Does anyone have experience with the Bersa Thunder .380 Plus?

[EFriesel]

I borrowed one for a basic pistol course a very long time ago and remember liking it, and like the idea of small concealable DA/SA guns. The plus variant is double stack and thus is fatter, easier to grip/shoot, and has more capacity obv. I've heard some about Bersa's reputation for poor quality control but was hoping to get some more anecdotes. What are your thoughts?

 

[Colt556]

I had a friend that really liked his. Shot well but you could get a 9mm about the same size and be able to get a wider selection, and CHEAPER, ammo. I’ve never owned a Bersa but for the price they seem ok. I’m sure others will know more.

 

[Mgderf]

I have Bersa's in .380acp, 9mm, and an oddball .32acp.
None are the plus variant, but all of mine have been flawless.

 

[Midwestjimbo]

I loved my 380 plus. 100% reliable on all 380 ammo available at the time. Also had a Thunder 9 which was good also. I wasn't impressed with the performance of the 380 ammo available for self defense.

 

[EFriesel]

I had a friend that really liked his. Shot well but you could get a 9mm about the same size and be able to get a wider selection, and CHEAPER, ammo. I’ve never owned a Bersa but for the price they seem ok. I’m sure others will know more.

I actually did not know there was a 9mm version... this is good news...

 

[Colt556]

I actually did not know there was a 9mm version... this is good news...

I didn’t mean a Bersa 9mm, not sure one actually exists or not. I meant you could buy a 9mm roughly the same size. Sorry if I wasn’t clear.

 

[Mij]

I didn’t mean a Bersa 9mm, not sure one actually exists or not. I meant you could buy a 9mm roughly the same size. Sorry if I wasn’t clear.

Colt556:
Don’t know if he’s gonna be able to answer. Was on line when he posted but now, come’s up as “sorry we’ve had some problems “….

 

[Mij]

I was gonna welcome him to INGO, when I checked to see if I missed him I found out he’s not here, at least for the moment.

 

[Mgderf]

I actually did not know there was a 9mm version... this is good news...

There is a Bersa Thunder 9

 

[MrSmitty]

Never had one, but I've always considered them to be poor man's PPK's. I like the looks, and they seem well made, from the ones I've handled anyway. Good luck!

 

[DadSmith]

I have Bersa's in .380acp, 9mm, and an oddball .32acp.
None are the plus variant, but all of mine have been flawless.

Is the plus model the double stack magazine model?

 

[Mgderf]

Is the plus model the double stack magazine model?

Yes

 

[DadSmith]

Here is a review of the double stack 380acp

 

[armalitesheepdog]

I had a Bersa blow the slide off the frame 25 years ago. Haven't owned one since

 

[Johnk]

i've had several of them over the years. I have a Combat model now and i really like it. for the price it is a very decent handgun. i've can't remember having any issues with reliability.
i consider it a good inexpensive EDC gun. small enough to put in coat pocket or a small of back holster.

 

[DadSmith]

I had a Bersa blow the slide off the frame 25 years ago. Haven't owned one since

I'd ask for pictures but that long ago it would be hard to find if you did take any pictures.
Faulty craftsmanship, or material?

 

[snorko]

I've had a couple over the years and several single stack models. All were reliable as the Walther design tends to be.

If I were to want a double stack .380 in traditional DA/SA today I would look at Girsan. I have one of their Beretta 92 clones and it is just about equal to the Beretta.

 

[DadSmith]

I've had a couple over the years and several single stack models. All were reliable as the Walther design tends to be.

If I were to want a double stack .380 in traditional DA/SA today I would look at Girsan. I have one of their Beretta 92 clones and it is just about equal to the Beretta.

I've wondered about them. The LGS owner thinks highly of them. He has a pretty good selection of them. Said they sell fast, and he's not had one complaint or problem with them.

 

[armalitesheepdog]

I'd ask for pictures but that long ago it would be hard to find if you did take any pictures.
Faulty craftsmanship, or material?

I dont know. May have been a faulty round. When I say blew the slide off that may have been a exauration. More like cracked the slide and it fell off