EDIT 8/2021: This has been a popular article over the past seven years, but we thought it might be time to revisit the Bersa Thunder. Check out our new review here.
The concealed carry pistol market has been growing rapidly over the last few years, and there are a ton of great options out there to choose from. Unfortunately, these options become very limited when you only have a budget of $300. Today we’re going to take a look at the Bersa Thunder .380 and its little brother, the Thunder .22.
The Bersa Thunder is hardly new to the compact pistol market, but it remains one of the best values out there today and is my personal choice for a daily carry pistol.
The Basics
The Bersa Thunder is a simple blowback operated handgun chambered in .380 ACP, .32 ACP, or .22 LR. It is produced in Argentina and borrows heavily from the earlier Walther PPK in terms of function and styling. It is a popular recommendation for those wanting a concealed carry pistol due to its combination of pleasant aesthetics, build quality, and $300 price tag. Each Bersa Thunder holds a lifetime warranty valid for the original purchaser as well. The Thunder .380 features a 3.5” barrel, 7+1 round capacity in .380ACP, slide-mounted safety/decocker, and an alloy frame not usually seen on pistols in this price range. The .22LR version is the same, but holds 10+1 rounds of ammunition.
The Thunder ships rather humbly inside of a cardboard box and comes with just one magazine, which only makes sense in order to cut the overall consumer cost while still delivering the necessities. Also included is a set of keys for the internal trigger lock.
Perhaps A Few Too Many features
The thing that most impresses me about the Bersa Thunder is just how much you get for your money in terms of features built into the gun. The trigger guard is shaped and serrated for those who like to use it as a gripping surface, and the top of the slide is thoughtfully checkered to cut glare. The Bersa’s magazine release button is also checkered and is easy to reach without being obtrusive.
It also includes all the modern safety features that we’ve come to expect such as a hammer block and trigger disconnect when the safety is engaged, as well as a firing pin safety that prevents the gun from firing if dropped.
Unlike the much more expensive Walther PPK, the Bersa Thunder comes equipped with windage adjustable 3-dot sights as well as a slide release lever. The Bersa also improves upon the original Walther design and features a sufficiently large beavertail to mitigate “slide-bite” which was common with the early PPK models.
Unfortunately, the engineers at Bersa decided to include even more bang (or lack thereof) for your buck and also supplied the gun with a key activated internal trigger lock as well as a magazine disconnect which prevents the gun from firing if the magazine is not in place. While these items may be attractive for some gun owners, the vast majority of shooters (including myself) see them as unnecessary and potentially dangerous mechanical complications. Despite these unwanted additions however, the Bersa still comes out ahead of most of its $300 competition, at least from a functionality standpoint.
Good in Your Waistband, Good on the Range
Chris and I may not share the same feelings for the Bersa Thunder, but we both agree that shootability is extremely important in a carry gun. The ability to shoot accurately and comfortably with your carry pistol is pretty important if you’re going to become proficient with it, and this is exactly the reason I went with the Bersa Thunder in .380 and then went back for a second helping of Thunder in .22LR.
Because of its alloy frame coupled with its not-too-small size, the Bersa is much easier to fire accurately than some of the smaller offerings available. It has sufficient grip space even for large hands, but still conceals easily. The .380ACP’s recoil is quite “snappy” which is common with blowback guns, but the sights are easy to keep on target thanks largely to the ability to get a full and firm grip on the gun. The .22LR model is pure joy to shoot, and at less than half the weight of my Ruger MkII it’s my go-to gun for teaching new handgun shooters. The Thunder .22 is also a great training tool since it is identical to its .380 counterpart with the exception of being 2 ounces lighter. It also costs less than most .22LR conversion kits available for other pistols.
So it Shoots, But is the Bersa Thunder Reliable?
No matter how well a firearm shoots, it isn’t very useful if it does not function properly. Fortunately both of my Bersa Thunders have been very reliable shooters when fed proper ammo. I did have a couple of failures to feed in 100 rounds of S&B 92 grain FMJs with my .380 but the 200 rounds of Magtech ammo I shot through it functioned perfectly. It also runs very well with Speer Gold Dots, which I have chosen as my carry ammo.
Each gun is going to be just a little bit different, and it’s important that you try a few types of ammo to find out what your particular gun likes regardless of make and model. My Thunder .22 has had several ammo-related malfunctions due to me using cheap bulk ammo, but no more than I experience with my Ruger MkII which is often used as a benchmark when it comes to .22LR handgun reliability.
