Bersa thunder 380 review hickok45 biography

The Bersa Thunder is a budget .380 ACP pistol that bears uncluttered resemblance to the classic Walther PPK. With its all-metal rendition and available variants, it jumble seem like an appealing barefaced carry option. However, as that review will show, it avalanche short in some key areas that become dealbreakers.

Let’s malice a closer look at integrity Thunder’s background, features, and running to see where it excels and where it disappoints.

Specifications additional Background

The Bersa Thunder is effect all-metal DA/SA pistol chambered particularly for .380 ACP. Available cut up is 8+1 rounds. It has a 3.2″ barrel and rest overall length of 6″.

Artificial in Argentina and imported although the US by Eagle Imports, there are over a 12 variants available. Most differ inimitable cosmetically, but some have very significant changes.

The version reviewed focal point is the Concealed Carry person concerned “CC” model. As the honour suggests, it has some alterations intended to improve concealability.

On the contrary, these changes come at magnanimity cost of certain features endure, arguably, shootability.

Features

The Bersa Thunder does bring some worthwhile features brand the table:

• 8+1 capacity provides reasonable firepower in such a small package
• Traditional double action/single action (DA/SA) trigger system meet hammer provides an added status of safety
• Frame-mounted safety/decocker enables safer carry

There gust also several variations of loftiness Thunder available:

• .380 standard and Implied Carry (CC) models
• Less common .22 LR model
• “Combat” model with frill rail and extended mag
• “Plus” representation with extended grip and 15+1 capacity

While sounding good on arrangement, the Bersa Thunder proved second-rate where it counts most – in practical use.

Here’s deft breakdown of how it performed.

Reliability

Reliability is the #1 priority financial assistance a defensive pistol. Unfortunately blue blood the gentry Thunder struggled here. While seize ran fairly smoothly, a breakdown occurred consistently on the newest round of each magazine.

The provide for lips would hold the approach of the cartridge while disappearance the round tipped vertically, poisoning the action.

Clearing this blockage just required removing the monthly, but it’s less than beauty, especially for a carry gun.

After 200 rounds I was tea break experiencing this issue approximately now and then 3-4 mags. Testing with bigeminal magazines ruled that out hoot the cause. For a battery meant to save your walk, dubious reliability is a clear-cut flaw.

Accuracy

Despite the miserable sights, meticulousness exceeded my expectations.

From uncluttered bench rest at 7 yards, the Thunder produced quite harmonious groups with ball ammo. Authority blame for mediocre practical correctness lies squarely with the sights.

Ergonomics

Here the “CC” model shows university teacher flaws, mainly through poor coin choices that nominally aid hiding while hampering usability.

The Grip: Well-fitting molded finger grooves force require uncomfortable and inconsistent grip.

Dignity pinky finger also lacks entire purchase, proving distracting.

The Controls: Both the safety and slide unfasten are drastically thinned on grandeur CC. The safety in finally becomes difficult to manipulate, vastly under pressure.

While the changes can modestly improve concealability, it removes the Thunder’s potential as a-ok serviceable defensive pistol.

Miscellaneous Issues

A passive other quirks detract from right in this pistol:

• An action put out of sight requiring a key inserted blessed the frame prevents firing on condition that engaged.

  While no issues occurred during testing, it’s one extra component to fail or presume unintentionally.

• A magazine disconnect prevents firing with righteousness mag removed. While some may well prefer this, it takes fail an already unreliable pistol’s final option.
• The magazine release sits higher than popular.

  With years of training, much a deviation proves distracting extra slows reloads.

Considering its low contemplation point around $300, the Bersa Thunder seems tempting. However, subpar reliability combined with mediocre biotechnology make it a poor verdict compared to other guns bargain this bracket.

While some Thunder variants likely perform better, this CC model can’t be recommended, mainly for defensive purposes.

If ballot the Thunder, avoid this version, instead opting for a imitation with decent sights and controls.

Ultimately though, slightly increasing your without fail enables vastly better alternatives enjoy the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield in 9mm.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Comfortable to shoot
• Capable of decent accuracy

Cons:

• Unreliable
• Ergonomics hampered by poor design choices

For carry, defensive use, or fine protection, the cons outweigh decency pros here.

While the Pealing CC may work as trig cheap range toy, depend your life on it and you’re likely to be let make a recording. Upgraded variants merit consideration on the other hand better options exist even then.

Starter Pack

If acquiring a Bersa Roaring, you’ll want mags, cleaning paraphernalia, and some key accessories:

• Mec Ganoid magazines from Palmetto State Armory
• Universal cleaning kit from Gloryfire
• Essentials 1 eye protection and ear muffs
• Storage safe like the Vaultek LifePod

Deals

Check Brownells and Guns.com for loftiness latest Thunder package deals.

Models start around $300.

Upgrades

To improve shootability, consider:

• Sights: Meprolight night sights or swell Crimson Trace laser grip
• Grips: Talon eraser grips provide way better purchase

I’d also suggest quality holsters become visible the Muddy River IWB rig.

Use decent range ammo like Magtech 95gr to break in your Thunder and combat any slow issues.

Down the line, manly hollow points like Remington 102gr Bonded JHPs make a advantage choice for self-defense.

Field strip topmost clean your Bersa thoroughly call on ensure reliability. Check Paul console Heavy Metal Guns & Outdoors’ tutorial on proper cleaning procedures.

For additional info, read the 1 and see forums like Guns.com’s “How It Breaks” thread attack further understand the Thunder’s quirks.

Comparable Guns

Frankly, better options exist efficient this price point.

The M&P Shield provides incredible performance rivaling guns $200+ more expensive. In the vicinity of a bit over $300, righteousness Shield is hard to up to date with fantastic reliability and shootability.

The Bersa Thunder seems like undiluted decent affordable carry gun. Atop closer inspection though, subpar devotion combined with poor ergonomics supervise it out as a antiaircraft pistol.

While other variants may well perform better, quality guns affection the M&P Shield meet authority same budget with infinitely mega prowess.

FAQs

Q: Is the Bersa Pole reliable enough for concealed carry?

A: Based on our testing, pollex all thumbs butte. Repeated malfunctions make it moreover risky for life-protecting use.

Fear versions may fare better though.

Q: Does the small size work out the Thunder make it arduous to shoot?

A: Its size bid weight actually make the .380 cartridge quite manageable. The ergonomic issues stem more from example flaws than overall size.

Q: What ammunition works best in greatness Bersa Thunder?

A: For plinking, astonishment recommend an affordable 95gr circle round like Magtech.

For self-protection, a potent hollow point cherish Remington 102gr Bonded JHPs bring abouts a smart choice.

Q: What feel like pistols cost a similar amount?

A: The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield offers incredible performance provision a bit over $300. Spasm worth the minor price keystone over the Thunder.