Ever since I bought my first Bersa Thunder 380, I have seen tons of TH-cam videos of people saying they are junk. It turns out that all of those people never owned one, and think any gun under $300 has to be junk. Well, my Bersa was made in the 90s, and it shoots straight, it's never failed to feed, fire,or eject a round. Not only that but it's 100% stainless steel and it's a real beauty. I got mine for $200. It's the most reliable and accurate gun I own.
Hola. Las armas bersas son baratas porque se fabrican en argentina ,dónde la mano de obra es barata , los insumos de fabricación y demas costos son baratos respecto a tu país . Si está fábrica estaría en tu país los precios no serían tan accesibles para que duden de su calidad de fabricación. Aquí los argentinos tenemos garantía de por vida, ante cualquier inconveniente bersa repara tu arma llevándola personalmente a la fábrica . Saludos desde buenos aires, argentina
I've had the Bersa 380+, 15+1 rounds and is it sweet! I've also looked into its effectiveness on ballistic gel and again, 12 inches of penatration is of course perfect! This particular pistol ALWAYS shoots whatever you feed it, it just doesn't care! Simply put, it's the perfect pistol for conceal carry!!👍
Think about it for the price of one Kimber you can buy 5 Hi-points and put one in every room of the house and throw one under your car seat. they are ugly as hell and I would never carry one but they are dependable and will do the job, like a disposable hand gun lol. Just saying.
I picked one of these up a month or two ago as my first pistol. I love it so far, it's just about the perfect size and the magazine capacity is hard to beat.
I have the Bersa Thunder plus.. (non combat) The combination of a fat grip, good grip material, moderate weight and a .380 cartridge makes this a really comfortable gun to shoot. This makes it easy to stay on target with and fun at the range. I cannot say the same for my LCP. It's been 100% reliable and more accurate than expected.
I did too- Polish Random P64- this looks like a better option at a good price- hard to argue with 15+1 of 380 ACP with a decocker that goes bang all the time- you can't beat that with a big stick!
Makarov’s are great carry pistols. The bullet diameter as well 👌 . Fatty. My cz 82 I enjoy shooting. Glad you enjoy carrying a single stack..I’ve eyed them but have found prices to be absurd in the surplus realm unfortunately…
I have a single stack and have always had good luck with it. Never an issue. Watching this makes me want to add a double stack now. Thanks Eric and all at moss for all of the great videos. If someone needs a good handgun and on a budget bersa is a good option.
Hope you got yourself a double. They’re great fun. I love my Bersa combat plus. Wife loves her single stack as well.. I switch back and forth between the Thunder combat plus with Buff Bore +P 380 and the cz 82 in the hot summer months. Love me a nice compact blowback.
Bersa 380 is my daily cc along with the M&P Bodyguard. the Bersa is a great gun very reliable easy to shoot lightweight easy to conceal. I love my CZ po7 and po1 they are on the bigger side and I only cc them in the winter. Bersa is a highly underrated gun they're very well-built great price
I have always been plagued with hammer bite on standard hammer 1911 pattern pistols. But I had a standard 7+1 Bersa Thunder .380 and never got bit. I think it has a bigger beaver tail than the combat. Great shooting, easy to care for guns.
+moreamerican the russians and other com-block countries used .32acp 380acp and 9x18 for years with great effectiveness so yes .380 and combat goes together, especially in a 15+1 package
I went ahead and bought a Bersa Thunder Plus, this videos was the last bit of convincing I needed to pull the trigger on that purchase. I did buy the Matte Finish one though, and not the combat version as shown here. It turns out that the combat version intentionally has the smaller beaver tail, it's a combat version feature, so the regular version already fixed all the hammer biting problem that you guys had. It does however have three dot sights instead of the Glock type shown in the video. I cleaned it and took it to the range, with two hundred FMJ shots that Bersa says need to be fired to 'break it in', and I had no loading problems, a couple of non-fires though. Then I cleaned it again and over the last several months, shot many hundreds of rounds through it, with both FMJ and JHP's with no problems. After 500 rounds I think it really smoothed out, being an old fashioned design, I think it's going to last for years, regardless if I use it all the time. We'll see. I didn't see you mention it in the video, but one of the range features of the Bersa Plus that I really enjoy is the 'combat loading' feature... When you eject a spent magazine with the slide locked back, slamming a loaded magazine in it automatically triggers the slide to load a round and allows near continuous fast firing without needing to hit the slide release or pull the slide back to unlock it, no need to take the firearm out of aiming mode. 31 rounds near as fast as you can keep pulling the trigger. Lots of fun at the range, really easy to blow your money on Ammo though :P (I found Fiocchi sells a JHP version of 90 grain standard ammo, about 25-30 cents per round so now I use that for range instead of ball or FMJ). Great video, thanks for talking me into the funnest little firearm I've ever used.
