I have a couple .45s, a couple .40s, and the wife has a 9mm.
I'm leaning towards the 9mm.
My Reasoning:
1. I already have three full-size pistols, and my understanding is the Bersa .45 and .40 are full-size. It makes more sense to get another compact (Thunder9.)
2. I can steal ammo from the wife for a 9mm vs. having to start stock piling another caliber (.380.)
Please don't discount the Bersa/Firestorm .22 semi; its a great shooter and they are not too expensive when you can find them. They are rather hard to find...I don't know why
Please don't discount the Bersa/Firestorm .22 semi
Well, that is an excellent idea. My 'plan' is to eventually have two pistols in each caliber of .45, .40, 9mm, and .22LR. That's the handgun part of my SHTF preparation.
Buy the Firestar .22 this month, and get a Bersa in another month or so.
I like my daughters .380 although I wouldn't want to defend myself against a Grizzly bear in a dark alley with it. It sure rides nice in a paddle holster. Maybe a 9mil for a little more whomp.
Just bought a Thunder .380 & I'm quite pleased with how accurate it is & how good it feels to shoot. Have fired it 2-3 times with same results. Most of us like the Sellior & Bellot brand of ammo for the range, since we've not experienced a failure to feed or eject with any of the calibers (though I'm told the .223 is a bit dirty).
7 & 15 yard distances produce similar grouping, but I'm sure as I get used to it, things will get better. A fellow next to me was firing a concealed model & had the same comments.
Parts are online from the company & they ship quickly, plus mags are cheaper online than from the parts list included in the box.
If other calibers shoot as well as my .380, you can't beat them. It's only a matter of what you'll use them for.
Guns are like fishing rods & my wife's purses - you can never have enough.
These are fairly old posts but maybe someone will tune in and advise me on the Bersa .45 compact. SOG has them for $299.00. I see lots of compliments on the .380 Thunder and two of my shooting friends have the .380 and really like it. There are few comments about the .45. I want one at a good price and wonder if the same quality of work, etc. is found in the .45 as in the .380. Some advise from Bersa folks? Thanks.
thunderjohn: Can you tell me a little more about your .45? How it feels, accuracy, recoil, size (to small?),etc...and how you might compare it with the more expensive .45s i.e. 1911s like Taurus, S&W. etc. Thanks much.
My 45UC has been fun to shoot. Recoil is much better than my 40's.
2nd follow-up shot is quick. It's definately on the heavy side compared to
my polymer pistols, but not bad. Accuracy is very good. Mine is nickel and I think I paid $330 a couple years ago. You don't see many Bersa
45's for sale. I'm very happy with it. Never a malfunction.
__________________ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
I would go with the 9mm.
9mm cost less than 380, is a more powerful load for SD and you will stand a better chance of finding it at stores.
I use to have the DuoTone FirestormMini 9mm. Would still have it except that my Sister fell in love with it first time she saw it and bought it off me.
The FS Mini9mm and the Bersa 9UC are the same gun. Different rollmarks but Bersa makes both guns.
While the UC or Mini hold 13+1 you might also consider this little jewel.
It holds 17+1 and is one sweet shootin pistola.
Just a thought.
Will the thunder 9 or 380 fit a pocket holster? Any reccomended holster manufs?
Maybe large pockets for the 380. Extra large pockets, like cargo pants, for the 9mm. Even the compact 9mm with a full load is going to weigh in at about 2 lbs. & thats going to make that side of your pants sag considerably. Lot better in a OWB or IWB holster with a good belt.
I like the idea of the 22 since it is the same size as the 380. A lot cheaper shooting 22 and you can find it every where. Can't say the same for my 380.
The UC 9 would be next.
