2007, 05:14 PM

For a concealed carry and small hands check out a smith and wesson J-frame in .38 special. Like Toolman said above. If you want something cheap and fun to shoot but not for concealed carry, look at a Ruger MkII awesome 22. Fun to shoot, and accurate as you can be.

Bookman · 10-22-2007, 06:12 PM

I'm not familiar with the Kahr, but I have shot both the Bersa and the PPK.

Of the two, I'd get the Bersa. It's a very good gun for the money. Even if they were the same price, I'd still recommend the Bersa.

Snowman · 10-22-2007, 10:18 PM

+1 for the Bersa, great little gun for the price.

gunney_m · 10-22-2007, 10:39 PM

Bersa, everyone has pretty much covered it, welcome to G&G.

troylaplante · 10-23-2007, 09:36 AM

Bersa.

SilverRun · 10-23-2007, 09:59 AM

I think all three would be fine. They are all nice pistols from what I hear - no first hand knowledge of any of them. The only .380 I have is the Kel-tec P3AT. I love it, but not sure it would be right for you. By the way, from your physical description it sounds to me like you could handle a 9mm (9x19) pistol. That would give you many more options to choose from. It would also be a much better choice for a defence pistol. Any small frame .38 special revolver would work well also.

Enjoy and welcome to the forum. Also, welcome back to the shooting sports. Fun stuff!

blackhawk45 · 10-23-2007, 10:38 AM

I just bought my little lady her first gun. She never had the ambition to become a shooter! But when a multiple murder happened close to home ,she decided it was time for her to arm herself. I own many handguns ,shotguns , rifles, and muzzle loaders, and told her to take her pick. She stated that she should have her own!
We took a trip to the local gun shop and she looked at the revolvers,and the Autos.
She really liked the Walther PPK/S in 380Auto, She is now the proud owner of that little Walther,she keeps it with her at all times. She is even,a very good shooter!
I would recommend, either the Walther,or the Kahr,the decision is up to you! But always remember, YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON YOUR SAFETY!!!!!!!!!!!

NurseMinnie3n · 10-23-2007, 12:22 PM

Thanks alot everyone for all your input. I'm really looking forward to learning all that I can.

Out of the three I olny have shot the bersa. I was planning on going to the range to test fire the other two, and maybe some the other options you've all suggested..

One thing I forgot to mention. NO REVOLVERS!! I don't like the fact that they don't have a safety. Plus, to me, they just don't look all that mean!

rondog · 10-23-2007, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NurseMinnie3n

One thing I forgot to mention. NO REVOLVERS!! I don't like the fact that they don't have a safety. Plus, to me, they just don't look all that mean!

Don't knock revolvers....for self-defense they're hard to beat. A S&W 642 is probably one of the best. It's so simple, pull the trigger and bang! No safeties to fumble with, no hammer to cock, no magazines to drop, just draw and fire.

Not the best gun for target shooting, in fact it probably sucks for that. Lots of other choices for that.

Oh, and as far as mean? Looking down the barrel of a revolver is scary enough, but when you can see the rounds in the cylinders on either side too, that's downright terrifying! .38 snubbies have probably been one of the most popular pocket guns throughout history, IMO.

gunney_m · 10-23-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondog

Don't knock revolvers....for self-defense they're hard to beat. A S&W 642 is probably one of the best. It's so simple, pull the trigger and bang! No safeties to fumble with, no hammer to cock, no magazines to drop, just draw and fire.

Not the best gun for target shooting, in fact it probably sucks for that. Lots of other choices for that.

I agree revolvers are good guns and do they're job, they have a great simplicity to them, put bullets un the cylinder close it and pull the trigger, in my opinion guns dont need a safety because you should try putting your guns out of reach of you kids if you have them, and if they are old enough to reach them and they don't obey your rules with the guns you got a problem, besides in the heat of the moment do you want a safety stopping you from defending your self against a intruder?

Bookman · 10-23-2007, 07:29 PM

+1 for revolvers. One revolver advantage - if you're face-to-face with the bad guy and armed with an automatic, he might be thinking the gun is unloaded. Dumb, but it happens.

With a revolver, the bad guy can see those nasty 'lil bullets about to be launched into his face. Much more intimidating, IMO.

damage855 · 10-23-2007, 07:54 PM

bersa

bought one for my wife she is 5'6 125lbs fits her hand well and the recoil is very managalbe. get some nasty hollow points like Magsafe and you will be good to go.

makarovnik · 10-24-2007, 12:39 AM

Personally out of the three you listed I like the PPK. Many people with say go for the Kahr because it's just as small and lighter and shoots a more powerful round. Something about the PPK's and Sig 232's that are classy. Besides, my most accurate pistols are .380's.

Now, if you really have small hands you should go with the Kahr. The trigger reach on the PPK and Bersa will be too far for you unless you shoot single action (cock the hammer back which cocks the trigger halfway back). They are also difficult to rack the slide because of their strong recoil sproings.