In the end the Bersa Thunder represents an incredible value for a budget gun like this. It’s one of the only all-metal guns you can get at this price point without buying a surplus handgun. While it is not ultra-small, the Bersa finds a good size balance that makes it great for concealed carry and close range target practice. The real drawback of the gun is its .380 ACP chambering, which costs more to shoot on the range and also delivers substantially less energy than 9x19mm, but the great handling and shootability at least partially make up for this by allowing very accurate shooting from the compact gun.
Love them or hate them? Let us know what you think in the comments!
I've carried the Bersa Thunder .380 CC model for 9 yrs. now and I love it just as much today as I did when I purchased it for all the reasons listed above.
I've carried the Bersa Thunder .380 CC model for 9 yrs. now and I love it just as much today as I did when I purchased it for all the reasons listed above.
wife shoot the Bersa Thunder good gun. The only issue we've had is assembly after cleaning. The trigger bar as seen in picture above will slide out a little and prevent the slide from going on. Took awhile for us to figure out the problem as it's not immediately noticeable it only takes a fraction of a inch.
wife shoot the Bersa Thunder good gun. The only issue we've had is assembly after cleaning. The trigger bar as seen in picture above will slide out a little and prevent the slide from going on. Took awhile for us to figure out the problem as it's not immediately noticeable it only takes a fraction of a inch.
I like shooting my LC380, but the trigger is terrible. My daughter, just starting to shoot, is comfortable with the size of that gun and the .380 round as well, but has trouble with the trigger. I would like to get her a .380 of her own at some point. How is the Bersa's trigger?
I like shooting my LC380, but the trigger is terrible. My daughter, just starting to shoot, is comfortable with the size of that gun and the .380 round as well, but has trouble with the trigger. I would like to get her a .380 of her own at some point. How is the Bersa's trigger?
It's a nice pistol. I just don't like the .380 overall. For a pocket gun, I prefer a J-Frame with Buffalo Bore's .38 Special +P rounds. And you're only giving up 3 rounds.
It's a nice pistol. I just don't like the .380 overall. For a pocket gun, I prefer a J-Frame with Buffalo Bore's .38 Special +P rounds. And you're only giving up 3 rounds.
Love this gun!!
I own one in .380 and it eats everything I feed it and groups great. The only failure I have had is it sometimes stovepipes on the last round…But that is using an aftermarket promag magazine. The stock Bersa mags run great. Never a problem. Also this gun is tough enough and is rated for +P rounds such as cor bon ammo or some of my reloads which have velocities of 1050 fps or better which brings it right up there with the 9mm parabellum
My wife owns a .380 one and loves it. The recoil on it to her is more than my full size Beretta 92FS it delivers solid shooting when the right ammo is used. Hers works best when loaded with Winchester .380 for training shooting for carry rounds Magtech .380 hollow points. My only complaints are magazines and ammunition is my area is hard to get without paying more than a 25% mark up on retail price, But online is always a option.
Older Bersa's had a extremely touchy hair trigger you look at it wrong and it might fire. the newer one like my wife has is a wonderful smooth trigger pull
I had a Bersa 45 and loved it until I had to send it off for repair. It took 6 months for the part to come from Argentina and when it still didn't fire correctly it took another 6 months to get the replacement from Argentina
I like Bersa pistols! My wife has the 380 Thunder and I have the Mini Firestorm 40 S&W. Both are great and better than many more expensive choices.
Best gun for the money, I agree .380 ammo is hard to find and pricey but just ordered 1000 rounds from Lucky Gunner at a great price. Got mine at Gander Mountain and it came with Crimson Trace laser sight. I own several revolvers but this is my concealed carry piece.
I have a 380 and love it.
Ive had one since 2004 … over 10,000 rounds through it and not one misfire/misfeed … easy to clean and I carry it all the time … solid and simple … eats everything! !!! Only wish they made it in 9mm
I’ve carried the Bersa Thunder .380 CC model for 9 yrs. now and I love it just as much today as I did when I purchased it for all the reasons listed above.
wife shoot the Bersa Thunder good gun. The only issue we’ve had is assembly after cleaning. The trigger bar as seen in picture above will slide out a little and prevent the slide from going on. Took awhile for us to figure out the problem as it’s not immediately noticeable it only takes a fraction of a inch.
I like shooting my LC380, but the trigger is terrible. My daughter, just starting to shoot, is comfortable with the size of that gun and the .380 round as well, but has trouble with the trigger. I would like to get her a .380 of her own at some point. How is the Bersa’s trigger?
Older Bersa’s had a extremely touchy hair trigger you look at it wrong and it might fire. the newer one like my wife has is a wonderful smooth trigger pull
Very happy with my thunder .380 acp.
