Bersa Pistols?

[Jonathan Randall]

Anyone here have any experience with the Argentine made Bersa pistols? I've heard some decent things about them and they are rather inexpensive. I'm more of the window shopping type as I prefer to plink with .22's and am not in the market for a self-defence firearm. However; I am thinking that it may be fun to go to the range from time to time. My last firearm's classes were many years ago so I would have to take a safety course as well as some instruction.

I think the .22 LR and .380 Bersa may be the right fit. Are they dependable, or am I skimping too much?

On the other hand, I see that good quality .22 Air Rifles are being sold at 1,000 f.p.s. or more at reasonable prices, so I may just get one of those and save on ammunition. OTOH, should Sacramento get hit by a Katrina type disaster with a consequent breakdown of law and order, a .380 Pistol would be far more useful than a single shot .22 - even if it were not purchased with this as the primary purpose. However; without some serious competence, I would not be willing to purchase one of the new high powered pistols the pros on this board carry at work.

Thoughts?

[Cliff Hargrave]

I had a two tone Bersa Thunder .380.





It was inexpensive and surprisingly more accurate than I expected it to be. Plus it worked. It was easy to shoot, carry, conceal, and maintain.

I bought it specifically as a back-up, second gun. I didn't have it long, maybe a year, and I sold it to buy a Ruger LCP.



I only did that because the Ruger was much smaller and easier to hide out. The Bersa was much easier to shoot. As a primary gun I would choose the Bersa over the LCP.

Now that being said, I have no idea how sturdy they are over time or how much shooting they can actually handle. The Bersa is made and marketed as a self defense weapon so it probably would not be much fun to plink or play with. Look for a .22 revolver like a Taurus for that. Fun, easy to shoot, and inexpensive...

[Jonathan Randall]

Thanks much.

I'll take a look at the .22 Taurus.

[David Craik]

I've had a Bersa .380 for around 20 years. It's the same thing as the "Thunder" but they didn't have that moniker then, just a model number. Great little gun. It's a little chunky for a .380 but very accurate for a pistol of this size and very reliable. I can't recall a single stoppage with it. It's fun to shoot, as it's quite a "pointable" design and comfortable in the hand. Of course, it will be a bit more expensive to shoot than a .22.

The only problem I've ever had with it is the little badge on the grip (I have the stippled wooden grips with an inlaid metal Bersa logo) came off after 10 years or so. Glued it right back on.