First off, to my fellow veterans thank you all for your service! Eric I've been watching your videos now for a long while and I love them. I would like to add a suggestion to your videos that may help fill some of the more redundant time in them especially for these more concealable guns. You could add a segment where you actually conceal the gun in several carry positions so that we can see how well the gun can carry. I don't think that this would eat up a whole lot of time and would actually be beneficial. Thank you for doing what you do! Also what kind of hats are you and chad wearing?
I used to get bit by the slide action on my Bersa TPR9C. Then I noticed the bottom back end of the slide has sharp corners. Filed and rounded them a little. No more slide bites.
My grandfather has one (single stack), I love it. He doesn't carry it everywhere and almost never carries but for recreational shooting it's also great.
I like that! The Makarov pistols are very trustworthy and compact, simple and easy to shoot...but they don't have modern features that shooters would want today. This pistol seems to offer all the benefits of the old plus many of the new features AND higher capacity!
I highly recommend this to anyone! Was able to get this exact Combat Plus version as well as lucky enough to score two mags directly from the US distribution company! Contemplating on trading it, but it’s such a rare and nice treat, may just hold onto it!
I have a Bersa .380 Thunder I purchased well over a decade ago and love it. Thanks for this review, another for my list of guns I need; damn long list, as much as it is silly thank you both for mentioning Barry. I never met or knew anything of the Man, outside of y'alls video's, but I've met a great deal of older gentleman throughout my life that remind me of Barry and his mannerisms. Thank you again for all the work you folks do to bring us this great content. If I'm ever out South East I'll make sure to wander in and say hello. Take care guys, keep your powder dry.
Thanks for this review on this particular gun! I have the single stack version of this and really like it. Thanks for EVERYTHING you guys do on this channel, It is appreciated greatly.
Have had tpr9, tpr9c & tpr40 for 10 plus yrs, none have never had any hiccups, just bought the tpr9xt competition last year, adjustable rear sights fiber front, shoots great
Are you enjoying the tpr9xt for comp shooting? I have the tpr9 in blue and really enjoy it…also run the thunder combat plus. I was thinking about it as the price has dropped on it on a few sites I watch it on. Also, did you mount a micro on it ? 🙏
The Thunders I've shot (and the one I own) have all been very accurate. They have enough weight and size to be a pleasure to train with, and it's fun to shoot an accurate pistol.
There's no such thing as a wimpy round. Not .380, not .32, not .25, and not even .22 short. Any bullet is better than no bullet when you need it, and any one of those "wimpy" calibers to the head will turn a criminal's lights out.
Joshua Johnston even if it doesn't get through the skull, it's damn sure gonna ring your bell. And obviously self defense scenarios you're not shooting to kill, you're shooting to stop the threat and survive. As long as it gets that job done then you're good.
I have a Thunder Plus..I really like it. The grip is VERY comfortable and makes it easy to hold on target. Magazines. It comes with one magazine only. Finding them is impossible. I finally found one at a gun show and payed a lot for it.
Hey Eric,Conspiracy Mike here ,I have had one of these for years. msrp on magazines is $42 usd. I got lucky and bought my gun and 5 magazines used for $300. shoots great only 2 things I'd like to do to make it better a set of night sights and a threadedbarrel. Something else is that you can use the same holsters as the standard Bersa Thunder 380. My perfect pair for EDC is the gun, my extra mags , my Kershaw knife,CQC-4KXL designed by Emerson, I got at walmart for $30, and my g2 nitrolon. Side note; maybe it's just me but the fact that a G2 nitrolon costs close to $100 today when 10 years ago I paid $36 for one says a lot about the state of our economy but I digress. I carry hammer down safety off because I find it difficult to release, but I carried a Glock for a long time so my finger is my safety.