It’s a nice pistol. I just don’t like the .380 overall. For a pocket gun, I prefer a J-Frame with Buffalo Bore’s .38 Special +P rounds. And you’re only giving up 3 rounds.
Love this gun!!
I own two of these. I am pleased with both of them.
I own one in .380 and it eats everything I feed it and groups great. The only failure I have had is it sometimes stovepipes on the last round…But that is using an aftermarket promag magazine. The stock Bersa mags run great. Never a problem. Also this gun is tough enough and is rated for +P rounds such as cor bon ammo or some of my reloads which have velocities of 1050 fps or better which brings it right up there with the 9mm parabellum
ProMag is great for range use, but would NEVER put my life on the line with that brand. NEVER!
My wife owns a .380 one and loves it. The recoil on it to her is more than my full size Beretta 92FS it delivers solid shooting when the right ammo is used. Hers works best when loaded with Winchester .380 for training shooting for carry rounds Magtech .380 hollow points. My only complaints are magazines and ammunition is my area is hard to get without paying more than a 25% mark up on retail price, But online is always a option.
I had a Bersa 45 and loved it until I had to send it off for repair. It took 6 months for the part to come from Argentina and when it still didn’t fire correctly it took another 6 months to get the replacement from Argentina
I like Bersa pistols! My wife has the 380 Thunder and I have the Mini Firestorm 40 S&W. Both are great and better than many more expensive choices.
Best gun for the money, I agree .380 ammo is hard to find and pricey but just ordered 1000 rounds from Lucky Gunner at a great price. Got mine at Gander Mountain and it came with Crimson Trace laser sight. I own several revolvers but this is my concealed carry piece.
I have a 380 and love it.
Ive had one since 2004 … over 10,000 rounds through it and not one misfire/misfeed … easy to clean and I carry it all the time … solid and simple … eats everything! !!! Only wish they made it in 9mm
They do make a thunder 9http://www.bersa.com/bersa-firearms/thunder-uc-pro-series.html i like the UC version with the finger grooves in the handle
Very happy with my thunder .380 acp.
I own two of these. I am pleased with both of them.
I bought one YEARS ago and had to fight with the guy behind the counter. He kept trying to sell me a larger, full size 9mm when I told him repeatedly that I already had a full size 9mm and wanted something smaller. I actually left and decided to go back a few hours later, grabbed a different salesman and told him what I wanted. One of the best purchases I have ever made! Super easy to shot, super reliable.
I bought one YEARS ago and had to fight with the guy behind the counter. He kept trying to sell me a larger, full size 9mm when I told him repeatedly that I already had a full size 9mm and wanted something smaller. I actually left and decided to go back a few hours later, grabbed a different salesman and told him what I wanted. One of the best purchases I have ever made! Super easy to shot, super reliable.
I have carried Bersa Thunder pistols for years. I like them especially for pocket carry. The slide mounted safety that is easily flipped to the "fire" position with one hand is outstanding. Outside of the Bersas, its major competitor is the Glock 26 (9mm) with 12 round magazines. I also have the Plus model that has double stacked 15 round magazines.
With the Bersa, my choice is the Bersa 9 round .380 magazine. It more comfortably fills my XL hand and gives me a total of 10 rounds before it goes dry. I prefer it over a 5 shot revolver for obvious reasons.
My Bersa 22 is a great companion piece and allows cheap practice. My recoil sensitive wife likes the .22 the best with the .380 single stack 7 round mags falling in behind it. She can shoot bigger guns but that is her comfort zone.
I have been carrying concealed for about 18 years in Kalifornia and now Utah.
My current carry ammo is Winchester PDX1.
I have carried Bersa Thunder pistols for years. I like them especially for pocket carry. The slide mounted safety that is easily flipped to the “fire” position with one hand is outstanding. Outside of the Bersas, its major competitor is the Glock 26 (9mm) with 12 round magazines. I also have the Plus model that has double stacked 15 round magazines.
With the Bersa, my choice is the Bersa 9 round .380 magazine. It more comfortably fills my XL hand and gives me a total of 10 rounds before it goes dry. I prefer it over a 5 shot revolver for obvious reasons.
My Bersa 22 is a great companion piece and allows cheap practice. My recoil sensitive wife likes the .22 the best with the .380 single stack 7 round mags falling in behind it. She can shoot bigger guns but that is her comfort zone.
I have been carrying concealed for about 18 years in Kalifornia and now Utah.
My current carry ammo is Winchester PDX1.
Bersa was my early choice for concealed carry in 1998, still carry one tho have given origonal and several more to daughters and grandaughters as they started carrying. great bargain gun
Wish they made it in 9mm.
