Author Topic: Bersa .22's What is the difference in models ? (Read 1349 times)

Country Boy · « **on:** February 10, 2006, 08:07:56 AM »

I've found several at auction sitesz but I don't know what the differences between models. Like Thunder - Firestorm - Model 23 or 644.
What is a single/ double action ? I'm looking at a firestorm NIB and it says semi-auto then single /double action. Does this mean you must pull the trigger every time to cock and fire it ?
Help me out before I spend money on something I might not want. What is a good price for one NIb. :?

Uncle Howie · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2006, 10:46:32 PM »

The two Firestorm .22 models I'm aware of are the FS22M (matte finish) and the FS22DT (matte/nickel duo-tone). The finish is the only difference between the two, as far as I know.

Don't read too far into the single/double action business- it'll only get you confused! :oops:

I'll attempt to explain it in a simple fashion. Might not be 100% technically correct, but hopefully will shed some light on things for you.

Single action: squeezing the trigger does a "single" action- it drops the hammer. Think of an old cowboy revolver in the movies (called a single action revolver), where you have to cock the hammer before each shot. Your trigger squeeze performs only a single action- it drops the hammer.

Double action: squeezing the trigger does two things, a "double" action- it cocks, then releases the hammer. Think of your stereotypical .38 Special revolver- just squeeze the trigger, and the hammer is cocked, then released, firing the gun. Your trigger squeeze has just performed two actions, cocking then releasing the hammer. Hence the name "double action..."

Keep in mind that most "double action" handguns (revolver or semi-auto) can be fired in a "single action" mode by manually cocking the hammer. Then when you squeeze the trigger, there is only a "single" action left to perform- dropping the hammer. Some exceptions to this would be a revolver whose hammer is hidden under a shroud, or where the hammer spur has been ground down. Other exceptions would be a "double-action only" semi-auto. A Glock handgun would probably be the most familiar example, though their proprietary "safe action" might not be considered a true double action by someone who is into precise definitions.

Clear as mud, so far???

The Firestorm operates in the manner of what I would call a "traditional double action" auto pistol.

The first shot can be fired double action (just squeeze the trigger), or single action (cock the hammer manually, then squeeze the trigger).

Cocking the hammer manually yields a much lighter "single action" trigger pull, as you are not cocking the hammer with the trigger pull.

Second and subsequent shots are fired single action.

There is a decocker lever on this pistol, but my trying to explain that would leave us all in trouble...

Here are a couple of links that you might find interesting or helpful:
Gunblast review of the Firestorm .22
Brief article from Firestorm website

I have a Firestorm in .22, and it's a fun plinker. I paid about $225 plus tax for mine, about a year ago.

Hope this has helped, at least a little!

Cookiemann · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2006, 04:00:26 AM »

I just read an article about the Firestorm for 'Personal Defense". Seems the guy is real happy with the Bersa Firestorm and also, he says the Quick Shok ammo produced awsome results for penetration and tissue destruction. NO! He actually did his tests on 14" cabbage heads and watermelons and pumpkins. He fired enough successive rounds to get her heated up and never had a problem or jam up. He also said the accurracy was right up there with the Walther pistols. I found the link for the article. Here it is.

http://www.gunblast.com/Firestorm.htm

I, too, am doing research. I have never had a handgun before. The Bersa seems like a good one.

Keith L · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2006, 05:53:25 AM »

To each their own. I have a .45ACP automatic and a .357 revolver for personal defense. My .22 pistols are for fun.

Cookiemann · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2006, 07:11:24 AM »

I still haven't really made up my mind...but I do want to start out with a 22, just to begin with. I think I will eventually end up with a 357 revolver. They are just awfully hard to beat for stopping power...and you can do a lot of shooting for not too much $$$ if you practice with .38's.

Keith L · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2006, 12:29:33 PM »

I would never ge without a .22 pistol. They are the most fun you can have with a pistol as far as I am concerned. Target shooting, plinking, rolling tin cans, small game hunting, all good fun. I have a Buckmark, a Single Six and several .22 barrels for my Contenders. I just don't think much of them for defense.

Good luck and have some fun!

greenjeans · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2006, 01:27:04 PM »

Can't speak to the .22, but I do have the Bersa in .380 and it is very reliable and easy to shoot. I think the .22 would be a great plinking gun, but they are hard to find here.