Bersa Thunder 380
Bottom Line
Walt Rauch’s review of and rating for the Bersa Thunder 380, including a description, range report, specs, photos, MSRP, the average user rating and user comments. (Click here to see all of Rauch’s handgun reviews.)
Users’ Rating (Click a star to rate this gun.)
Table of Contents
Editor’s Review
The Bersa Thunder 380 double-action semiauto is chambered in .380 ACP. Manufactured in Argentina, the Bersa externally and partially internally resembles the Walther PP or PPK double-action pistols. The trigger mechanism is an amalgam of the Walther and the Beretta 92 designs. This compact pocket semiauto is what is commonly known as DAO; that is to say, the first shot can be fired as if it were a revolver, with a long, double-action pull on the trigger. Alternatively, the external rounded hammer can be pulled back or cocked for a more precise first shot from a lighter, single-action mode. The long double-action trigger pull weighs 12.5 lbs., while the single-action pull [hammer raised or cocked] is 5.5 lbs.
In either case, after the first shot, the slide cycles and the hammer re-cocks to single action. If you don’t want to fire a subsequent shot, you can safely lower the hammer by pushing down on the slide-mounted decocking lever, which also serves as a safety device. When you push the lever down, the body of the lever is located between the hammer and the rear of the firing pin so that the hammer can safely fall forward (this action should still be done in a safe direction because anything mechanical can fail).
The lever, once depressed, can be left in its downward position because it’s not spring loaded to return to its original position. If you do leave the lever down, pressure on the trigger meets with no resistance, and nor can the hammer be manually raised to fire. If you carry the gun with a loaded chamber, this type of safety means you are carrying the gun on safe.
There’s a magazine-disconnect safety, so if you remove the magazine, the gun can’t discharge. In addition, there’s an internal locking system operated by a special key located above the trigger in the left side of the frame. To fire, turn the key so that the lock is aligned with (F). When you turn it to the locked position (S), neither the hammer, trigger nor slide can be moved, nor can the pistol be disassembled.
The Bersa uses an external flat bar on the right side of the frame connecting the trigger to the hammer and sear. Vertical grasping grooves are at the rear of the slide. To load and unload, put the manual safety on (i.e., down) and insert a loaded magazine into the gun. Grasp the slide at the rear using the serrations. Draw back the slide fully to the rear and let the slide spring forward, chambering a cartridge. (Do not ride the slide forward.) You can now place an additional round into the magazine.
To unload, first remove the magazine, then retract the slide several times to ensure there’s no round left in the chamber, lock the slide back with the slide stop and look and feel to make sure there’s no round left in the chamber. This seems redundant, but it’s possible for the extractor to slip off the cartridge rim and leave a round in the chamber. If you look and feel, you’re sure.
The Thunder measures .75″ thick in the slide area, and the barrel measures 3.5″ long. The gun weighs 20 oz. and carries dull-black polymer impressed checkered grip panels with slight thumb swells affixed by a screw on either side of the frame. Both the front and back straps are grooved. The standard finish is a dull, non-reflective black; nickel or Duotone finishes are available.
In addition to grasping serrations at the rear of the slide, the Bersa sports a smooth-faced trigger. The front of the trigger guard has a hook or projection on its lower forward face. The Bersa has an external slide stop that gives the user an easy means to lock back the slide for insertion or clearing the arm. The magazine release is located right beneath the slide stop at the top rear of the trigger guard area. The Bersa comes with one magazine, which has cartridge witness holes in its body and a finger rest in the removable base plate.
Bersa Thunder 380 Specs
| Caliber | Capacity | BBL | OAL | Height | Width | Weight |
| .380 ACP | 7+1, 9+1 or 15+1 | 3.5″ | 6.625″ | 4.75″ | 1.125″ | 23 oz. |
Note: Eagle Imports imports this pistol into the United States.
Range Report
Pocket guns such as the Bersa are designed as personal protection guns, and while the Thunder 380 comes with a three-white-dot sighting system, it’s not meant to be used for precision shooting at 25 yards but rather as an emergency self-defense arm. This was all too well borne out when we did accuracy work at 25 yards. As noted in the table below, while the gun can shoot 2″ groups from a gun-bag rest at this distance, the norm for most all the shooting we performed was 5″ groups of five rounds each.