I own a Bersa .380. It serves it's purpose.
Bersa was my early choice for concealed carry in 1998, still carry one tho have given origonal and several more to daughters and grandaughters as they started carrying. great bargain gun
Wish they made it in 9mm.
I own a Bersa .380. It serves it’s purpose.
Great…if you can find ammo…
Great…if you can find ammo…
You mean like… THIS!
http://www.luckygunner.com/handgun/380-auto-ammo
LG Chris – Yes! Thank you! But…WOW! 31.9¢ per round! That’s pretty pricey for such a small caliber. I can get 9mm for 22.8¢ per round. The .380 must be in super high demand like the .22’s.
I understand what you mean but technically a .380 and a 9mm are the same caliber (Very Close) one is metric one SAE. A lot more powder and case on a 9mm but the same size diameter.
Chris Driscoll Yeah, .380 ACP has always been more expensive than 9mm, and that’s one of the big disadvantages of shooting it. 9mm is cheap partly because of the huge volume that the companies make. 380 is made in smaller lots which drives up the price, even though the raw materials cost is lower.
You mean like… THIS!
http://www.luckygunner.com/handgun/380-auto-ammo
LG Chris – Yes! Thank you! But…WOW! 31.9¢ per round! That's pretty pricey for such a small caliber. I can get 9mm for 22.8¢ per round. The .380 must be in super high demand like the .22's.
Chris Driscoll Yeah, .380 ACP has always been more expensive than 9mm, and that's one of the big disadvantages of shooting it. 9mm is cheap partly because of the huge volume that the companies make. 380 is made in smaller lots which drives up the price, even though the raw materials cost is lower.
The Bersa Thunder was in the running for my wife's new CC, but we went with the Glock 42. The Glock shoots "easier" and once my wife mastered her grip, it functions flawlessly. She previously had a Kahr cw9, but it was hard to rack, trigger pull was excessively long, reset was long, and the recoil was just too uncomfortable for her. The 380 allows her to enjoy shooting so she can become proficient.
great article
I own 3 Bersa 380 Thunders and I love them! Great to shoot and fun to carry.
The Bersa Thunder was in the running for my wife’s new CC, but we went with the Glock 42. The Glock shoots “easier” and once my wife mastered her grip, it functions flawlessly. She previously had a Kahr cw9, but it was hard to rack, trigger pull was excessively long, reset was long, and the recoil was just too uncomfortable for her. The 380 allows her to enjoy shooting so she can become proficient.
great article
I own 3 Bersa 380 Thunders and I love them! Great to shoot and fun to carry.
Great gun love it carry it always
Great gun love it carry it always
We've had one in .380 for home defense for years. It is definitely a joy to shot, and is very accurate. I ordered a 9 round magazine, to help my big hands to get a grip. After more than a thousand rounds, from the good stuff to hand me down reloads, we have yet to have a fault.
We’ve had one in .380 for home defense for years. It is definitely a joy to shot, and is very accurate. I ordered a 9 round magazine, to help my big hands to get a grip. After more than a thousand rounds, from the good stuff to hand me down reloads, we have yet to have a fault.
Love my Bersa 380. Very comfortable in my hand as well as accurate at the range.
Love my Bersa 380. Very comfortable in my hand as well as accurate at the range.
Shot a bersa thunder when I got my security license. I'm no perfect shot but with the bersa I qualified #3 out of 20 people,and the two that shot slightly better were Marines coming back from a tour. The bersa is way more accurate because of the fixed barrel.
Shot a bersa thunder when I got my security license. I’m no perfect shot but with the bersa I qualified #3 out of 20 people,and the two that shot slightly better were Marines coming back from a tour. The bersa is way more accurate because of the fixed barrel.
I have an old model 23 Bersa in .22lr that has never given Me a problem as long as I use good ammo , Like most semi .22s it doesn't like cheap ammo. I also have a thunder .380 CC model and I have never had a misfire or failure to feed through over 1,000 rounds …….I liked both of my Bersa handguns so much I bought My Daughter a Thunder .22 Lr . And she loves hers . And finally I just bought a Thunder.40 UC pro …And so far I haven't had a problem with this one either through about 500 rounds down Range … I feel That the Bersa line of handguns are some of the best on the market .
