Author Topic: Bersa thunder 380 (Read 4169 times)

ejpaul1 · « **on:** November 13, 2010, 12:17:06 AM »

Anyone own one? Or have they? I need some real reviews on this one as well. Still cant decide what packet pistol to get. EJ

DC · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2010, 07:04:36 AM »

I have owned at least three over the years. While not expensive, they are VERY well built, and in my experience and 98% of anyone I have talked to or I have seen posting on GB, very reliable. I never had one fail to feed or fire.
I can't say enough good about them.

Brett · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2010, 01:37:48 PM »

I don't have any first hand shooting experience with the Bersa Thunder 380 although I did consider them at one time before opting for something with a little more power. They felt good in my hand, appeared to be well made and I can honestly say I found not a single negative review on them. The only slight negative that was mentioned on occasion was that they are somewhat large and heavy considering their caliber. This was the main reason I opted for a Kel-Tec p11 which gave me more 11 rounds of 9mm Luger apposed to 8 rounds of .380acp in a smaller lighter package.

highwayman · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2010, 02:37:22 PM »

i used to own a bersa and could not keep it from jamming. it went back to gun smith once and still jammed when i got it back. to be fair , it is a blow back,and sometimes it is the shooter instead of the pistol,i never found out. i own a lcp now and could not be happier.

ejpaul1 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 14, 2010, 04:08:41 AM »

I dont own one, so I am not making any accusations by asking this, but what kind of ammo did you use? I read a post where a guy siad he used real cheap ammo and it jammed constantly. He then changed over to a bit more premium brand and has not had a problem since. Just asking. I know most semi auto's seem to not like one brand or another. The only exceptions (there are more I am sure) seem to be the glocks, Khars and XD's.
anyway, let me know if that was a factor.
looked at an lcp and a Bersa last night. I liked the finish of the LCP better, but the fit of the bersa was better for me. There isnt a heck of alot of difference in price (like 30 bucks) so We'll see. Thanks, EJ

highwayman · « **Reply #5 on:** November 14, 2010, 05:25:58 AM »

i used 4 different types of ammo. winchester rnfmj, fpfmj, golddots and some carbons. nothing i did matter. jam with them all

GH1 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2010, 12:20:42 PM »

I use a Bersa for my carry weapon and I'm thoroughly happy with it. I like the way it fits my hand and I've found it to be accurate and completely reliable after 500+ rounds.
I've fed it FMJ roundnose, Hydra-Shoks, Golden Sabers, plus my handloads consisting of 90 gr RN and 100 gr Truncated cone with no trouble whatsoever.
Many people claim the Bersa is a good gun for the money, I think it's a good gun, period.
GH1

Old Griz · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2010, 10:05:23 PM »

I do not have a Bersa, but until I read highwayman's remarks I have never heard anything negative about them. Kinda big for a pocket pistol however. I'd consider a close fitting pancake holster. I do have a Kel-Tec P3AT (which jammed with everything except Blazer FMJ) and a Ruger LCP (which has never jammed), but both of these guns are quite painful to shoot. Neither of which inspire you to practice with them. Being larger I would assume the Bersa is easier to practice with, however the price, and availability, of .380 ammo would prohibit very much of that. Have you thought of a small 9mm? Less expensive to shoot, ammo easier to find, and more stopping power? Charter Arms .38? (Just an idea -- inexpensive, cheaper ammo that's easy to find.)

coues2506 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 28, 2010, 11:47:50 AM »

I have one in nickle, eats everything including my cast lead reloads, shoots tight groups too. Very well made and the price is right.

1sourdough · « **Reply #9 on:** November 29, 2010, 01:09:18 AM »

I know a guy who shot an errant goat with a 380. The slug didn't penetrate the hide. How about a 9mm?

scootrd · « **Reply #10 on:** December 25, 2010, 05:59:02 PM »

I think it's a great buy for the $, Also the weight and length and height appeals to me. I also like the fit and finish.

Specifications
   Model: THUN380CC
   Caliber: .380 ACP
   Action: DA
   Capacity: 8+1
   Barrel Length: 3.2”
   Front Sight: Blade Integral with Slide
   Rear Sight: Notched-Bar Dovetailed
   Sight Radius: 106mm
   Finish: Matte Black
   Grips: Checkered Polymer
   Construction: Alloy Frame/Steel Slide
   Safety: ILS, Manual, Firing Pin
   Weight: 16.4 oz.
   Length: 6”
   Height: 4.5”
   Width: 1”

uncledub · « **Reply #11 on:** December 28, 2010, 01:42:27 PM »

The 380CC is a good gun regardless of price. Typical of Bersas, they are, imo, underpriced. I hope the company never realizes how we owners feel about their product.

cjwink · « **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2011, 10:13:43 AM »

I had one.. Absolutly loved it so much that I bought its big brother the Thunder 9... Then sold the 380.. Still wish I had it..

DC · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2011, 09:09:19 AM »

It is amazing how many responses are from people that have never owned one. I personally have owned three and currently still have one.
I have never communicated with anyone, having actually owned one, every had anything bad to say about them. They are sturdy, very well
fitted and inspite of their affordability are VERY well made.
I never had a failure to fire or feed which is more than I can say for a Walther and a Ruger both of which I used to own. Yes, they are blow
back actions and need to be gripped securely. They are not target pistols and don't do well with lead bullets. However, with quality ammunition, either
FMJ or Hollow Point, I don't know anyone that has had a problem. That's not to say that someone out there may have had an issue but
I would have to say the vast majority of reviews on GBO have been very positive from those who ACTUALLY owned one.

