About all

What is a bersa. Bersa Thunder 380 Review: A Comprehensive Look at This .380 ACP Pistol

What are the key features of the Bersa Thunder 380. How does it perform in terms of ergonomics, sights, and controls. Is this .380 ACP pistol suitable for concealed carry.

Содержание

Overview of the Bersa Thunder 380

The Bersa Thunder 380 is a compact .380 ACP pistol designed primarily for concealed carry. It’s part of the larger Bersa Thunder family, which includes models in various calibers such as .22, .32, and 9mm. What sets this particular model apart is its adoption by the Ecuadorian Air Force, an unusual choice for a .380 ACP pistol in military service.

Key specifications of the Bersa Thunder 380 include:

  • Capacity: 7+1 or 8+1 rounds
  • Action: Single Action / Double Action (SA/DA)
  • Caliber: .380 ACP
  • Compact size suitable for concealed carry

Ergonomics and Grip Design

How does the Bersa Thunder 380 feel in hand? The pistol offers decent ergonomics, though it may not immediately win over every shooter. Its grip features a pronounced beavertail, which can help with recoil management and a high grip. However, the overall width of the grip is noticeably wider compared to some popular compact pistols like the SIG P365XL or Glock 43.

The grip texture consists of a checkerboard pattern on the lower half, while the upper portion is smooth with the Bersa logo engraved. This design provides a moderate amount of grip, though some users may find it lacking in aggressive texturing.

Customization Options

Can you customize the Bersa Thunder 380’s grip? Yes, aftermarket grip options are available for those who want to enhance the pistol’s ergonomics or aesthetics. Popular choices include Talon Grips, which can provide additional texture and improved control.

Sights and Sight Picture

The Bersa Thunder 380 comes equipped with a three-dot sight system – two dots on the rear sight and one on the front. While functional, these sights are relatively small, which may be a drawback for some shooters. It’s worth noting that the pistol does not come with night sights as standard.

Are the sights replaceable? Fortunately, aftermarket sight options are available for those who want to upgrade or customize their sight picture. This allows for potential improvements in low-light visibility or overall sight acquisition.

Controls and Safety Features

The Bersa Thunder 380 incorporates several controls, which is somewhat unusual for a compact .380 ACP pistol. Let’s break down the key components:

Manual Safety

Located on the rear of the slide, the manual safety has an interesting design. While disengaging the safety is relatively straightforward, engaging it fully can be challenging. Users should exercise caution to ensure the safety is completely engaged when intended.

Magazine Safety

One of the most notable features of the Bersa Thunder 380 is its magazine safety. This mechanism prevents the pistol from firing when the magazine is removed, regardless of whether it’s in single or double-action mode. While this adds an extra layer of safety, it may be seen as a drawback by some users who prefer the ability to fire without a magazine inserted.

Magazine Release

The placement of the magazine release on the Bersa Thunder 380 is somewhat unconventional. While its position may not be ideal for all users, it’s important to consider the limited real estate available on a compact pistol when designing control layouts.

Trigger System and Performance

The Bersa Thunder 380 features a single-action/double-action (SA/DA) trigger system. This design offers versatility in terms of carry and shooting options. Let’s examine both modes:

Single-Action Mode

In single-action mode, the trigger pull is relatively light and crisp. This can contribute to improved accuracy, especially for precise shots. However, some users may find the trigger reset to be longer than desired.

Double-Action Mode

The double-action trigger pull is expectedly heavier and longer. While this can serve as an additional safety feature for carry, it may require more practice to master accurate shooting in this mode.

How does the trigger compare to other compact pistols? While not class-leading, the Bersa Thunder 380’s trigger is generally considered adequate for its intended purpose as a concealed carry or self-defense pistol.

Shooting Experience and Performance

When it comes to actually firing the Bersa Thunder 380, how does it perform? The pistol generally offers good reliability with a variety of .380 ACP ammunition. Its compact size and relatively light weight make it easy to handle, especially for shooters with smaller hands.

Recoil management is typically manageable, thanks in part to the pistol’s all-metal construction. The .380 ACP cartridge itself is known for its moderate recoil, making it a popular choice for those sensitive to recoil or new to shooting.

Accuracy Potential

At typical self-defense distances (3-7 yards), the Bersa Thunder 380 is capable of producing good accuracy. The small sights may present a challenge for precision shooting at longer ranges, but this is generally not the intended use case for this pistol.

