Bersa Thunder Versus Gun Test Magazine

NOTPARS

A recent issue of Gun Test Magazine tested various pocket rockets. They really liked the Bersa Thunder .380 but panned it in the end. They claim the decocker doesn't work properly either not acting as a safety or not allowing the gun to be fired. Anyone read the Gun Test article or have observations on the Bersa Thunder .380?

punchie

Not acquainted with the GunTest article but I sincerley believe that the Bersa is a wonderful value for the money. I quit my subscription to Gun Test several years ago when it seemed they started to due their subjective tests out of the thin air. I love a good value and their rag has lots of interesting info but my 'real world' and theirs seem to have way to much distance in between.



AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY<P>

Hangfire

I also dropped my subscription a few years ago. It seemed they felt obligated to only find fault.

Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob

I sold many Bersas, and had no complaints.

RF4guy

I had a "Thunder 380" Bersa and was impressed with the fit, finish and price. Shot hundreds of rounds thru it and it never jammed on me. In my opinion, a great little gun.

Salvage33

I haven't shot the 380, but a friend bought one of the Bersa Thunder 45ACP models. Thing shoots like a dream...and between us we put almost 200 rounds through it..some ball ammo, some HP ammo, and some of my 200 grain SJHP reloads. It ate everything and sent it all down range, without a hiccup. It's going to be my next pistol purchase.

John

A friend will post your bail. A good friend will be sitting next to you in the cell saying, "man that was fun!"

Roadkill

I love my little Thunder DLX .380!

Smooth trigger.

zink

My brother has one and he loves it. You have to keep it WELL lubed or ejection problems occure. I've recently dropped my subscription to "Gun Tests". Seems they got all high and mighty and only tested guns they wanted to play with and not what the public wanted to buy.

Lance
10's RULE
[:D]

NOTPARS

For Punchie: Thanks. They were about to pick the Bersa .380 as a best buy but claimed the decocker didn't work right or was unsafe. They conceded that someone showed up at the range when they were leaving and his worked fine. Their argument is that you might or might not get one that works well because of poor quality control. I listen to folks like you who actually have them day in and day out so I appreciate your input.

NOTPARS

For Hangfire: They panned all the Makarovs as well. They really trashed the Bulgarian Maks and said the FEG was the best which wasn't saying much. I know the Bulgarian Mak fans were riled up. I have a FEG PA-63. It shoots fine but doesn't care for Wolf Ammo. The decocker takes some weight lifting experience to work though.

NOTPARS

For RF4Guy: That is appreciated information. Didn't jam and worked fine is a huge part of my decison. Did you have a problem with the decocker? How does the nickel hold up?

NOTPARS

For Salvage33: You must have been reading my mind. I recently received the Eagle catalogue and I like the Bersa Thunder in .45 too. People always say, when I mention the Bersa, "you get what you pay for" implying this is a bad choice. That's why I posted so I could see what folks who really own them have the say...the best opinions of all!!!

NOTPARS

For RoadKill Your pistol, I have the catalogue, is a real nice one. I am leaning that way too. Thanks for the post.

NOTPARS

For Zink, thanks, they do seem that way don't they. In one of their recent issues they were commenting in a negative tone about all of us out here who are fascinated by "cheap" guns (Bersa, the surplus guns like the Makarovs and so forth). Someone in another magazine pointed out there was a difference between cheap and inexpensive. I like the Bersa compact in .45 and 9mm and .40...

NOTPARS

ONE LAST QUESTION:

In my most recent issue of Guns And Ammo, one of the authors pans the .380 caliber. He says that he disagrees with others who say it is the smallest effective or minimal caliber for self defense. He says its not adequate even as a minimal caliber. Yeah, I know, I wouldn't stand in front of one either. But, when one considers that a significant number of people who assault others are high on drugs, alcohol, or slightly insane, and I know from a little personal experience that these folks often do not respond to mace/pepper spray, pain compliance holds, and so forth, my concern is that this caliber might be too small to put them down as well. I am looking for a pistol for my wife. I recently purchased a Kahr MK40 and believe I am in good shape. We have concealed carry here in Missouri now....well, sort of.

boltthrower

45 hardball works everytime