They do make a thunder 9http://www.bersa.com/bersa-firearms/thunder-uc-pro-series.html i like the UC version with the finger grooves in the handle
I have an old model 23 Bersa in .22lr that has never given Me a problem as long as I use good ammo , Like most semi .22s it doesn’t like cheap ammo. I also have a thunder .380 CC model and I have never had a misfire or failure to feed through over 1,000 rounds …….I liked both of my Bersa handguns so much I bought My Daughter a Thunder .22 Lr . And she loves hers . And finally I just bought a Thunder.40 UC pro …And so far I haven’t had a problem with this one either through about 500 rounds down Range … I feel That the Bersa line of handguns are some of the best on the market .
I have both the .380 and the 22, I love them both !
I own a model 383A, a CC model and I just picked up a used 22 lr. They are very accurate.
I have both the .380 and the 22, I love them both !
I own a model 383A, a CC model and I just picked up a used 22 lr. They are very accurate.
Have a model 83, love it although it has not been shot much.
Have a model 83, love it although it has not been shot much.
I've owned the stanard BT .380 and now own the concealed carry model and not a problem between them.
I’ve owned the stanard BT .380 and now own the concealed carry model and not a problem between them.
I am an enthusiastic Bersa thunder 380 owner,a few years ago I was working at Fort Mead in Maryland I met. A Staff Sgt.(female) at the Gun store outside of the gate. Her Command recommended to her a specific hand gun for personnel how travel on a regular basis. The hand. Guns they recommended were the Ruger small frame .38 or the Bersa thunder .380 Her Commander was particularly partial to the Bersa she said he owned two of them a thunder 380 anda 380 plus he was a pistol team instructor.I have had occassion to shoot my bersa against a sig 232 and I have found the bersa to have an easier trigger pull almost smooth ,the sig is larger and a very solid compeditor it rarely fails to complete the mission.
Own the Thunder and Thunder Plus in .380. Both great little guns, highly accurate and reliable. Had some early issues with the Thunder Plus, but after a few boxes of ammo, never another hiccup. Only complaint, finding a spare mag for the Thunder Plus. I'd have better look finding the Holy Grail.
Own the Thunder and Thunder Plus in .380. Both great little guns, highly accurate and reliable. Had some early issues with the Thunder Plus, but after a few boxes of ammo, never another hiccup. Only complaint, finding a spare mag for the Thunder Plus. I’d have better look finding the Holy Grail.
Very true about the Holy Grail. Good luck finding either one. Bersa magazines are difficult to locate and pricey once you do find one. I just bought one for my Bersa 380 Thunder Combat and it was $33.00 for an 8 round factory magazine. But, with that being said, I would not trust my life to a ProMag or other after market magazine. They are alright as a range magazine. But, trust my life with an after market magazine…NO WAY!
They found that!….lol
Great i will definitely buy a Bersa thx
Great i will definitely buy a Bersa thx
If it’s good enough for Sidney Crosby, it’s good enough for me.
Have had a pair of Bersa 95s [precursor of the Thunder 380, and they were great. Had a Bersa CC that I gave to a friend for his help on painting my house….and he loves it! Currently have a pair of Firestorm Mini Compact 45s, made by Bersa but with slightly different grips. These are great guns and, so reliable due to the CDC machining used in their manufacture, that I have exchanged the slides on the guns, and now have 2 duotone guns; one with a matte slide and a nickel frame, and the other with a nickel slide and a matte frame……sort of a yin and yang type of thing! Love both of them and carry them frequently.
I was finally able to shoot one of these Firearms (380 Thunder), as I have been interested in one for awhile. I found It was absolutely what I expected For pointability, Accuracy and reliability. But when we came back from the range Is when I was able to get down into the Gun, and the Magazine Disconnect Safety Is a Large concern, I know people will remove this Safety and rely solely on a spring to keep the Bar that interacts with the firing pin up IDK about you but I find the whole firing assembly not up to par when it comes to potentially saving a life particularly since the safety is there for people who have not handled many or any firearms in there life and are the ones who will more than likely accidently drop a magazine in an engagement. (That being said the Magazine release has a good and strong enough spring and is well located). thats my 2 cents
Own the .380 plus and the 22thunder. Enjoy both guns. The 22 has some hiccups when you shoot inferior rounds. Winchester rounds constantly jam my gun . Use CCI you will never have an issue
I own a Bersa 380 Thunder Combat model. Some people scoff at the two connections of .380 ACP and the term “Combat”. I assure you the term is merely a reflection of appearance and features only, and not meant to imply it is a handgun suited to assault an enemy fortification. With that being said, the rubberized finger groove grips add the ability to retain the handgun from being yanked away from your hand so easily by an attacker and improve the overall grip to lessen barrel flip generally associated with a blow back design. The sights are of a military design (forward single dot and 1/2 rectagular rear post), rather than a basic 3 dot. The trigger guard is roundedat the base and finger contoured toward the front end which reminds me of the Beretta M9 where you could use your off hand to stabilize the weapon when firing. The sight ramp is slightly narrower and flush than the standard model, which does not interfere in the least with obtaining a rapid sight picture. The hammer is serrated, as is the slide with deeper cut grooves than the standard models for better retention or control when charging or releasing the slide. The decocker feature definitely comes in handy if the threat is lessened or removed altogether, and 8 rounds (9 with one in the chamber) provides extra firepower if the scenario would require it. This model also came with two 8 round magazines. Spare 8 round factory magazines will cost around $33.00 (if you can even find them). I would not recommend after market magazines except for range use. After market magazines cost under $20.00, but you get exactly what you pay for. All-in-all, based on my interaction with this handgun, the Bersa 380 Thunder Combat model is worth the asking price. It is reliable, comparably priced, featured driven and easy to conceal. There are several models available with different features and magazine capacities.