Concealed Carry Considerations

Given its compact size and intended purpose, how well does the Bersa Thunder 380 perform as a concealed carry pistol? Its dimensions make it suitable for various carry positions, including inside-the-waistband (IWB) and pocket carry, depending on the user’s body type and clothing choices.

The all-metal construction provides durability but does add some weight compared to polymer-framed alternatives. This extra weight can be a double-edged sword – potentially aiding in recoil management but also potentially causing more fatigue during extended carry periods.

Holster Options

Are there plenty of holster options available for the Bersa Thunder 380? While not as ubiquitous as some more popular models, there is still a decent selection of holsters designed specifically for this pistol. Users should be able to find options suitable for their preferred carry method and body type.

Maintenance and Longevity

How does the Bersa Thunder 380 fare in terms of maintenance and long-term durability? The pistol’s design allows for relatively straightforward disassembly and cleaning. Its all-metal construction contributes to overall durability, potentially offering a longer service life compared to some polymer-framed alternatives.

Regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, is essential to ensure reliable function and longevity. Users should consult the manual for specific maintenance recommendations and schedules.

Parts Availability

While not as widely supported as some more popular brands, replacement parts and accessories for the Bersa Thunder 380 are generally available through various online retailers and specialty shops. This can be an important consideration for long-term ownership and potential customization.

Value Proposition and Market Position

Where does the Bersa Thunder 380 fit in the compact pistol market? Generally positioned as a budget-friendly option, this pistol offers a blend of features that may appeal to both new and experienced shooters looking for a compact .380 ACP handgun.

How does it compare price-wise to competitors? The Bersa Thunder 380 is often priced lower than many popular alternatives from major manufacturers, potentially offering good value for those on a budget. However, potential buyers should weigh this cost savings against their specific needs and preferences in terms of features and brand reputation.

Target Audience

Who might find the Bersa Thunder 380 most appealing? This pistol could be a good fit for:

  • Budget-conscious shooters looking for a reliable compact pistol
  • Those who prefer an all-metal construction over polymer frames
  • Shooters who appreciate the versatility of a SA/DA trigger system
  • Individuals looking for a lightweight option for concealed carry

It’s important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in choosing a firearm, and potential buyers should handle and, if possible, test-fire the Bersa Thunder 380 before making a purchase decision.

Pros and Cons Summary

To provide a concise overview, let’s summarize the key advantages and potential drawbacks of the Bersa Thunder 380:

Pros:

  • Compact size suitable for concealed carry
  • All-metal construction for durability
  • Versatile SA/DA trigger system
  • Generally reliable with various ammunition types
  • Affordable price point compared to many competitors
  • Decent ergonomics for small to medium-sized hands

Cons:

  • Magazine safety may not appeal to all users
  • Small sights could be challenging for some shooters
  • Manual safety engagement can be finicky
  • Wider grip compared to some ultra-compact alternatives
  • Limited aftermarket support compared to more popular brands

Is the Bersa Thunder 380 the right choice for everyone? Certainly not. However, for those seeking an affordable, compact .380 ACP pistol with some unique features, it presents an interesting option worth considering.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Bersa Thunder 380 occupies an interesting niche in the compact pistol market. Its blend of features, including the all-metal construction, SA/DA trigger, and various safety mechanisms, set it apart from many polymer-framed striker-fired alternatives.

For shooters on a budget who appreciate these features and are comfortable with the .380 ACP cartridge, the Bersa Thunder 380 could be a solid choice. Its compact size and generally reliable performance make it suitable for concealed carry and self-defense applications.

However, potential buyers should carefully consider their specific needs and preferences. The unique control layout, magazine safety, and overall ergonomics may not suit everyone. As with any firearm purchase, it’s highly recommended to handle and, if possible, test-fire the Bersa Thunder 380 before making a decision.

Ultimately, while it may not have the brand recognition or extensive aftermarket support of some competitors, the Bersa Thunder 380 offers a unique value proposition in the compact pistol market. For the right user, it can be a reliable and affordable option for personal protection and concealed carry.

[Review] Bersa Thunder 380 | Super .380 ACP or Total Bust?

Here is my hands one take and full Bersa Thunder 380 review. You might be familiar with the Bersa Thunder line since they offer so many models like the Thunder 32, the Thunder 22, and the Thunder 9. Clearly, this family of guns offers nearly any caliber you desire, today I’ll run down the .380 ACP model.

This particular Bersa Thunder model is interesting because it is used in military service, which is rather rare for a .380 ACP pistol.

The Ecuadorian Air Force uses the Bersa 380 for their pilots likely because of its size and conceal-ability.