GH1 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2011, 02:28:25 PM »

Quote from: DC on January 22, 2011, 09:09:19 AM

They are not target pistols and don't do well with lead bullets.

What kind of problems have you had with lead bullets? I've shot hundreds of cast through mine with no trouble. Are you using cast or swaged? I'm not trying to be argumentive, I'm just puzzled.
GH1

kix · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2011, 04:11:52 PM »

I have one,CC380.Very reliable after 300 rds.Usually I don't buy "off the wall" brands but a relative has about 2000 rds. thru his 380 Thunderer with no jams so I took the plunge.A while back I shot a Ruger LCP and while it functioned very well my overall feeling was that it was just too small to feel comfortable.Get a Bersa and be surprised.

mjbskwim · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2011, 08:38:28 PM »

I click on the Self Defense/CC section and the first thread is about a Bersa.

I'm confused.

Why would someone risk their life depending on a Bersa?

Just asking.

Why not save up and buy a real gun?

GH1 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2011, 12:12:18 PM »

Quote from: mjbskwim on January 31, 2011, 08:38:28 PM

I click on the Self Defense/CC section and the first thread is about a Bersa.

I'm confused.

Why would someone risk their life depending on a Bersa?

Just asking.

Why not save up and buy a real gun?

It's obviousyou're not a fan of the Bersa, is it because of the caliber or do you have an issue with the manufacturer?

mjbskwim · « **Reply #18 on:** February 01, 2011, 11:49:33 PM »

I have had cheaper guns and sold them shortly after.I have never owned a Bersa,but wouldn't spend the money on one at any price.
Why? I wouldn't trust my life to a second hand manufacturer.

Most "inexpensive" guns that I have handled just feel cheap,the actions aren't smooth,they don't always feed correctly,they don't shoot well,and all the other stuff I don't want in a gun

Now YOU may not have had an issue with any of these things with YOURS and that's great.
See I wouldn't even buy a Ruger semi auto.Just don't feel right to me.Or ANY Taurus.(haven't kept a Taurus for more than 3 shootings)

If I'm going to carry,I want something I know will go BANG every time and I can hit the target every time. For me that is a glock or a 1911,probably a Kimber
In a 380,I would do a walther,Karh or a sig

yardmaster · « **Reply #19 on:** February 02, 2011, 02:01:59 AM »

I have the thunder 9 Ultra Compact. I have not had any problem with it. It feeds any type of 9mm and is very accurate. I shot it Monday with 147 grain speer lawman..100 grain hp handloads and win. 115 grain fmj.. it just doesn't fail to feed and fire.

scootrd · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2011, 03:30:13 PM »

Quote from: mjbskwim on February 01, 2011, 11:49:33 PM

I have never owned a Bersa,but wouldn't spend the money on one at any price.

You have never owned one , and wouldn't buy one cause you consider inexpensive firearms inferior .
Yet the overwhelming majority of Bersa owners responding have nothing but positive things to say about Bersa Quality /Function.

- Go figure

hornady · « **Reply #21 on:** February 07, 2011, 04:39:19 AM »

I bought a Bersa 380 two years ago just because I did not have a 380, and thought about it as a summer carry gun. I started to rethink it as it being such a cheap price gun. I have put over 500 rounds of reloads with Berry plated bullet threw it without so much as a hick cup. It’s my summer carry gun. And I have plenty of faith in it.

Anduril · « **Reply #22 on:** February 08, 2011, 09:46:51 AM »

I know nothing about them.
Where is the factory, Spain?
..

Cabin4 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 08, 2011, 10:22:54 AM »

I own one or I should say my son owns one. We purchase one for him as a Christmas present. Its a great little gun. Accurate, easy to shoot and so far flawless cycling.

He and I rented one from a local indoor range to give it a wirl. He wanted a smaller semi and it shot so well I decided to surprise him at Christmas.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #24 on:** February 08, 2011, 10:34:39 AM »

I never owned one , never shot one but for the guy that thinks cost is relative to working , please explain the AK 47

Cabin4 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 08, 2011, 01:44:42 PM »

They are manufactured in Argentina and imported by Eagle Imports.

tsalam · « **Reply #26 on:** February 26, 2011, 02:03:43 PM »

Highwayman, or anyone else who doesn't know. There is a Bersa forum, http://www.bersa.com/forum/
They are extremely helpful and even have a Bersa rep who comes in to help. If you bought the gun new it has a lifetime guarantee and they will definitely fix anything that is wrong with it. I will guarantee they will tell you what the problem is with your Bersa jamming. BTW, I also have a Bersa Thunder 380 and absolutely love it. Never had a jam or any other problem with it.

ratdog · « **Reply #27 on:** March 15, 2011, 11:58:36 PM »

i asked my self why a 380 when a 9mm is better. ammo is cheaper easy to find means more use. and you don't have to worry about penetration much. have a great day.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 16, 2011, 07:20:54 AM »

Concealed carry. In 380 you can get a much smaller gun.

crossroads · « **Reply #29 on:** March 20, 2011, 07:24:43 AM »

I bought one for my wife for her B-day last year in Pink, She likes her revolver better. Thankfully it came with black grips and could easily be converted from pink to black. Since I've shot about 300 rounds through it without issue. Seems like a well built gun to me!