The rear sight is windage adjustable via a small screw that moves the rear sight blade, and this is helpful because various brands and bullet weights didn’t shoot to the same point of aim.
Here are our results at 10 feet from the rest over a Competition Electronic Pro-Tach chronograph:
- CCI Blazer 88-gr. JHP: 938 fps, 3″ group
- Cor-Bon 90-gr. +P JHP: 1,010 fps, 1.5″ group
- Federal 95-gr. JRN: 922 fps, 2.25″ group
- Federal Hydra-Shock 90-gr. JHP: 978 fps, 2.75″
- Remington 88-gr.: 919 fps, 1.5″ group
- Winchester SXT 95-gr. JHP: 881 fps, 3″ group
- Winchester Silvertip 85-gr. HP: 947 fps, 2″ group
Disassembly for cleaning is simple. After ensuring the gun is unloaded, lock the slide back using the slide stop. On the forward right side of the frame there’s a lever that resembles the slide stop. Pull down on this lever until it’s at almost a 90-degree angle. Now pull back and up on the slide, releasing it from the frame, and ease it forward and off the barrel against the pressure of the recoil spring.
Final Thoughts: Bersa Thunder 380
The Bersa pistol is a workhorse, and while not as well-finished as some others, it provides most everything found in more expensive pistols of this design. There’s just no particular cachet attached.
Walt Rauch received a BS degree from Carnegie Tech and completed service as a Special Agent in U.S. Army Intelligence. Rauch was a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent and a Philadelphia, Pa., Warrant Unit Investigator. He now operates a consulting company for defense-weapon and tactical training. Rauch & Company services include expert witness testimony on firearms use and tactics.
Rauch is also a writer and lecturer in the firearms field. He’s published in national and international publications including InterMedia’s Handguns, several Harris Publications specialty magazines, Police and Security News and Cibles (France). He is the author of a book on self-defense, Real-World Survival! What Has Worked For Me, as well as Practically Speaking, a comprehensive guide to IDPA defensive pistol shooting.
Excellent pistol.
Shoots to point of aim.
Great pricing on these as a back-up for concealed carry.
A mistake in the article claims the Thunder does not have a mag safety. It does have a mag safety and will not fire unless the magazine is fully inserted.
Lothar, you are correct about the mag safety: The latest version of the Thunder 380 does have a mag disconnect. We will edit the review to fix it. Thanks for pointing that out!
Excellent pistol. Recently sold every gun I had and was feeling the itch. Instead of buying more expensive (read, at least twicemas expensive) pistols, I chose the Bersa. Has many features and feel of more expensive, high-end brands. No buyer’s remorse here, just buy the correct ammo for carry! I feel that the the Cor-Bon’s are best.
I think it’s called a DA/SA, not a DAO, since the hammer can be pulled back.
Owned one of these a few years back, but ended up reselling it because it kept biting me between thumb and forefinger. Of course, I was new to handguns in those days and the problem may have been more my inexperienced technique than any inherent design flaw.
I”ve own my 380 bersa for awile now and this gun will never jam for you, great conceal gun, I love the way it shoots, great looking gun looks like it cost more than $500.00
bought a bersa 380 last year and it compares very well with other high priced guns, this gun has never jammed on me yet i have shot this gun alot and shoots real well , im looking to buy the bersa 45 cal.
I have owned the 7 shot .380 Thunder for about 3 years. I think it’s not only an excellent value, I think it’s an excellent pistol. I’d not be afraid to test it against .380 caliber guns costing twice as much. About 2 years ago, I purchased a new Bersa Ultra Compact Pro 9mm in Duo-tone. This 9mm holds 13 rounds and even though it weighs a wee bit more than my brother’s Glock, he and I both agree that the Bersa 9mm is manufactured with every bit the quality of the Glock and maybe even more!!! How about doing a review on the Bersa Ultra Compact Pro 9mm? I gave $292.60 plus tax, handling and shipping for my Nine. Total cost= $340.60 and I’ll put my Bersa 9 up against any 9mm – not saying my Bersa will win out but it won’t be embarrassed either.