The Bersa 380 was designed for concealed carry due to its small size and rounded trigger guard.

The Bersa 380 is mainly popular in South American countries where the 380 ACP round is the most powerful cartridge that civilians can own.

Well, without further ado, let’s dive in.

1Features

2Grip/Ergonomics

3Sights

4Controls

5Safety

6Magazine Release

7Slide Stop

8Trigger

9Single-Action

10Double-Action

11Range Bag

12Aesthetics

13Shooting

14Final Thoughts

15FAQs

Bersa Thunder 380

• Capacity: 5+2 or 7+2
• Action: S/A D/A
• Caliber: 380 ACP

Buy Bersa

Price Check: Brownell’s | PSA | Primary Arms | Sportsmans | Guns. com | Gun.Deals

Features

The features of any gun are what make or break it from the grips to the sights it’s important to really run down the gun from top to bottom to see if the feature set meets your needs.

Grip/Ergonomics

First, let’s talk about the grip and ergonomics. The initial opinion on the grip and ergonomics of the Bersa 380 is that they are decent.

It’s not a pistol you’re likely to grab and just fall in love with. If you do, to each their own and that’s awesome!

It has a pretty decent beavertail, and the overall grip feels good.

For a compact gun, it is a bit wide. If you’re used to something like the SIG P365XL, or the Glock 43, this is going to feel a little wider than that.

But those to guns don’t corner the market on ergonomics by any stretch. The Bersa does feel good in your hand if you have small to medium-sized hands.

On the right side, when you establish your master grip, you will notice that your index finger aka trigger finger interacts with some of the controls on the gun.

That doesn’t bother me, but they are there and it’s likely something you aren’t used to feeling on the side of a compact pistol.

So keep in mind you do feel them.

Now, when you go to fire the gun, you obviously won’t be touching these controls, and that’s important for a number of reasons namely they move when you are shooting the gun.

Grips

There are aftermarket grips for the Bersa Thunder 380.

I personally will not be changing these, but you can change them for a grip of your choice, namely Talon grips, so it does give you the option to customise your grip panels.

Texturing

The texture of the grip is a checkerboard pattern. It only is a small portion of the lower half of the grip.

The upper half is smooth with Bersa engraved in the grips and that provides a very minimal grip surface.

Sights

The sights on the Bersa 380 are relatively small. They are changeable if you don’t like them, so you can purchase aftermarket sights.

Now the standard design of these is a three-dot configuration, two in the rear, one in the front.

This pistol does not come standard with night sights, so sadly no night sights with this gun out of the box.

Overall, they are good for the slide size. They’re somewhat small for my liking, but overall they work well, and the sight picture is fine.

Controls

Let’s talk about the controls because for a 380 ACP pistol and a gun this small, there are quite a few of them.

Let’s start with the safety.

Bersa Thunder 380

• Capacity: 5+2 or 7+2
• Action: S/A D/A
• Caliber: 380 ACP

Buy Bersa

Price Check: Brownell’s | PSA | Primary Arms | Sportsmans | Guns.com | Gun.Deals

Safety

Now I’m going to go ahead and address the elephant in the room on this gun. It has a magazine safety.

If the magazine is not in the gun, the gun will not fire under any circumstance. It’s just not going to happen. In single-action, double-action doesn’t matter. Not going to fire without the magazine.

Moving on to the safety itself, the physical manual safety, it is located on the slide at the very rear.

It’s an interesting design. I have no problem taking it off safety.

Activating the safety is a little dicey. In my experience when you go to pull it down, it’s hard to get it in the full safe.

So you might think you’re on safe, but you’re only a quarter or three-fourths of the way there so your gun’s not truly on safe. I’m not a pistol safety guy so I wouldn’t rely on that, anyway.

This is a single-action, double-action pistol so, hammer down, it can still fire with a long trigger pull.

Magazine Release

The magazine release on this gun is probably in the worst possible place on a pistol.

However, I’m not sure where else they could have put it, but typically the magazine releases will sit at the bottom of the trigger well behind the trigger.

This magazine release sits at the top of the trigger well directly behind the trigger.

For me to use the magazine release, I literally have to pivot the gun around in my hand to get to the magazine release.

That might not be a big deal for most, but for me, that’s kind of terrible. I have medium-sized hands so keep that in mind.

If you have large hands, this may not be an issue, but it’s still not a comfortable magazine release to me.