After I bought a 1911 for old time’s sake, my next purchase was a Bersa Thunder .380. Its all black, and I was able to scour the internet to find the rubber grips with the finger grooves. One thing I don’t like about many .380 pistols is how they leave my pinky finger dangling. Maybe not dangling, but I like it to grip, not be tucked under the magazine like an ashamed dog. Most Thunders have the little magazine extension that gives my pinky something to grip on to. It also merges ~flawlessly to the rubber grips. Finding extra Bersa magazines aren’t too difficult, my local gun shop has both types (with a curved pinky extension, and the other type), for ~$35. Like any blowback pistol, it is snappy, and you will feel it in the thumb webbing, but its not horrible. It fires well, only had problems with ball ammo when it was very new. After 150rnds or so, it functions well. According to the FBI’s test of lethality, .380 ball ammo penetrates sufficiently, while HP .380 don’t; so I’m happy to keep it shooting FMJ rounds. The extended beavertail has prevented any bite injuries (unlike pistols without this feature). With the exception of the magazine disconnect, I like most of the modern features of the weapon. In a worse-case scenario, one can fire the pistol without a magazine in it: it just requires an awkward left thumbnail sliding the mag-discnxt upwards. If a firefight ever gets to THAT point, I probably got bigger problems to worry about.
Glad to hear this positive review of the Thunder. I’d been a little hesitant because of quality doubts due to the low price point. Looking at it disassembled for cleaning though it looks just like my absolute favorite CC weapon, my East German Makarov. Any thoughts on the comparison?
I have a Bersa Thunder .380 and I won’t take anything for it. I can throw anything at it, and it fires without fail. Out of at least 1200 rounds I’ve had no misfires or jams.
I own both the Thunder 380 tested here and the Thunder 380 Concealed Carry. Both are excellent buys. Recently, using the same ammo, and expensive European hand gun experienced several misfires and neither of my Bersas did.
I would like to put the standard Thunder 380 magazine bottom on the Concealed Carry magazine. Anybody try this?
Have the 380 Plus-.great to shoot…when new needs some slight break in (magazine) keep mine loaded when not in use…everything works fine after 150 rounds fired….really cool little gun!
I have had my Bersa .380 for about 5 years. Flawless feeds and accurate for distances that are reasonable. Great buy, would recommend to anyone. I have had problems with aftermarket mags, one fell to pieces, but the other is great. So, I agree with those that are particular about where they get their extra mags.
I have a Thunder .380 and love it. It is highly accurate, does not have excessive recoil and fits my small hands very well. The first time I ever used a handgun was this Bersa and I was incredibly accurate out the gate. My instructor was very impressed. My friend on the other hand had a Lady Wesson revolver and was all over the place and quit early.
I highly recommend this for new shooters, especially women with small hands like mine.
I teased the hell out of my brother when he told me he purchased the .380 model. I was relentless. We finally found time to hit the range together and I had to eat every single word!! I figured it would be to dainty, but the grip was beefy enough. Can’t add anything that the author didn’t say in the article. Great gun great price. We shot mbi and had no trouble. He carries buffalo bore +p. Nice package. Not trading my ugly little g19 in any time soon though.
This is the weapon I brought my wife to shoot and CC. It is a very good revolver and she is comfortable with it and have found it to be an easy weapon for her to sight, reload and fire. This Bersa is a reliable .380 that can be handled by anyone.
It’s not a revolver.
Bill, I guess you didn’t notice, it is NOT a revolver.
My bad, thank you for pointing it out gentlemen. Where was my mind? Guess I am still thinking old school with my wheel pistol.
sux! FTF on every mag or every other mag. Bersa Service is a rip off. Safety literally snapped off and they charged me $ 100 to fix it after keeping it for 5 months. Very unreliable. Stay away.