I have the Bersa .380 Thunder Plus with the 15 round mags. A few of the Plus models will drop the mag when fired or the side is slapped. Mine did! I sent it off to a gunsmith to install the fix (they know about the problem). No cost to me except postage. Since I have gotten it back it has never failed to fire or to feed or eject a round. OH! And the mag has never dropped out no matter how many rounds you run through it. Great little pistol now!
The Bersa is a great pistol. I have shot mine a lot. The .22 version is a great companion and practice piece, also.
I just sold my Walther PPK/S .380 which I loved accuracy-wise, but couldn’t take the beating my hand would take from the short tang. Supposedly bersa has fixed this with a longer tang. any comments? I’d like to buy the bersa, but need to ensure that I won’t have the same issue.
This little gun feels superb in my hand. Fits well; didn’t get that “cluncky” feeling as with other guns. Granted it is a smaller gun than other more popular guns, but it was as accurate as any other $1,000 gun that “I” have used. Have been shooting my Bersa nearly every weekend for over 2½ years and can positively say I have never had it jam… Very satisfied.
I love my Bersa Thunder 380. I have a S&W 3913TSW 9mm and I like it too, but the Bersa actually feels better in my hand and its more comfortable and was a lot less expensive. I dont have a large hand so I guess that may be the reason. Sis in law loved the way the Bersa felt also. She had been using a Glock 9mm and was ready to give it up for one of these.
Of all the small 380s out there, I love this little Bersa the best. It is 100% reliable, easy to maintain, and although like most small pistols, not really made for target practice, it is surprizingly accurate at 7 yards. I had bought my wife a little PT22 pistol to learn to shoot, and we were out back shooting, and she wanted to try the Bersa. Well, she won’t give it back. She fell in love with it, and she is very good with it on the targets. Fortunately i have plenty of other pistols, but I will probably get another Bersa for CC.
After many years, I finally got my Texas CHL. Since 2007 it has been legal to carry in your car and my “glove box” firearm has been a Ruger P89 with four 15 rd mags. For home defense it is my trusty Mossberg 12 gauge with 00 buck and my Beretta .40 cal pistol on the nightstand.
I have been looking for a good conceal carry firearm and have a S&W Sigma .380 (now discontinued for numerous reasons) a Bryco/Jennings .380 “tackle box” pistol, and and vintage ’60s Llama .380 7 round with a muzzle break on it.
None of what I have satified what I was looking for. I bought my wife a Ruger LCP which she carries in her purse and is very well suited for her but not enough gun for me. I read a number of posts and decided to look at the Bersa Thunder.
I checked out the standard, concealed carry, and plus models. Both the cc and plus had a few things I did not like. In addition, the original 7 round model has been around for over 40 years. It fit my hand perfectly and was fairly priced at the gun show (280 plus tax). I considered the plus because of the extra capacity (15 rounds) but the grip was a bit too bulky for my hand. I decided on the 7 round model and to get the extra ammo capacity was just a matter of buying an a few extra mags. I bought 4 more mags and a dual mag pouch which gave me a total of 35 rounds.
Inserting a fresh mag took about 5 seconds and I thought in a carry situation would I really need a 15 round mag?
In addition at the show, the Bersa Plus was about 90 dollars more for the gun (less tax) and there were no extra mags to be found anywhere. I would have to had to order an extra mag from Bersa and they were $42 plus shipping. There were bunches of 7 rounders for $22 each (Promags) at the show which were of good quality so I got 4, which gave me a total of 5 mags.
I have read there have been a few issues with the Plus as far as failure to feed the last round, the mag dropping out of the well, and the bulkiness of the rubberized grip.
Also, if you lose your Plus mag you are screwed, so buying an extra is mandatory. Other than in the military, I have only had to draw on someone one time and it was with a little .22 Beretta Bobcat.