Bersa Thunder 380

• Capacity: 5+2 or 7+2
• Action: S/A D/A
• Caliber: 380 ACP

Buy Bersa

Price Check: Brownell’s | PSA | Primary Arms | Sportsmans | Guns.com | Gun.Deals

Slide Stop

The slide stop on this gun is actually located in a good spot.

My thumb rests on it when I have my master grip established.

It’s directly in the middle of the gun, right above the magazine release. That statement alone just kind of makes me cringe, but it’s there.

The slide release works well, it releases easily, and I have no issues with it whatsoever.

Using the slide stop works pretty well. It’s very easy to push up and there’s no magazine in the chamber.

It releases very easily with no magazine in the gun. Pulling it down with a mag in also is very seamless, very easy.

Trigger

This is a double-action/single-action gun, which means if the hammer is cocked you’re in single-action, which provides you a very light trigger pull.

Double-action, the hammer is down and is a safer way to carry a hammered gun, but it is a much, much longer trigger pull.

In the single action of this gun there is a little bit of take-up and then a little bit of squish on the wall, but overall, it’s a really good trigger pull.

The reset, it’s past the wall so it’s a full reset on the double action. Take up a little bit, but overall decent trigger.

I’m not going to say it’s great but pretty good. I mean, you got to consider the price point of this gun. It’s typically south of $300 so overall that’s a pretty good trigger.

Double-Action

Let’s talk about the double-action pull real quick. The single-action pull is very, very smooth, but also extremely long. I do like the curvature of this trigger. It allows your finger to rest in it really well.

The break is in the same spot but you don’t hit a wall in the double-action pull.

Range Bag

This wouldn’t be a Lynx Defense review without mentioning our pistol range bag and our much larger pistol range bag, the Concord.

If you want one of those, go check them out. They’ll fit this gun great. They can haul all your stuff to the range, your ear pro. Anything you need to take to the range, we’ve got you covered.

Aesthetics

Overall, the aesthetics of the gun are pretty nice. I actually like the overall look of the gun.

It definitely reminds me of the PPK, which is ironic because the PPK is chambered in 380.

So this very much looks like the PPK and the Beretta 92 had a little baby.

I think the overall design, the grips, and the milling of the slide are all very simple, and it comes together really well.

As much as I don’t like the magazine release, I do like the look of the lower frame on this gun. It’s quite simple, quite nice, and very clean overall.

Bersa Thunder 380

• Capacity: 5+2 or 7+2
• Action: S/A D/A
• Caliber: 380 ACP

Buy Bersa

Price Check: Brownell’s | PSA | Primary Arms | Sportsmans | Guns.com | Gun.Deals

Shooting

In shooting the Bersa 380, It’s really hard not to draw comparisons to other 380 ACP handguns, and most of all to the Walther PPK/s which it is designed after.

Holding the Bersa, it immediately felt better in hand than the Walther PPK/s. All the sharp edges that Bradley noted in his review of the PPK/s are rounded off. The Bersa also extends its grip panels all the way to the edge of the handgun, unlike with the Walther, making it feel more refined.

I know that sounds a little crazy when compared to a manufacturer like Walther, but it’s the honest truth.

Both the Bersa Thunder 380 and Walther are direct blowback. This means that the only thing containing the detonation of the round is the weight and inertia of the slide. 

Although the 380 is a somewhat anemic cartridge when compared to other self-defense rounds, this type of action means that all the snap is sent back into your hand. It doesn’t hurt but it’s not fun over an extended period of time.

With the design of the slide and beavertail, it also does the felt recoil no favor. While you can certainly shoot normal pressure ammo in the Bersa comfortably, I would not want to shoot it all day long.

Load in some +P self-defense rounds and you got yourself a spicy little pistol.

The sights are also tiny, like the PPK/s but are more useful in design. 

The trigger is a SA/DA which we’ve also covered before. The double-action is noticeably heavy and long, while the follow-up shots are short and crisp, typical for this style of action.

Overall the Bersa is a fun little 380 to take out on the range when you grow tired of the blocky everyday semi-autos that we’ve come accustomed to.

Final Thoughts

My final thoughts on the Bersa Thunder 380 are quite simple.

It’s a decent price point gun. You can find them anywhere from $200 to about $350. It’s a pretty wide range, but there are several models.

You have two-tone, you have olive drab, you have black, which is what this is.

All in all, it’s a really decent-looking gun at a decent price.

Would I carry it?

No, only because I wouldn’t carry a hammered gun concealed.

Should you carry it?

That’s for you to decide. I don’t think there are reliability issues here. I also wouldn’t want to carry 380 with the number of 9MM options that are out there that are just as equally as concealable as this, if not more concealable than this.