You didn’t complain hard enough then. Their website says guaranteed for life to original owner I believe, so, if you are the original owner the fix should be free. Did you remind them of this and if so, what did they say?
Didn’t hear back on if you are the original purchaser of the gun. What say you on this? Are you?
Have the Thunder in .380 and have carried it daily for a couple of years now. Money was (and is) tight, and I was still in college at the time, working 40 hrs/week at a convenience store, so I needed something. I really didn’t want to go with a Taurus Millennium or 24/7 route, just wasn’t impressed by the used examples in my price range. Always had an affection for the Thunder, ended up with one for $330 + tax. I’ve had I believe 2 FTEs in ~250 rds, both of which were Winchester White Box JHPs (95gr I think). She runs Speer Gold Dots beautifully and will devour whatever FMJs I feed it during practice. The Pro Mags suck tremendously compared to the Bersa magazine (wish they’d included two!!!), but I really haven’t had enough trouble with them to justify buying a spare Bersa mag. They just feel like crap and occasionally won’t activate the slide stop. My biggest gripe is the magazine disconnect. Pointless and makes dry fire practice a bit irritating. I really do like the trigger; the DA pull is smooth and the travel makes trigger prep easy. The single action break is sharp and the reset is good, though not very easy to feel. I carry it IWB at 4:30, and every month or two I have to take apart the magazine release and remove leather debris accumulated from the holster. Other than that, she shoots great and is a solid little carry gun. I plan to hold on to it even after I purchase a Glock 30, so I can have something concealable under even a T-shirt.
My Bersa has been 100% reliable from day one, with any type of rounds I put thru it. Including with my aftermarket magazines – you have to slam them in up to 20 times, and after that they too are 100% reliable for me.
I own a Walther PPK Interarms 380 from the mid 90s. I also just purchased a Bersa Thunder Plus a few months back. Both can be picky with ammo. Luckily I found they both eat Perfecta FMJ and Fiocchi JHP. I did polish the feed ramps on both and afterward they both would shoot Tulammo better than before the polishing but still not 100% reliable. While the build quality of the PPK is much better the Bersa is more accurate. And the double-stack magazine 15+1 is a bonus. But for concealed carry the PPK wins hands down. The Bersa Plus is just too bulky for ankle carry. The slide stop broke after one month on the Bersa. If you own one remember it is a ‘slide stop’ not a ‘slide release’. Using as a release puts too much strain on the slide catch which will result in a fractured slide catch. I called Bersa and they sent me another free of charge. All they asked for was the serial number.
Had one for 6 months – love it and it’s safety features! I hate the trigger safety on Glocks, even with my XD9 with the added grip safety I don’t leave it chambered in the house, but my 380 – no problem – chambered PLUS 7 in the mag! Did I say it is also a great shooter and accurate as hell??
Good point. Problem with XD grip safety’s is the way one naturally grabs a gun also disengages the safety. They did this for quick fire but it also negates the safety when gripped even by a child. With the Bersa the safety is in a different location and a second and independent step must be taken prior to firing the gun, therefore less chance of inadvertant discharge.
Just purchased my 11th Bersa .380. Why so many? I actually didn’t have that many at one time, but I bought 11 of them over the years. I have Kimber .45’s , S&W 686’s Rugers, Taurus, you name it, I have them. But my all time favorite is my Bersa. I foolishly used the many Bersa’s I had as trade ins on others, but then I end up kicking myself for trading them in. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford (and have a wife that lets me) buy whatever handgun I feel I ‘need’ on any given day. But the Bersa has just such a good feel, great accuracy, and conceal ability that whenever I trade one in, within days I have that ‘sellers remorse’ and go get another. I think I learned my lesson, no more trading in my Bersa’s…oh, by the way, did I fail to mention…on the only day in 32 years concealed carry that I ever needed a handgun in an emergency, (even as a undercover agent) my ‘super-duper’ (name brand withheld) wonder 9mm jammed on the first round, and my Bersa (used as a backup) saved both mine and my wife’s life. Cannot say enough good things about Bersa. The fact that I am alive and breathing today is testimony enough.
Oh come ON!!! You can’t leave that story hanging there? That’s cruel and unusual punishment. That’s like NOT ending a great movie without an ending! Expound my friend, expound 🙂 explain the circumstances? Did the first round fire and the second round jam? How could the first round not possibly fire if it was chambered? You had to have it chambered if you’re in law-enforcement? Was it a Glock or Beretta? (Evil Grin) And now for the most interesting part, what was the story or situation when you were with your wife and your life was in danger? I need answers!!! :)))
I can’t believe nobody else is even interested
Hang-up upon ejection? Guessing.
