Bersa thunder 380 lite

[wtroger]

What is every ones opinion on the Bersa Thunder 380 lite. I have looked at several different weapons for concealed carry. And would really like a larger caliber than 380 but conceal-ability becomes an issue especially in the summer. All the 45's including the single stack compacts. are just to bulky to carry in an ankle holster. Or in the pocket. The Bersa appears to be walther ppk clones. Makarovs are of this same design but a 380 model is getting hard to find and the power and availability of 9X18  ammo is a bit of a concern. I have handled the Glock 36 not bad but the width of the slide is an issue. Thoughts Ideas 

[xhare]

Gunblast.com has good reviews of both the full size model and the concealed carry model. 

[Savage]

Nothing bad to say about the Bersas other than it's a little large and heavy for the caliber (.380)  I have had good luck with the P3AT in .380 and the PF-9 in 9mm. Both are smaller and lighter than the Bersa. Papajohn on this board says the .45 Bersa isn't a lot heavier and bigger than the .380. Haven't seen the .45 myself.
Savage

[quickdtoo]

I'm in the market for one too, the Kel-tec PF9 is my pick so far.

Tim

http://www.gunblast.com/Kel-Tec9mm.htm


http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/pf9.html

The PF-9 retains the best features from our P-11 and P-3AT pistols combined into the flattest and lightest single stack 9mm configuration ever made. The barrel, locking system, slide stop, assembly pin, front sight, recoil springs and guide rod are adapted from the P-11. The PF-9 is nearly identical to the P-11 in length and height and shares the same exterior controls. The shorter trigger system with integral hammer block and the extraction system are adapted from the P-3AT. Just like the P-11, the PF-9 will accept +P ammunition, however, not with continuous use.

The rear sight is a new design and is adjustable for windage with the supplied allen wrench as well as for elevation with the use of shims (not included). The included 7 round rectangular magazine is supplied with a finger extension base plate and numbered holes. The under barrel accessory rail shares the dimensions of the MIL-STD-1913 picatinny rail although there is only one locking notch in the forward position

[Devy55]

The Bersa Thunder .380 comes in 2 types.  The Thunder .380 and the Thunder Plus.  The big difference is the regular .380 has a single stack magazine, whereas the Plus version has a double stack magazine.

Personally, I have the regular version and am very happy with its accuracy and concealability.  The double stack version approaches the size of the Thunder .45.  For me, if I have to carry the equivilent size and weight, then I might as well step up the .45.

However, the .380 is a good compromise and is the pistol I carry most often.

[coyotejoe]

I too favor the Kel-Tec P3AT. It is the only .380 (IMHO) which is truly small and light enough to carry in a pocket. Mine has been through at least one box of every type of ammo I could find and not a single malfunction. The sights are near worthless and the trigger location and length of pull are a bit awkward to me but for up close, which is the only situation one can justify a shot, I think it is hard to beat. And it's cheap too!

[Savage]

The P3AT is the size a .380 should be. I carry one everyday IWB with the pocket clip, or in a pocket holster, depending on dress. It' so comfortable, I have to bump check it now and then to be sure it's still there. I also have a PF-9 that works well IWB but is a little too large for my pockets. I still believe the PF-9 is smaller and lighter than the Bersa .380.  I would think the Bersa would work best as a belt gun.
Savage