But as for a range gun, I absolutely love this gun. This is a cool gun. It’s fun. As I said, it reminds me of the Beretta 90 and the Walther PPK having a baby.

Overall, I don’t think you can really go wrong with this gun, but I personally would not carry it.

If you do carry it, leave a comment below, and let us know what your experience is, not hating on it at all. Overall, I think it’s a pretty good gun.

Bersa Thunder 380

• Capacity: 5+2 or 7+2
• Action: S/A D/A
• Caliber: 380 ACP

Buy Bersa

Price Check: Brownell’s | PSA | Primary Arms | Sportsmans | Guns.com | Gun.Deals

FAQs

Is a Bersa Thunder 380 a good gun?

The Bersa Thunder 380 is a good gun. While that’s wildly subjective this is a decent gun.

Every gun has its problems but overall the gun functionally works and is as accurate as any other .380 ACP pistol available.

How many bullets does a Bersa 380 hold?

The Bersa .380 ACP holds 8 bullets in the magazine and 1 in the chamber making the Bersa Thunder 380 an 8+1 round gun.

Is a 380 good for self-defense?

That’s subject to much debate and while there’s no 100% yes or no to this it’s what you feel comfortable with carrying.

Personally, I stick to 9mm and above. But the 380 ACP round is an extremely capable round as well.

Is Bersa Thunder 380 a pocket pistol?

No, the Bersa Thunder 380 is just a little too large to be considered a true pocket pistol.

While the gun might fit in your pocket it’s far too wide to not print and show the outline of the gun in your pocket.

Adding a pocket holster or trigger guard will likely only make that printing much more noticeable.

Bersa Thunder Review [2023] CCW Fail : Gun University

If you’re in the market for an affordable carry gun and shop around long enough, sooner or later you’ll run into the Bersa Thunder.  Looking a bit like the PPK and carrying an attractive price-tag it can be tempting but remember the adage, “buy once, cry once.” Check out the Gun University Bersa Thunder review, find out why we think you should consider steering clear.

Bersa Thunder Specs

  • Capacity 8+1
  • Caliber . 380 ACP
  • Sights Blade Integral with Slide (Front), Integral with Slide (Rear)
  • Action DA/SA
  • Length 6’’
  • Barrel Length 3.2″

Bersa Thunder Background

The Bersa Thunder is an all-metal, single-stack, DA/SA pistol most commonly chambered in .380 ACP (a .22 LR version is also available).

Manufactured in Argentina and imported by Eagle imports, the Thunder is available in over a dozen different variations, not including some distributor-exclusive variations.

Most of the variants are simply variations of the color scheme, but a few have some substantial changes.

The Bersa Thunder is exactly the type of handgun that normally draws my eye in the gun shop.

I love off-the-wall, metal guns that deviate from the current striker-fired/plastic SOP.With its clear homage to the Walther PPK/S, the Thunder never fails to catch my eye.

Unfortunately, in practice the Thunder falls just a bit short of my expectations.

The version we reviewed is the “CC”-model which is, in my humble opinion, the poorest execution of a gun that I would already consider marginal. The “CC” stands for concealed carry.

Its most notable features are…well, a reduction in its features. No features have been taken away but most of them have been considerably downsized.

The Thunder CC has a thinned safety, thinned slide release, and sights that are, well, vestigial at best. Let’s take a look.

Bersa Thunder Features

1 8+1 Rounds of .380 ACP

It’s enough rounds to get the job done.

2 Traditional DA/SA action

The external hammer makes the gun inherently safer.

3 Safety / Decocker

Makes for a much safer concealed carry.

Bersa Thunder Variations

There are several different variations of the Bersa Thunder including different caliber options. And while the main differences are listed below, you can these in different colorations from Bersa and other retailers.

Bersa Thunder 380

Check Price

Reliability

Couldn’t make it through a box of ammo without two or three malfunctions. Some are better than this one but reliability is important.

F
Accuracy

Actually, not too bad considering the terrible sights.

A
Shootability

The gun is relatively comfy to shoot–when it decides to.

B
Ergonomics

Safety that is extremely difficult to disengage, poorly designed grip

D
Value

If the gun was reliable, yes. Since this one wasn’t…no

C

Marketplace
Cost Per Round
Natchez Shooter’s Supply $0. 37
Brownells $0.38

Marketplace
Cost Per Round
Natchez Shooter’s Supply $1. 15
Brownells $1.20