I’m interested! Recently acquired my ccw and hope the day never comes that I have to use it but, I’d rather have and never need than the alternative.
I have a Bersa Thunder 380 Plus, I have put about 70 rounds of Perfect ammo through it. No problems at all. I think the problem with people who have experienced jams, is that their gun was NOT cleaned and lubricated properly. Additionally, the use of cheap ammo especially if they are known to have issues is a common problem. Perfecta, Speer, Magtech, and Winchester ammo seems to work well with the Bersa 380s. Also, clean and lubricate your weapon after each use.
Love my Bersa thunder 380. appx 1000 rounds through her. A few ftf, so what. I trust this little gun. I love this little gun!!!!!
I owned a Bersa thunder .380 however I sold it. the reason why is because it’s about the same size as single stack 9mm’s. I traded it in for a new Kahr CM9.
Bersa is my favorite gun, I own glocks, Springfields and hnk’s but I love my bersa’s
I own a Bersa Thunder in 380. I love this gun I had a Ruger LCP in 380 and traded it and a a $20.00 for the Bersa, as I could not hit the broad side of a barn with the Ruger. The Bersa is a well built gun and you get good accuracy from 10 to 15 yards. pretty good for self defense gun. and breaks down with a flip of the lever on the right side. I have 4 clips two 9 shot and 2, 7shot clips, i had a few stove pipes mostly with my reloads but also with cheep ammo on sale at Cabels, I found that its a good idea to clean the gun good with a spray powder solvent like gun break and lube it up with hornady clean and lube. a dirty gun don’t work good no mater what it is. also it was always the last round in the mag and it did not matter which mag they are all Bersa factory mages . but tapping the mag after loading before you put it in the gun i think helps prevent jamming along with a clean gun and trying different ammo to see what it likes best it also worked well if i left one bullet less than full clip no jams. I like the fact that it will not fire with the mag remove because when i unload the chamber i pop out the mag and pull back the slide and don’t have to worry about the gun going off when unloading it. as i carry it with one in the chamber on safety or De-cocked, flip the safety and ether squeeze the trigger or thumb back the hammer and its go time. as this gun is single or double action. it is a little heaver than the ruger but you can still fit in in a pocket. i carry mine in a shoulder holster or in my belt . if your looking for a good well built gun for the money you can’t beat the Bersa Thunder.
Great little gun. Accurate, easy to maintain, stylish, reliable, very concealable, great value………… simple as that.
Own the Bersa CC, Thunder, Plus and the .22, because the first gun, the Thunder, cured all the problems I was having with the smaller mouse size pistols. All are excellent, reliable and accurate. Surprisingly, the Bersa .22 proved more reliable than my Ruger MK II, so I sold it. I have a Glock 17 and the compact Glock 42, both of which are also excellent and reluable guns. I have no reservation about reliability and would carry any of the Bersa’s if the need or desire came up. Although I’ve had a run of reliability of over 100 rounds with CCI Mini Mags, 40 grain RNFMJ, in the .22, I would carry on of the .380’s due to the increased reliability of center fire cartridges over the .22 rim fires.
If you have kids in the house, the Bersa Thunder (regular or plus) is the gun to get. The first shot is double action unless you cock it first. Don’t expect to hit anything at a distance with the first being double action. All the rest are single action with a smooth trigger that rivals guns costing much more. I practice with my Bersa 380 at 35 feet and hit the target body mass 100% of the time. … and my wife can do the same … and then comes what many gun owners object to … without the magazine inserted, the gun cannot be fired; but if you have kids, as long as you separate the gun from its magazine, no one can be hurt or killed … and it takes a millisecond to reload.
We own two Bersa Thunder 380s as well as a Bersa Plus (wife’s regular carry) and have never had a problem at the range or general operation. In my opinion, it’s a solid value and I find myself selecting one for everyday carry from a fair array of CZs and S&Ws.
I actually come from a different perspective than most shooters who buy ammo. I shoot the .380 because I cast bullets and reload my ammo. For me the .380 cost 1/2 of what it cost me to shoot 9mm. Any way, I have three 380’s. A Ruger LCP is my quick grab and run to the store gun. A Beretta 84 and my Bersa 380.
The Beretta is a fun reliable blaster since it holds 13 rounds. But for accuracy nothing beats the Bersa. And its not even a close second. In my view if your looking for a inexpensive, reliable,Fun and most importantly accurate gun. Buy a Bersa…