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Bersa Thunder .380 Questions
hermiem
Member Posts: 261 ✭✭✭
The short of it is I purchased the wife a Bersa Thunder .380 for her for Christmas. (Got one for myself too!) This is her first real attempt to learn about firearms. I purchased them for CC for both of us. My wife is physically not very fit. She has very weak arms and a really bad right shoulder and can't rack the slide. We tried it a lot of different ways like the mag being in, out, half cocked etc. Spoke to several people on it and the consensus was to shorten the recoil spring and to refit the slide to the frame with smoother contact points.
I've already checked into trading in on different makes and models. Really don't want to go that route if possible because of the loss and the cost associated with it.
Any suggestions etc appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
I've already checked into trading in on different makes and models. Really don't want to go that route if possible because of the loss and the cost associated with it.
Any suggestions etc appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike
Comments
Modifying the recoil spring on any handgun can lead to malfunctions and lack of reliability. Any .380 is already at the low end of the defensive caliber list. You don't want to add reduced reliability to that. A CC weapon's first job is to go "bang" when needed.
If your wife can handle the DA trigger pull of the Bersa when the hammer is down, have you considered replacing it with a light weight DA revolver? Revolvers are out of fashion with Hollywood, but they are still top notch CC weapons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al2rMXpw6c0
You may be fine with a Bersa, but it's a terrible choice for your wife. ANY auto is a no-go unless you have a LOT of training &/or experience with guns. An inexperienced shooter, faced with an assailant, will likely experience "brain freeze" & end up a victim. Strength problems make the situation even worse.
I think that the best choice for an inexperienced shooter is a J-frame Smith revolver with 2" barrel. A Ladysmith is best. Your gunsmith can install a Woolf spring kit, smooth the action, change a narrow trigger to a wide one if needed, & fit oversize grips; that's what I did. Target Wadcutters probably have the lowest recoil of factory .38 spec ammo.
And, your wife needs a belt or pocket holster. A purse is probably the worst way for a woman to carry a gun; the first thing a perp will do is snatch her purse.
I know, you didn't want to hear that you need to spend more money. But, carrying a gun she can't use is not going to protect your wife.
Neal
I love my model 60 S&W j-frame. My sis has a LadySmith in 357. Not a lot of fun to shoot with full power loads.
It might be possible to slick up the Bersa somewhat. Stoning the working surfaces helps without causing other issues. Lightening the recoil spring requires evaluation for function and hammering the frame etc, likely not a DIY project. Ask your local gunsmith.
I have found the Ruger LCR trigger lighter than my S&W j-frames if you go the wheelgun route.
I think we may be going the Lady Smith route. I have a Taurus 617 revolver. She can double action the trigger on it - with a bit of difficulty. My concern is that it is really heavy - especially for her. (I have a 617-S for one of my cc pistols. It's lighter but it is one of my favorites too.
Anyway group thanks for all of your suggestions etc as they are much appreciated!