As soon as I drew, the person took off running so the question of “firepower” for concealed carry self defense came into question.
There are those who will argue that the more and bigger the bullets the better. If you are confronted with an armed gang, I could see the logic, but again even if you have three 15 round mags you are eventually going to run out of ammo if you get into a sustained firefire.
To me accuacy is more important than magazine volume. If you are fully loaded with 7+1 and there are 7 perps and you hit one or two, I do not think the rest are going to hang around for long.
I suppose if this turns into buyers regret, I can always get the 15 rounder from Bud’s for $329 +35 for the FFL transfer and $50 for the extra mag or am I just being neurotic about the whole issue?
I purchased a Bersa Thunder Plus 380 for my wife. Excellent gun for her. She loves it better than then the Ruger LCP. My problem is, I have only one 15 rd. magazine. My question is, will any other magazine like a 7, 8,, 10, 12 round fit in this wonderful pistol if I can’t find another 15 round magazine?
Just purchased it.It feels good in the hand and shoots straight. I’m looking forward to using it for a long time.
Of all the handguns I own which include Beretta, Sig, Ruger, Bersa, Jiminez…Bersa wins hands down for price/performance. My CC is a Bersa Thunder .380 standard in a shoulder holster. I did not care for the CC or plus versions for various reasons. CC is a defensive firearm as opposed to hi-cap handguns which are more for military and offensive (LEO) use. I also do not care for the ultra-compact 9mm due to recoil issues. The .380 is the most popular and effective CC caliber. My 9mms are for my car and .40 cal for home defense. The .40 cal is a devastating round and puts the 9mm to shame. That is why LEOs have now gone to .40 cal because it can stop anything short of an elephant size person and the recoil is not much more than the 9mm.
Of all the handguns I own which include Beretta, Sig, Ruger, Bersa, Jiminez…Bersa wins hands down for price/performance. My CC is a Bersa Thunder .380 standard in a shoulder holster. I did not care for the CC or plus versions for various reasons. CC is a defensive firearm as opposed to hi-cap handguns which are more for military and offensive (LEO) use. I also do not care for the ultra-compact 9mm due to recoil issues. The .380 is the most popular and effective CC caliber. My 9mms are for my car and .40 cal for home defense. The .40 cal is a devastating round and puts the 9mm to shame. That is why LEOs have now gone to .40 cal because it can stop anything short of an elephant size person and the recoil is not much more than the 9mm.
I couldn’t be happier with my Bersa .380 Thunder. It is an excellent CC protection gun and very easily carried in a pocket holster. I was so impressed with it’s handling, safety and accuracy I purchased a second one. Due to the recent shortage of ammo I haven’t been able to experiment with many different types of loads. I keep it loaded with 102 gr. Remington Golden Saber BJHP for concealed carry. I have also used quite a few boxes of the cheaper Fiocchi 90 gr. JHP’s for target practice with great success. I haven’t had a single jam with either gun or either type of ammo. For the reliability and price, you just can’t beat this weapon.
I couldn’t be happier with my Bersa .380 Thunder. It is an excellent CC protection gun
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both my wife and I like this gun. No problems at all. Nice , smooth and not on the quirky side.
Have had a Bersa Thunder .380 standard model for three years. It is accurate and dependable. I carry it loaded with either Corbon Pwrball or Hornady Critical Defense ammo. I also own a Bersa Thunder .32 which is also a great gun that I sometimes carry. I only use FMJ in the .32 for good penetration. Bersa makes a very good gun.
the only handgun in history with external linkage connecting trigger with hammer – on the right side of weapon (pull the trigger and watch the linkage move on the right side)
uncommon unsightly impractacle low cost design with goofy ugly detailing. would rather own an old bersa high quality real handgun
RATE this weapon , well below standard and reliability.. I just received this weapon back from the manufacturer and the weapon ejector cover fell out .This is the poorest weapon I have ever fired.
I have both the 380 and 380 Plus….not one hiccup! Love both…my wife enjoys the 7 shot. Quality weapon without paying a name brand premium.