My wife is about your size and she even has trouble reaching the trigger on a S&W small frame revolver. The only triggers she can reach comfortably are the Kahrs and believe it or not a 1911 style .45acp. Try shooting a 1911 in .45acp or 9mm and I think you will love it. It must be of the single stack variety and a single action only trigger is a big help.

Now get in there at shoot that thing!

coolbus18 · 10-29-2007, 10:59 AM

Hiya!,
I've owned the bersa and yes it's a fun gun. My feelings are to check out a 1911 in .45 acp. remember---9 is fine, .40 is sporty, but a .45 ain't no jive! There are many choices now in 1911 compacts. If you're gonna carry a .380 then use frangible ammo. Be well and take care!---Alan

revjross · 11-03-2007, 08:45 PM

If size matters to you, the Kahr PM9 is going to be the lightest, smallest, shoots a better caliber (9MM), and if you have small hands it probably would be quite comfortable to you. I like all the ones you are considering but for concealed carry and for self defense I would sure go with the Kahr. --- I hope you enjoy your new hobby too!!

ArkansasHunter · 11-03-2007, 09:03 PM

A KelTec is not a pistol you want to plink with , it is a great concealed carry pistol that will do, but bigger is always better.
The KelTec 32 or 380 is going to be one of my next purchases.
Plinking with it will wear it out sooner and personaly I think there over priced.
My son gave me a 32 auto, he ask for it back to carry when he's off duty.
I liked the concealability of the 32 thus I've got to have one...A.H

DWARREN123 · 11-04-2007, 12:02 AM

The only one I have shot and own is the Bersa 380. I really like mine but extra mags and the ammo is expensive.
I would look for a 9mm that fits and feels right and the ammo is probably the least expensive out there right now. The 9mm is a better round in my opinion.
No matter what you choose have fun and be safe.

10-22-2007, 04:41 PM	#1
NurseMinnie3n Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 2 Trader Rating: (0)	Bersa Thunder .380 vs Kahr PM9 vs Walther PPK Hey everyone! I'm just recently getting into shooting, I've been around guns but, not too much knowledge about them here! I haven't shot in about 8 years which was a rifle, just recently did I get to fire a Bersa Thunder .380 which I have to say was exhilarating. I went to a gun show this weekend, held a few to see what felt right in my hand, as I'am a small woman, I'm 5'1 and 140 lbs. with small hands. My top three picks Kahr PM9 Walther PPK Bersa Thunder .380 I'am getting my CWP soon, but mainly wanting to just be a hobbie and go to the range on a weekend Any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated !! Thanks!!

10-22-2007, 04:57 PM	#2
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,524 Trader Rating: (0)	i like my keltec 32 acp for a concealed carry gun if you have small hands youll enjoy it. btw welcome to gun and game __________________ I'm part kalishnakov, part heckler and Koch.

10-22-2007, 05:03 PM	#3
toolman Mr. Fixit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: abilene,tx Posts: 5,288 Trader Rating: (0)	Welcome to the site! I'd suggest goint to a range that rents guns and see which one you like while actually shooting. If you're just looking for a fun plinking gun that's cheap to shoot, take a look at some of the .22's, they're a blast to shoot! If you want a centerfire, I'd suggest a 9mm as the ammo is usually cheaper and is powerful enough for self-defense. A .380 will work, it's just not as powerful. A .38 Special revolver is a good choice as well. Take a look at Gallery of Guns.com - Gun Gallery, Ruger Firearms, Shooter Online Services, Firearm Industry News, Firearm Dealer, Gun News for a good idea of what's on the market. __________________ Don't be messin' with my gun!

10-23-2007, 09:36 AM	#8
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223 Trader Rating: (0)	Bersa. __________________ troylaplante.com

10-23-2007, 07:54 PM	#15
damage855 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: North Carolina / Lake Norman Posts: 860 Trader Rating: (0)	bersa bought one for my wife she is 5'6 125lbs fits her hand well and the recoil is very managalbe. get some nasty hollow points like Magsafe and you will be good to go. __________________ If total goverment control will make us all safer, then why are prisons so dangerous?

10-22-2007, 05:14 PM	#4
SilentSoul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 603 Trader Rating: (0)	For a concealed carry and small hands check out a smith and wesson J-frame in .38 special. Like Toolman said above. If you want something cheap and fun to shoot but not for concealed carry, look at a Ruger MkII awesome 22. Fun to shoot, and accurate as you can be.

10-22-2007, 06:12 PM	#5
Bookman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 10 paces south of Canada Posts: 738 Trader Rating: (0)	I'm not familiar with the Kahr, but I have shot both the Bersa and the PPK. Of the two, I'd get the Bersa. It's a very good gun for the money. Even if they were the same price, I'd still recommend the Bersa.

10-22-2007, 10:18 PM	#6
Snowman Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CO Posts: 80 Trader Rating: (0)	+1 for the Bersa, great little gun for the price.