The combat variants of the thunder 380 pistols feature a slightly reduced beaver tail. I own a standerd thunder 380 plus and have no issues with hammer bite.
I don't think Chad's review is fair. If he said "for my grip it is uncomfortable," that would be a fair statement. Not everyone will have your "hold". I have had my Bersa for 10 years and I do not find it uncomfortable at all. Everyone that shoots it wants one. It is a great gun, never a stove pipe or failure. Please be fair in your comments ! People make buying decisions based on what you say in your videos.
100% correct, I honestly think anyone who says the combat is uncomfortable to shoot is either a limp wristed pansy a** or never even shot one. These things are a riot to shoot.
@@joshuaraffensperger3592 high tang pistol grip is a basic fundamental is it not? and with that hes getting bite from the hammer. im confused what your point is
I don’t think they mentioned in the video, but “Combat” designation on the Bersa Thunder Plus means smaller beaver tail, Glock style sights, and black metal with green grips. If you want better protection for your hand, get the Thunder Plus without the “Combat”. You then also have traditional three dot sights and multiple color options. Thanks for the good review. Now Bersa if you are listening, let’s see an ambidextrous safety and super thin grips in G10 or something. And definitely ditch the frame lock safety. But way to go making an excellent firearm the size of a Glock 42 with double the capacity for half the price.
I just bought this combat version. I don't have 'ham hands so I don't have any issues with hammer or slide bite! Great little piece for not too much cash! 👍
Eric and Chad, thank you for the awesome firearms channel! I started watching and subscribed to you all a few months back and have absolutely enjoyed watching every second of it. After watching the above video/review about the Bersa, I became very interested in the Bersa and ended buying one. I bought the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus and am looking very forward to shooting it myself in the near future. The Bersa will be the first pistol I've ever bought(I own other firearms but only rifles and a shotgun). Thanks again for such a fantastic channel/series.
Even though I have several Glocks, Smiths, and Rugers in my carry rotation, I still love my Bersa Thunder .380acp. Mine is the single stack, but it rocks on the range and is a great carry gun.
Definitely considering getting one now because of this. The ammo can be a little more expensive than a 9mm, but with an alloy frame, relatively low price, single and double action, compact size, and up to 16 rounds total, its a very compelling choice.
I have put thousands of rounds through mine with no issues and it is my main carry gun. I am surprised that you found it uncomfortable to shoot I never had that issue and all the people I shoot with have shot it with no complaints. It really is a great gun especially for the money, I intended to buy a Walther when I got mine and after shooting both went with the Bersa.
the length of the casing is a big difference although you’re right about the diameter. Making double stack 380 magazines smaller and more compact than a 9 mm one of the same capacity.
I'm considering this for my son for his high school graduation. He was looking at a slightly different version at Academy and really liked it. Plus he likes the hammer fire guns. Of course I like all of the safety features on the gun.
He likes dasa ? Hes got good taste. I’ve always been that way..my two younger brothers always give me crap for it and like their strikers…Oh well…😂 I’ve always just preferred the options with them especially the cz’s I have as well. Can carry hammer locked back or double action. Etc. everyone’s different. Hope you got this pistol for him it’s a great piece from Bersa. I enjoy it.
Another plus I would say for Bersa has always been their magazine quality. I don't know if they make them in house or outsource them but they have always been high quality. Combine that with my Thunder 380 has always fed and ejected anything and everything I've ever fed it. I wish my old PPK had worked so well.
Hi, Patreon member here. I really like this gun. I have always wanted a high capacity 380 pistol, and since for some idiotic reason we can't buy the Glock high capacity 380 pistol in the United States, I am seriously looking at this one.