I qualified for my CWP with a Bersa Thunder 380. I loved that pistol from the start. There is something about it that just felt right. I like the way it looks, feels and shoots. I researched that pistol in many ways. All the reviews and videos are overwhelmingly positive. Everyone I spoke to about it in person all had very good things to say about it. II liked the Bersa Thunder 380 so much I bought one. It was my very first hand gun purchase. I just do not know what the people who write bad comments about this gun are thinking or doing. This is an excellent hand gun. I’m thinking I would buy another, and another Bersa model, likely in 9mm.
I’ve had a Bersa thunder in the past, ” updated” to a Sig 238. Nice pistol shot well BUT had buyers remorse every night when I’d look up and see those iridium sights glowing down at me. So I bought another Bersa thunder 380, I’ve got the rubber grips that has the finger relief on the front side along with the clip extension, fits my hand very well, fires very well, and I don’t have buyers remorse . You can buy 2 Bersa Thunders for the price of one Sig 238, and in my book the Bersa is just as good of a postol
BERSA makes an outstanding firearm. You can put them up against the most expensive and feel great about your purchase. And the great thing is, you have funds left over to buy ammo. You cannot go wrong. I have several Bersas, in all different caliburs, and only once, did I have to send it back, and that my doing, not Bersa.
I have a standard Bersa Thunder .380 and like very much. It was my first pistol and has been very reliable and easy too shoot. It made an excellent first CCW pistol because it’s safety/decocker offered some additional reassurance to the novicn not used to carry a loaded pistol throughout the day. If you don’t prefer it you can simply not use it. I liked having it because I am around children all day.
One of its benefits for the new pistol shooter is its weight and size. The grip with magazine has a extended tab allow for a 3 finger grasp. Along with the 20+ ounce of weight these help easily control the recoil of the .380 ACP. So that is my only criticism: this gun is too big and heavy to pocket carry. This is one of the largest pistols chambered in .380 ACP. There are many 9mm guns this size and smaller which a more experienced shooter may prefer.
I like the BT.380very much. the only reason I didn’t give it a higher rating I had two misfeeds in four mags fired, weather it was me or the PPU rounds used ???I’ll give another review after more shooting and different brands used.
I own several pistols. Beretta, Sig P220 etc and also own the Bersa 380 Plus and the Bersa 45 UC Pro. The Bersa can compete side by side with any pistol costing hundreds of dollas more. The Bersas are very reliable, good looking, easy to carry and allows you to keep many of your hard earned dollars in your pocket without sacrificing reliability which is the name of the game in self defense. I have shot thousand of bullets through my 380 and 45 and NEVER had a malfunction.
Bersa is quality where it counts…..reliability!
Good weapon for the money. Keep it cleen with a thin coat of oil. And your good to go
I own 4 hanguns, 2 S&W 3913’s for the winter and 2 Bersa Thunder 380’s for the summer. I love my bersa 380, it’s a good looking gun, well made, easy to carry and dependable. For the price of one S&W 3913 (If you can find one) you can purchase two Bersa Thunder 380’s. That to me is smart money.
The Bersa puts the Ruger SR-22 and Walther P-22 to shame. This is how a firearm should be made. The mags are a bit pricy but I got some very good quality Promags for about half the price. Considered the Bersa Plus but there were no mags to have except for the one that came with the unit. Since then, I have purchased a Bersa 22, and UC 9mm. Wish they would start making log gung.
I’ve been thinking of getting another Bersa 380. I used to own and shoot the 383 years ago and it was the BEST pistol out of the 42 I had. If the current version is anything like the old 383, I will be pleased. On the 383 – 10 out of 10. We’ll see.
The Bersa Thunder Plus that holds 15 bullets is nice. It shoots straight. Recoil is not heavy. Great gun for a Woman. My wife loves her Thunder Plus.
Just purchased a used Bersa thunder and I just love it. Absolutely great for concealed carry and is quite accurate at twenty five feet. Wife likes shooting it too, just might purchase another one.