10-22-2007, 10:39 PM	#7
gunney_m Banned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Muskogee,Ok Posts: 1,931 Trader Rating: (0)	Bersa, everyone has pretty much covered it, welcome to G&G.

10-23-2007, 09:59 AM	#9
SilverRun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: AL Posts: 1,658 Trader Rating: (0)	I think all three would be fine. They are all nice pistols from what I hear - no first hand knowledge of any of them. The only .380 I have is the Kel-tec P3AT. I love it, but not sure it would be right for you. By the way, from your physical description it sounds to me like you could handle a 9mm (9x19) pistol. That would give you many more options to choose from. It would also be a much better choice for a defence pistol. Any small frame .38 special revolver would work well also. Enjoy and welcome to the forum. Also, welcome back to the shooting sports. Fun stuff!

10-23-2007, 10:38 AM	#10
blackhawk45 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Millersville Pa. Posts: 76 Trader Rating: (0)	I just bought my little lady her first gun. She never had the ambition to become a shooter! But when a multiple murder happened close to home ,she decided it was time for her to arm herself. I own many handguns ,shotguns , rifles, and muzzle loaders, and told her to take her pick. She stated that she should have her own! We took a trip to the local gun shop and she looked at the revolvers,and the Autos. She really liked the Walther PPK/S in 380Auto, She is now the proud owner of that little Walther,she keeps it with her at all times. She is even,a very good shooter! I would recommend, either the Walther,or the Kahr,the decision is up to you! But always remember, YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON YOUR SAFETY!!!!!!!!!!!

10-23-2007, 12:22 PM	#11
NurseMinnie3n Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 2 Trader Rating: (0)	Thanks alot everyone for all your input. I'm really looking forward to learning all that I can. Out of the three I olny have shot the bersa. I was planning on going to the range to test fire the other two, and maybe some the other options you've all suggested.. One thing I forgot to mention. NO REVOLVERS!! I don't like the fact that they don't have a safety. Plus, to me, they just don't look all that mean!

10-23-2007, 07:29 PM	#14
Bookman Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 10 paces south of Canada Posts: 738 Trader Rating: (0)	+1 for revolvers. One revolver advantage - if you're face-to-face with the bad guy and armed with an automatic, he might be thinking the gun is unloaded. Dumb, but it happens. With a revolver, the bad guy can see those nasty 'lil bullets about to be launched into his face. Much more intimidating, IMO.

10-24-2007, 12:39 AM	#16
makarovnik Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 25 Trader Rating: (0)	Personally out of the three you listed I like the PPK. Many people with say go for the Kahr because it's just as small and lighter and shoots a more powerful round. Something about the PPK's and Sig 232's that are classy. Besides, my most accurate pistols are .380's. Now, if you really have small hands you should go with the Kahr. The trigger reach on the PPK and Bersa will be too far for you unless you shoot single action (cock the hammer back which cocks the trigger halfway back). They are also difficult to rack the slide because of their strong recoil sproings. My wife is about your size and she even has trouble reaching the trigger on a S&W small frame revolver. The only triggers she can reach comfortably are the Kahrs and believe it or not a 1911 style .45acp. Try shooting a 1911 in .45acp or 9mm and I think you will love it. It must be of the single stack variety and a single action only trigger is a big help. Now get in there at shoot that thing!

10-29-2007, 10:59 AM	#17
coolbus18 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland , Oregon Posts: 3 Trader Rating: (0)	Hiya!, I've owned the bersa and yes it's a fun gun. My feelings are to check out a 1911 in .45 acp. remember---9 is fine, .40 is sporty, but a .45 ain't no jive! There are many choices now in 1911 compacts. If you're gonna carry a .380 then use frangible ammo. Be well and take care!---Alan

11-03-2007, 08:45 PM	#18
revjross Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 1 Trader Rating: (0)	If size matters to you, the Kahr PM9 is going to be the lightest, smallest, shoots a better caliber (9MM), and if you have small hands it probably would be quite comfortable to you. I like all the ones you are considering but for concealed carry and for self defense I would sure go with the Kahr. --- I hope you enjoy your new hobby too!! Last edited by revjross; 11-08-2007 at 06:29 PM.

11-03-2007, 09:03 PM	#19
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,465 Trader Rating: (0)	A KelTec is not a pistol you want to plink with , it is a great concealed carry pistol that will do, but bigger is always better. The KelTec 32 or 380 is going to be one of my next purchases. Plinking with it will wear it out sooner and personaly I think there over priced. My son gave me a 32 auto, he ask for it back to carry when he's off duty. I liked the concealability of the 32 thus I've got to have one...A.H

11-04-2007, 12:02 AM	#20
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 728 Trader Rating: (0)	The only one I have shot and own is the Bersa 380. I really like mine but extra mags and the ammo is expensive. I would look for a 9mm that fits and feels right and the ammo is probably the least expensive out there right now. The 9mm is a better round in my opinion. No matter what you choose have fun and be safe. __________________ Have a nice day!

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