Bersa Thunder 380 Range Report

[The Raven]

I recently tracked down a Bersa Thunder 380 at Academy here in Houston and snapped it up because they are hard to find (at least for the $218 Academy price anyway). Also, I bought one of the ProMag brand mags. I finally made it to the range today to break in the gun, so I thought I would report.

Out of the box, I did a minimum cleaning to get rid of excess oil and to make sure the barrel was clean and clear. Then I shot the following ammo in one session.

100 rounds UMC FMJ
100 rounds Monarch FMJ
25 rounds Remington JHP
20 rounds Federa Hydra-Shok

I continually alternated between the factory mag and the ProMag mag. I loaded different types of rounds in the same mag. I did not have a single malfunction. Just like many other people that have talked about this gun, I walked away from the range extremely impressed. Does anyone know if Bersa's UC9 is just as reliable?

Notes:

1. I have read about the ProMag magazine having a weaker spring, and this is definitely true, you can tell just from reloading it. However, it worked fine, but I think it would be my backup until I buy the factory 9 rounder.

2. I did not shoot for accuracy, I just needed to run several hundred rounds through as a reliability test during my lunch break. But, when I concentrated, it seem to put them right where I wanted.

Anyway, my two cents. Everyone be safe.

[pbandjelly]

I agree. I bought a used one for my ol' lady, and we both love it.
it's a little small for me, and the hammer guard hits my thumb in an ackward place so I don't fire it very often, but she's a good shot with it.
I am really wanting to get her some more magazines, 'specially since the factory one carries so few. How much was the ProMag, and what's the capacity? did it have the finger groove on the bottom?

[stevie_d_64]

"Wife Unit" and I shot her present on the first weekend in April...We only had the factory mag, and weren't impressed...

Failed to feed everytime on the last round...

But...Not to worry, I like a challenge, because I may carry this little popper on occasions someday...

We just got back from lunch and I discussed with her in getting a few aftermarket mags just to try some out and find a couple that will work for carrying purposes...

I'm sure the FTFeed problem was my fault...I'm such a goober (wife's words) when it comes to guns...

Hopefully I'll have some good things to say soon about this little gun...

From what we were able to get out of it was that it performed just like Raven's did when it did shoot...So accuracy, was pretty good out of the box...And I think a little time I can get to tweek the magazine problem should result in some good stuff real soon...

[Lumberjack98]

Good write up.

I carry a Bersa 380 Thunder and like it very much.

I have owned 3 different ProMags and none of them worked as well as that factory mag. The "cuts" on the metal are different and none of them ever held that slide back after the last round was fired in the magazine. I also experienced feeding issues with one of them.

I quickly acquired several more factory mags (from ebay) and use the promags for range only.

[The Raven]

pbandjelly

ProMag was $14.95, capacity of 7, and it did have the finger groove. Even though mine functioned well, I would agree with Lumberjack98 that they would be best used for range work and stick to the factory mags for carry. In addition to the weaker spring, there was a different feel to inserting it in the gun. It is definitely not an exact copy.

My understanding is that the factory mag for the Deluxe model holds 9 rounds and works in the regular 380. It seems like that would make a good backup.

stevie_d_64

Too bad about your experience. I suppose that if you have to have a malfunction, better on the last round. At least then maybe the first 6-7 did the job. I would be interested to know if you find out what the problem is.

[NguyenVanDon]

My uncle carries a Bersa Thunder .380 as a daily concealed carry. We've probably put in about 1.5k rounds through it and no problems yet. Accuracy is not bad at all. Only real pain about the gun is the cost of ammo. They can get quite expensive by the boxes.

[pbandjelly]

You can shoot a .40 for the same price. cheaper in some places.
just don't seem right.....

[TIN BENDER]

My first and Qualifying pistol (249 out of 250)

was the Bersa Conceal and Carry .380.

Only 2 stovepipe incidents and those were in the first 100 rnds.

Really a sweet and easy to carry gun.

But the SIG Double Action Only has me sold.

But the Bersa is TOUGH and RIGHT ON !!

[jim314]

My wifes Bersa .380 had stovepipes 4 or 5 times in the first 50 rounds. Twice in the next 50 and none in the hundreds of rounds she has shot since. I found a Bersa Series 95 in a pawn shop (with 3 mags) and it has shot flawlessly since I've owned it, hundreds of rounds without a problem. And they are very accurate for such a small gun.
I do like the grips on hers better than mine though.

[theholsterstore]

I agree i just got back from the range about a week ago with my bersa and it performed perfectly. i shot over 500 rounds through it without one malfuntion. Great weapon for home defense or carry.

[Venus Pax]

I don't know that I've ever had a problem with my Bersa jamming. Great little gun.

[wjmphoto]

I have a new Bersa .380 CC and have put 200 rounds through it. The first time at the range, it jammed twice in the first clip. I took it home and stripped it and cleaned out all the grease from the factory and some dirt that was probably from the milling process. After that I went back this week and put 195 rounds through it without a hitch with nice groupings at all ranges through 15 yards. Now I just have to work on the safety a little more to get it a little less stiff.

Overall, it's a nice firearm and will probably be my fulltime carry once the plastic gets here unless I decide to carry the XD.


Josh

[lrb111]

Does anyone know if Bersa's UC9 is just as reliable?

Absolutely!! I consider mine best value for the money. fwiw, I bought a barrel that comes in the full sized Bersa 9mm It drops right into the UC, and gets the added accuracy. ($29.95)

[Jim101]

I have had a Bersa 380 for about 2 yrs. now and really love it, its' one of my carry guns..

Jim

[KBCraig]

What's the difference between a Thunder and a CC? The Bersa website is... well, "lacking", and doesn't seem up to date on the models they actually carry. From what I see, it looks like I could carry a 9mm or even .45 in the same size/weight package as the Thunder.

Kevin