The Bersa .380 is the absolute best bang for the buck in the self defense firearm world. I had a Bersa Thunder CC that saved my bacon from an attacking Pit Bull. I did disarm the magazine disconnect because it is just stupid. All you have to do is take off the grip panel and remove a spring. Also, all I carry is Buffalo Bore ammunition. On the day I had to shoot a 90 pound Pit Bull as it attacked my dogs while on a walk I carried the hard cast ammo from Buffalo Bore. The dog ran off and bled out from a single torso shot. I now carry their hollow point ammunition however. I was initially concerned on the .380's penetrating capability because of testing I did on Hornady .380 hollow point that only expanded a third of the time and penetrated no more than three inches into water bottles...Hornady LIES. Don't ever trust your life to a Hornady .380 round. Their 9MM is probably underpowered too but still good enough I suppose. When they cheat on .380 you lose however.
Boy Eric, you can sure rock that Bersa. I have the 2-tone with the Crimson Trace grips but the single stack. No problems with my handloads and any cast bullet I have put thru it. I use it as my nightstand gun. I am going to take it to the range this weekend now since I watched this video. Thanks!
Bersa is a Argentinian base company founded in the 50's and with the world famous Bokër/Arbolito are exporting guns and knives around the world. You should try the new Bersa Thunder 90 it's just awesome.
I love my single stack Thunder .380 it has been my carry gun for 14 years and have never had any issues. I did polish the feed ramp when I purchased it and keep it clean an lubed correctly. I have put just a little north of 750 rounds through it now with the only issue ever being a dead primer on one round. I love mine and I am very interested in the + series. Thanks for the Awesome review guys!
Very comfortable small gun to shoot. In the plus version the rubberized, wide grip feels excellent, confidence inspiring. The Plus magazines are unobtainable... I finally found one at a gun show.. payed a ridiculous amount for it. The gun only comes with one magazine.
had mine for 7 months now. very snappy recoil due to low mass of gun. very accurate. Have trained with DA/SA before (SW4013 and Beretta 92) so this is simple to shoot. Comes with one mag, and can't get a second one due to perpetual backorder by every vendor. DA is just a bit too long, but only on the first shot. De cocking is very rough if you try to engage with right shooting hand. mag release and slide slide are easy. grip is very comfortable. no issue with hammer bite, but you must consider, in a DA/SA why is there a hammer spur anyway? Why not just bob the hammer?
Eric, I always enjoy your reviews; well informed and no B.S.. Having intervened in countless GSW's, I would convey to your viewers that though, this round will prove lethal if properly placed, it is not a round that often stops an attacker. The attacker continues to be an attacker until enough blood loss has occurred. This is critical to be aware of as a potential purchaser of a firearm. Thank you for your due diligence and providing your best information. DP
Hey Eric, thanks for covering these in a serious way. Most people just ignore the larger 380s and skip straight to 9mm. That said, I'd love to see what someone with gunsmithing experience could do to improve a gun like a Bersa (like the Mosin trigger job video). The before and after effects of gunsmith tuning should be really obvious when applied to a $300 pistol (vs a $700+ 1911). Lol
When you mentioned Barry I started to cry, I cant believe that he died a year ago he was amazing at what he did for the channel the last 5-4 years. Miss ya Barry RIP
Looks like my CZ 70 milsurp .32 acp. In fact it’s a clone of it except for the caliber and mag capacity. I’d trust the Bersa. Looks like a well built gun like my CZ 70
Well... Maybe, just maybe, some of the insane gun laws will get challenged by a more constitutionally friendly supreme court in a couple years and get struck down like they should have been in the first place. I feel bad for all the great people who live in CA. There's a lot of good people there despite the crazies, and there's a lot of beauty and history in that state. It's a shame what it's been turned into. CA is a liberal test tube for what Hillary wanted to do to the nation. Most unfriendly state for new business, 2nd or 3rd to last in student test scores, highest income, sales, gasoline, and corporate taxes in the nation, 20% higher unemployment rate vs the national average. Thankfully we have been saved from that for 4 years at least....
Naethan Carter Why? Short story is because Ca. Imposes so many restrictions and then they impose fees that lots of gun Companies like Glock, Ruger, S&W, and a host of others said Fuck you Ca. We don't need you. And they stopped bending over for Ca. Restrictions, fees & taxes are what has driven industry right out of Ca. Main thing in Ca is farming industry which prevails over anything else. Weather is super nice here as well but if I could I would move to Nevada on the Eastern side of Lake Tahoe. And every morning I could wake up go out front and flip off Ca. Was going to be short, sorry bout the rant. No i'm NOT!!!