Have owned the plus for 2mths now. I am not happy. Have fired ball ammo as suggested in manual spending almost 200 dollars with constant feed problems and then slide catch release breaks. I own xds 45 and pcp 380 and have had no feed problems with about 200 to 250 rounds fired through each. Various type of ammo to add. Currently prefer hornady critical defense. I plan on sending it in for repair, but do not feel comfortable using this weapon to defend myself. Although I will admit that it feels great for a paper weight.
Sorry I forgot to rate. I give it star for feel.
Purchased a Bersa Thunder .380ACP Combat model. Had looked at one at a big box sporting goods outlet and after it was purchased by someone else they could not get another one in stock, so special ordered another one from a local tactical firearms & supply store. The price was more than fair with a 10% LEO discount. Have fired varying rounds through the Bersa from inexpensive Russian steel cased to high dollar self defense rounds without any issues. Like any firearm – simply keep it clean, well maintained, do not abuse it and it will function as designed. The fit, finish and reliability of the Bersa has also been superb. I rountinely carry a S&W M&P Shield in .40 Caliber. I tend to alternate the S&W M&P with the Bersa and have no concerns or regrets with either purchase. I trust my life and the protection of others with these firearms. If you are a retired, former or presently are a LEO, you might tend to agree that is a testimonial which is hard to argue with. When I started my career we carried a wheel gun (revolver) and a total of 18 rounds (6 in the cylinder and 12 in dump pouches), so a semi-automatic pistol is like the difference between The Flintstones and The Jetsons. No comparison. I am pleased with the overall performance of the Bersa Thunder .380ACP Combat model. Overall rating is easily 5 stars. My thanks to any LEO’s and military personnel…we sleep safe because you are willing, ready and able to defend our rights as a free society…America, often imitated and yet, never duplicated.
I still have my old bersa .380 model 383-A . It’s the old school before the newer version from the bersa Thunder came out . I bought it in 1992 , lol , and you’ll never guess where I bought it at ? Bought it at in Walmart before it was banned due to the some crazy guy shooting people in McDonald , if I remember that correctly in the news ? Anyway , it’s all 100% steel with no alloy frame . Alittle heavy though , but I love my 7 rounders . Never ftf ( failure to fire ) nor fte ( failure to eject ) as well . At that time , it only costed me $ 220 , but I think with registration and tax , it came out to around the total of $ 250 out the door . It’s a finished blue , wooden hand grips along with a gold lettering logo “bersa” on each side of the walnut wooden grips handle .
I have own a bersa thunder 380 since the early 1990s and carry it everyday, great little auto. Have never had a misfire, hangfire or anything it works every time. A lot lighter to carry than my S&W 9mm and the old colt 45.
The only drawback with the 380 is the safety.
It is to hard to flip off with the thumb while holding the gun in one hand. Light oil did not help. Using thumb knuckle, some improvement, other wise excellent weapon.
I think the Bersa is a great little hand gun. Well priced, easy to clean, and accurate. Going to buy another one.
Mike
Is the bersa thunder .380 legal in Ma.
I purchased a Bersa Thunder Plus .380. Took it to the range and fired a variety of different brands of ammo.After firing to empty each mag it stovepiped on the second last or last round.Took it back to the point of purchase and the dealer said he would take it home and test it out.Came back in two days and said ” NO PROBLEM ” every things ok I must be limpwristing. Took pistol to another shop and had the gunsmith check it out. He said I needed new mags as I had purchased a spare mag for Bersa and one came in the pistol.He said the new mags were $45.00 each, I said no thanks, but I checked the replacement mags, and found that the follower was easy to push down on my mags and hard to compress on the new mag. I ordered two new springs for Bersa and they were twice as long as the ones in my mags. Since then no stovepiping. I would say this was poor quality control at Bersa.Now I love this gun and would not trade it for another.
Thanks for the comment. You have a good gun. I have not seen any since I got my Bersa Thunder Plus. The magazines are some of the hardest to get, so, $45 is not a bad deal. Never sell that little jewel.
Great gun. Ready when you are. My primary cc. 15 shot clip p!us model. Just the right gun for the right price.
