I just got a new Bersa T380CC (the concealed carry model that is new for 2006) and took it to the range. I only put 57 rounds thru it, but I am very, very pleased with it. It functioned flawlessly, is accurate, and recoil was moderate - actually less than I expected for a gun this small and light. So far I haven't found anything not to like about it except the high cost of additional magazines: $33 each plus shipping! I paid $268 for it, new in box. It comes with one mag, a key for the integral lock and a trigger lock. Wish it had come with two mags like my Ruger P95DC!
The dealer I bought it from also had the Bersa T380 Duotone in stock, and when you place them side by side you really appreciate how much smaller the T380CC is, and also how much narrower it is. I would say it is about halfway in between the size of standard T380 and the little Keltec P3 series 380s. I noticed that some of the info on the Bersa/Eagle "official" website is wrong about the T380CC. The actual weight is around 17 ounces without rounds (website says 23 oz. without rounds). I don't think the dimensions (length, width, barrel length) on the website are right either. It has a 3-1/4 inch barrel.
It holds eight rounds in the mag. The Keltec holds six.
I love this new Bersa and it is now my primary carry pistol. I love my Ruger 9mm too, and there are certain times when I will carry it (cold weather when it is easier to conceal, or when I am carrying in a briefcase or backpack, etc) but it is too large and just a little too heavy for my preference as a primary carry. Of course that is just my preference. Some people happily carry full-size, steel 1911s with no problems, but I haven't found a way to do it that works for me.
This pistol is designed for carry, ie. designed for close combat. I can easily hit silhouette center of mass in 'quick draw and fire' practice at 15 and 25 feet, but the sights on this pistol are so small as to be almost non-existent. It shoots very well for me to POA, but I wouldn't want my life having to depend on critical shots at distances of more than about 30 feet. Since 80%-90% of self-defense shots occur at 15 feet or less, I don't consider this a drawback, but if you are considering this gun, it is certainly not a 'target pistol'.
The .380 is back in vogue due to CCW. I've been trying to find KelTecs P3AT but it's hard to find. The KelTec weighs in at under 9oz. I was just looking at the Bersa. Very nice looking compared to the KelTec and cheaper than a PPK. I don't see any pics on the Bersa380CC model. Presently I have the Beretta Tomcat 32 cal but I hate it even though it only weighs 14.5 ozs due to trigger ergos that will actually cause the gun to be hard to fire if you dont pull the trigger with your fingertip. You'll actually be pulling against the frame so no matter how hard you pull it wont go off. This aint good if its a self defense situation.
The .380 is back in vogue due to CCW. I've been trying to find KelTecs P3AT but it's hard to find.
The shop where I purchased my Bersa T380CC for $250+tax had the KelTec P3AT in stock at $265+tax. I passed on it because I have seen more owner reports of cycling problems (ie. jams, FTE, etc) with the KelTec and also because they are so small and light that recoil is not well managed, even for a smaller round like the .380.
I feel sure that I made the right choice - for me - with the T380CC. I am seriously considering a Bersa Ultra Compact 9mm for a future purchase. If anyone has any experience with those I would love to hear about it.
The shop where I purchased my Bersa T380CC for $250+tax had the KelTec P3AT in stock at $265+tax. I passed on it because I have seen more owner reports of cycling problems (ie. jams, FTE, etc) with the KelTec
Thanks for the update on the KelTec. I wasn't putting them down, I have some friends who carry them and really like them because of their tiny size and low weight. They just carry them around in their pants pocket, they are so small and light. For them, that kind of convenience is the deciding factor.
The T380CC is noticeably smaller, narrower and about 6 ounces lighter than a standard Bersa T380, but definitely bigger and heavier than the KelTec P3AT. For me it is the 'happy medium' and I am very pleased with it so far. Everybody has different needs, opinions and priorities and I am not trying to convince anybody which is 'better' - what's 'better' for me may be 'worse' for you or someone else...
I put some Federal Hydra-Shok rounds thru my T380CC today at the range and it functioned flawlessly. I had heard that some of the Bersa 380s don't feed well on certain HP rounds, but so far no problems. My T380CC is 100% so far, not a single jam, FTE, etc.
I heard about the cc version of the Bersa, but have not seen one in person. I carry the Thunder .380 duotone and love it.
Hey, Troy! Since you and I are both close to the Triangle, we should go shooting together and I'll let you shoot the T380CC and see what you think about it...
Jay,
Anytime, man. Just PM me some time. You can also reach me through troylaplante.com. Lately, I haven't been on G&G every day, since I have been pretty preoccupied with some projects I have been working on, but I do check email regularly.
