House Gun/Plinker/CC - Bersa Thunder or .38 revolver??

[Blackhawker]

Does anyone have any experience with the Bersa Thunder?  I've heard lots of good things about them.  I wonder if this would make a decent house gun or CC weapon.  I've considered a .38 revolver for some time but the cost is high for an old Colt or S&W vs this little auto pistol.   I realize that when it comes to defense, the more money you spend and the better quality of the weapon is the better choice however, I'm also looking at this little pistol as a plinker as well.

Any thoughts?  Any experience with the Bersa??
Thanks!

[teamnelson]

The Bersa Thunder 380 is one of those I wish I hadn't traded off ... very nice shooting. Comfortable in the hand, and easy to carry. Get the grip extension mag that adds 2 more when you're home - lets one more finger on the grip. And Uncle Mike makes a nice pocket holster for it that's inexpensive, fits right in a jeans back pocket.


But a S&W model 10 with a 4" HB can be had for under $300 some times. Good luck choosing!

[spruce]

I have a Bersa Thunder .22 cal and it's been 100% reliable after the first 40 or 50 rounds to break it in.  Have no experience with the .380 version, but hear good things about it from those who own one.
As far as .38 vs .380 one thing to consider is the price of (factory) ammo.  The .380 is more expensive than .38's so if you plan on a lot of plinking the cost will add up quickly.
 
If you're talking about a snubnose .38 then ease of concealment will be roughly about the same as the Bersa.  The Bersa is flatter and would lend itself better to IWB carry than the revolver, but the snubnose .38 would work better for pocket carry.
If you're talking about a 4" barreled .38 then it would be more effective than either of the two above, but harder to conceal when wearing warm weather clothing.
As far as price goes check Bud's Gunshop and JG Sales as they often have used S&W police trade-ins, usually for roughly the same price range as a Bersa.  If you shop around you can probably find a decent used S&W snubnose for a few dollars more.

[zoner]

I'll vote for the S+W model 10 38 special, should be able to find a good shooter for $300

[MOGLEY]

I got the Bersa Thunder 9 ultra compact and really love it. Read a lot on how reliable they were out of the box and have to admit I proved it again. I got mine cleaned it and then put 500 rounds thru it ( maybe 450 ) with out  a single issue. and was not even dirty. Cleaned it and put another 350 thru it. It is reliable easy to clean and accurate as well. Blueing could be better for holster wear but this is a work gun if you will and that part does not bother me. All steel so it is not a light weight though.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

[rockbilly]

I would stick with the Smith in a 38 or .357 mag. You should be able to find a good used one in the $300. range.  A second choice would be the Tarsus in .38 or .357, about the same price NEW.
 
Keep in mind, for plinking you can shoot the .38 in a .357.  The .36 is fairly cheap in comparison to other ammo and if you reload the sky is the limit with the .38.  I load 2.5 gr of BE over a 158 grain wad cutter, it makes a wonderful round for plinking and small game, and by reloading you can keep the cost down to 6-7 cents per round.

 

[Blackhawker]

Thanks for the info thus far guys.  I realize that the ammo for a .380 is a little more pricey than the .38 Special.  I reload, so most of that cost would be offset by that as opposed to buying factory ammo.  From that standpoint, however, I've always opted toward the 38 special since I already load 357 mag and have the dies etc for it.  Plus, the .38 special has a lot more variety to it when it comes to loading.  I guess I have been looking at the Bersa 380 for more of a fun gun along with it's nice compact size.
   
I took a peek on some of the auction sites and the only thing I can find in a S&W M10 or Colt Police in the range of $300 is a worn out or dinged up revolver.  I've noticed that on some of the shelves of some of the local shops as well.  I realize that some wear does not mean the gun doesn't work but I guess there is something nice about a perfect finish of a new gun. 

I'm still thinking about which way to go.  What has me going is that Cabela's has a run on these things with some accessories etc for $299.  Bud's has a duo-tone for $250ish....seems fairly cheap for a little pistol that I've heard a lot of good things about.  I still can't get past the thought of "SW or Colt vs. Bersa".  Hmmmm....one would think that would be an easy choice, hands down.

[Anduril]

as a reloader myself I can tell you that shooting an auto is down right frustrating; chasing brass, coming home with less than I started with   
I much prefer a revolver for fun shooting.
..
 

[Blackhawker]

as a reloader myself I can tell you that shooting an auto is down right frustrating; chasing brass, coming home with less than I started with   
I much prefer a revolver for fun shooting.
..

I hear you on that one loud and clear.  I once sold a very nice Colt 1911 because I hated chasing the brass.  Two years later my regrets began for at least 10 years until I bought a cheap-o Philippine replacement for it.  Come to think of it, I still regret selling it, especially when I see used ones going for over $800 today.

[teamnelson]

Another thought might be a 32 mag of some sort. I shoot the 32 S&W, S&W long, H&R Mag in an SP101. I see on Buds they have a Charter Arms in 327 mag for $291, stainless w/2.2" barrel. The 32 is a fun plinker, easy to cast/reload for, and the 32 H&R or 327 Fed is no slouch for a CCW to my mind.


To be fair, the SP101 to which I was referring is my wife's gun, but she lets me use it now and again 

[Blackhawker]

Another thought might be a 32 mag of some sort. I shoot the 32 S&W, S&W long, H&R Mag in an SP101. I see on Buds they have a Charter Arms in 327 mag for $291, stainless w/2.2" barrel. The 32 is a fun plinker, easy to cast/reload for, and the 32 H&R or 327 Fed is no slouch for a CCW to my mind.


To be fair, the SP101 to which I was referring is my wife's gun, but she lets me use it now and again 

That's a good thought.  I'll take a look at that one.  I shoot 30 carbine from a Blackhawk and it's a real earsplitter.  I'd imagine that 327 mag would be about the same, especially from a short barrel like that.  Good thing one can shoot the 32 SW in it.

[teamnelson]

The 32 s&w is a pussycat in a 2" barreled SP101. Fun little plinker!