My wife has difficulty racking 9mm pistols and above. The Bersa Thunder Plus with 15 380 is some nice firepower for a lady. She can rack this one easy. Barnes 380 are good bullets.
I tried out my Bersa Thunder .380 Concealed Carry and was very pleased with it. Despite the minimal sights, it shot to point of aim at the sort of close ranges I would expect to use a pistol like this. I needed something I could control and actually hit something with. That can be hard to do with the micro-.380s I’ve fired. This Bersa will live on my hip!
to bad its not legal in ma.
The Bersa 7 round is legal, isn’t it?
The issue of magazine capacity is interesting. The concealed carry version of the Thunder 380 actually holds 8 cartridges versus the 7 rounds in the normal magazine. I like the extra finger area on the bottom of the standard magazine. If I can find another 8-round concealed carry magazine I will buy it. Otherwise there is a local gun store that has the 7-round magazine used with the normal Bersa Thunder 380. To tell the truth, if I could scare up the money I would buy the high-capacity version of the Bersa Thunder .380. The extra-wide grip would be more hand-filling and comfortable. Also, the Bersa Thunder .380 is so easy to shoot well the thought of having 15-rounds on tap is attractive.
The Bersa Thunder Plus is a very nice 380 handgun. Very accurate. Easy to rack. Recoil is ok. Beautiful gun, especially the DECOCKER. The 380 is a straight shooting bullet. At one time, the 15 rd magazines were hard to come by.
I picked up a bersa thunder .380 this spring ( slightly used ), and have appox 300 rds though it and is currently in the gunshop for the second time in a month time. It locks up, trigger won’t reset in either single action or double action mode, slide is hard to open and clear. I have installed a CT laser on it and it will shoot point of aim in the 25 to 35 feet and does a nice job of it. I like the way it handles and shoots and feels good in my hand. I also have a bersa thunder .22 with appox 3 to 400 rds in it, and it shoots a 2 in group in the 30 to 35 foot range, but the grouping will start to float after the 3d or 4th magazine, by that I mean it moves all around the target face. I haven’t taken that in to the gunsmith yet. But I’m starting to think that maybe they will end up as trading material or maybe just melted down to avoid someone else having problems down the line.
I’ve been told that Bersa makes two versions of this: The ones that work, and the ones that don’t work, and the only way to determine which you have in hand is to fire it a few times. I’ve owned mine for at least 6 years now. During that time, I fire one full magazine through it without a single stovepipe. That should tell the reader which version I own. Basically, it is a semi-automatic single shot, as one can only count on getting a single shot fired without a stovepipe stopping up the works.
I would sell the gun, but simply could not pass it on to someone without telling them what a total piece of crap it is. I might not be perfect, but I’m too ethical to do that to someone. So, I have an auto loading single shot (maybe more, maybe not) pistol.
This has been a great pistol for me and the lady; however, still consider it my backup to my Shield. My new shooting fiance learned on this pistol and has put the most rounds through it. Very accurate, easy and fun to shoot and reliable after 1000 plus rounds. It is the perfect training pistol for new shooters because it is more like a larger, SA/DA pistol. Based on youtube reviews, I’ve never used crap ammo (so I thought) and have had only 1 failure to feed with Winchester White Box. This happened with a whitebox bulk pack as some of the rounds appeared to be reloads (no more white box for me). Given the current ammo shortage; I’ve only been able to score boxes of Sig V-crown 90 grain and have shot 100 test rounds, some rapid fire, and not one issue.
However, there is one thing that is a MUST!! if you purchase this pistol; buy it from a reputable gun store that has an on-site gun-smith, and ask them to sand/polish the slide areas at the rear of the pistol that connect upon re-assembly (also search youtube videos for assembly issues. I was a bit harsh putting it back together one time causing something to dent on the top slide area connection point, which caused the reassembly issue. This gunsmith fix it and not a problem since. He further advised that he recommends this to everyone who buys the gun, but people do not do this until it becomes damaged. It’s an easy fix on the gunsmiths part, just have them do it right away so that it does not happen to you.
where are the 15rd magazines avaible for for the gersa thunder plus???????????