New guy, new Bersa Thunder 380

[MtnMan]

New guy here, with a Thunder 380 duo-tone, my Christmas present to myself. I already had a full size 9 mm, and was looking for something smaller for range use and CCW eventually (I'm not licensed yet). I initially considered J frame snub revolvers, but I kept hearing that they're "carry a lot, shoot a little" guns, i.e., not particularly accurate or fun for casual shooting. The same seems to apply to most of the micro-compact pocket pistols out there. The Bersa 380 hits the sweet spot of a perfect fit for my small mitts, still small enough to carry, and a great shooter. Plus, it reminds me of my grandfather's old (pre-war, I think) Walther PP. I'm a cheapskate, and a new Bersa could be had NIB for $230 with a big Cabela's coupon (nostalgia wouldn't justify spending twice as much for a Walther).

I read lots of positive reviews of Bersas, which was a good thing, because the actual shopping experience was a test of my confidence. After saying that he had never seen a Bersa come back with problems (which I was inclined to believe), the Cabela's guy drew two problem guns in a row from stock. On the first, the slide didn't lock back on an empty mag. The second was inconsistent in DA mode, dropping the hammer from half cock about every other pull. Having learned more since then, I wonder if these could be ILS or shipping-gunk related issues. Fortunately, the third one was good to go, and I took it home.

After a good cleaning and a brief, cold range trip I can say it's a nice little shooter. A couple to fail-to-feeds early on, but my grip may have been to blame. So, it looks it will prove to be a good gun. But all I really want is someone to hold me and tell me that everything is going to be all right (bonus points for the movie reference). No takers? OK, how about helping rack up my post count so I can get some discounted goodies from Condor's Flight?

[Mountain Walker]

Seems perfectly reasonable for a new gun to be a little slow in the action department creating a failure to feed. This should go away after 250 rounds of round nose target ammo. Also if you put a little high quality gun lubricating grease on rail, barrel exterior and any other friction points, this will slick up the action an allow for better action and feeding. I use lubriplate from Brownells and the action is quite slick once I put o

You have wisely chosen a very good pistol that is fun t shoot and useful too.http://www.bersachat.com/forums/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

[GA Jim]

MtnMan,

Welcome to the forum.

WARNING - Bersa's are addictive.

[mitchr]

Welcome MtnMan. Yes, the Bersa .380 may take a little getting used to as it's 'blow back' design is prone to mis-feeds due to limp wristing. They are sometimes picky about ammo at first, but usually come around to liking anything once it's limbered up good. Did the guy at Cabela's warn you that they are addictive? Not only are they not brought back, folks keep going back to get more! Just wait until you get the UC or HC9, or maybe the UC45!

[usmc07]

MtnMan,

Welcome aboard, and congrats on your purchase. My local dealer as well informed me that No Bersa's have ever come back, and that about 5-6 boxes will suffice for the breakin period. I've enjoyed the 2 that I have so far, and also the family members along with friends that I've taken to the range to teach as well. The comfort and balance of the Bersa is what sold me on it.

[GA Jim]

Oh yes, I will add that my local dealer also tells me he never gets Bersa's back and he sells everyone he can get. You have made a good choice.

[MtnMan]

Did the guy at Cabela's warn you that they are addictive?

He said, "just try it once, you can stop any time you want.... "

Seriously, what I'd really like is a single stack 45. Bersa doesn't make one yet, do they?

[Michael T]

The 45 is a small pistol and is a 7 round mag if I remember right We have several owners here.
I like my 45 in a 1911 and my 380's in the Bersa size I have a KelTec also But the Bersa, PPK/S size good for carry and general shooting . Thr KelTec 380 and 32 are modern derringers . Easy to hide and surprise . They all have their place.

[Reginald Carstairs]

to the forum. The importer of the Bersa also imports a single stack 1911 called the American Classic. A lot of members here have them.

http://www.americanclassic1911.com/

[conway11]

welcome to the form great people here good info all around enjoy

[Americangirl01]

Sorry, MtnMan. I have been running behind this week. Congratulations.....
You have chosen a fine pistol and you have a good attitude.....Good luck with your new pistol (and your post count)....

[bersathunder380]

Congrats.. I went with the duo-tone myself. It's a fine gun.

[blueridgerunner]

New guy here, with a Thunder 380 duo-tone, my Christmas present to myself. I already had a full size 9 mm, and was looking for something smaller for range use and CCW eventually (I'm not licensed yet). I initially considered J frame snub revolvers, but I kept hearing that they're "carry a lot, shoot a little" guns, i.e., not particularly accurate or fun for casual shooting. The same seems to apply to most of the micro-compact pocket pistols out there. The Bersa 380 hits the sweet spot of a perfect fit for my small mitts, still small enough to carry, and a great shooter. Plus, it reminds me of my grandfather's old (pre-war, I think) Walther PP. I'm a cheapskate, and a new Bersa could be had NIB for $230 with a big Cabela's coupon (nostalgia wouldn't justify spending twice as much for a Walther).

I read lots of positive reviews of Bersas, which was a good thing, because the actual shopping experience was a test of my confidence. After saying that he had never seen a Bersa come back with problems (which I was inclined to believe), the Cabela's guy drew two problem guns in a row from stock. On the first, the slide didn't lock back on an empty mag. The second was inconsistent in DA mode, dropping the hammer from half cock about every other pull. Having learned more since then, I wonder if these could be ILS or shipping-gunk related issues. Fortunately, the third one was good to go, and I took it home.

After a good cleaning and a brief, cold range trip I can say it's a nice little shooter. A couple to fail-to-feeds early on, but my grip may have been to blame. So, it looks it will prove to be a good gun. But all I really want is someone to hold me and tell me that everything is going to be all right (bonus points for the movie reference). No takers? OK, how about helping rack up my post count so I can get some discounted goodies from Condor's Flight?

Movie Reference: Party scene from "We Were Soldiers" ?

[MtnMan]

Movie Reference: Party scene from "We Were Soldiers" ?

Haven't seen that... now I'm going to have to. But not the movie I was thinking of.

Another hint... "Hey, do you like A Flock Of Seagulls?"

[sfnatoli]

Google says:

"All I really want is someone to hold me and tell me that everything is gonna be alright." -The Wedding Singer (1998)

[MtnMan]

Ding! We have a winner.

I love dumb Adam Sandler movies.

[NCFlyfisher]

Hey MtnMan,

Lots of mountain guys around here like me, lol If you need a reference about the BT 380 and the Pro 9, here are some photos.

Good Luck & Stay Safe!

[NCFlyfisher]

The Pro 9 UC over the Pro 45 UC:

[blueridgerunner]

Forgot about Adam Sandler movie. What I was thinking about was the song "Hold me, Thrill me" a very "oldie" that they were dancing to before shipping out to 'Nam. Sort of took me back, and I'm showing my age

[Americangirl01]

Forgot about Adam Sandler movie. What I was thinking about was the song "Hold me, Thrill me" a very "oldie" that they were dancing to before shipping out to 'Nam. Sort of took me back, and I'm showing my age

Show it all you want, blueridgerunner. I enjoy the lessons.....