The Firestorm is still on the CA Certified List. It's not 'illegal', it just doesn't have microstamping, a magazine disconnect or a loaded round indicator as well as Bersa not wanting to pay the extortion fee to get the gun onto the CA Cert. List if it did have the three needed features to be sold new in CA from a dealer. Otherwise you can sell them person to person all day long.
I'll stick with speer for real though cost, street proven.. Plus I can just imagine some lawyer like "and he had REST IN PEACE ammo???? Clearly this guy was looking for trouble!" or some dumb shit
It's also useless. (C)R(A)Ip Ammo stops at less than ten inches in gel. This round would stop in someone's rib cage. Might as well hit him with bird shot. 15" in gel is a great number for penetration to stop threats. You want to spend $2.00 per round. that's on you. i'd rather spend $0.50 per round and actually stop someone, than piss him off.
i have a older bersa and I'll tell you what. I have never had one issue at all with that little gun. the gun is almost 20 years old now. It is my backup glove box gun now. XDs 9mm is my carry. Can't wait for the national reciprocating carry
I won´t argue as you have had way more experience with Taurus than I but my G2´s have been solid with no issues. I don´t carry them as my conceal carry pistols but they make nice firing range guns.
Have a PT-111 G2 myself, been an excellent carry gun. No problems at the range, eats all kinds of ammo. Though the trigger takes some getting use to. No better 12+1 9mm on the market at any price.
I have a Bersa model 85, basically the grandfather to the combat plus. All steel, mine is nickel plated with walnut grips, a beautiful pistol. Also no key lock on the 85.
16:04 Good point on cost if firearm is locked up in evidence. Something reliable, accurate and a tool specifically for that job takes priority which is why I often carry a S&W SD40 VE which is capable and reliable.
Hello IV8888! I don't know if you guys will see this but will you guys do a video on the new Arex Rex Zero 1? I'm getting close to the age to be able to carry a handgun, and i would like to see what you guys think of it. I watched Tim on the MAC do a torture test and it blew a 1500$ Sig Sauer out of the water so the Arex has really sparked my interest. Keep up the great videos much respect for you and your channel.
I may pick one up and give it a look. Not a big SIG guy so not sure how much I'll like it. For a full sized duty gun I'm more a double stack 1911 kind of guy. I like the FNX tactical a lot too. If I'm going to carry a big gun I'm going to sling bowling balls. The CZ 97 is one of my favorites too.
Iraqveteran8888 I m only 14 and have 6 guns could you review a marlin 30-30 for a how far it will kill pls I have been wondering I am a Christian and I look up to keep up the good work 😀👍 I learned a lot from u thank you
***** hey man happy veterans day. Where can I find a $300 sks. And a mauser 98k stock and hardware cheap. I don't mind doing a little work on it. And how much would you charge to bed the mauser and float the barrel? My stock is duffle cut. Oh it's a 44. bnz mauser. Btw I made a thumper few da y s ago. Haven't shot it yet but it's bad ass. Thanks for the idea. Got 80 bucks in it. Wonder if I could rig it for a bayonet? Can't find a muzzle break for it either. Damn I live little over hour from ya. I need to ride over and see ya.
Good gun. Magazines can be pricey. Potential issue was, we may have got a bad batch, but we had to polish the feed ramps on ours to get good function. But my new pocket carry is an RM380 so my opinion may not be valid.
Here in Argentina, Bersa are really low quality, almost all my friends that have owned or own a Bersa they have had all kinds of problems, the only good thing here is that Bersa offers Life Time guaranty, so every time it stops working you can send it and they will fix it up for you. I think that the guns that are exported to the US have a completely different quality control.
I carry the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard.380 with a "Clipdraw" clip. It's only 3/4 of an inch wide, you tuck it in, and you can forget it's there. So comfortable, love the .380.
Hay Eric can you please review the Bersa BP9CC. I have been looking at it for myself and the wife as a cc and as a household defense tool. please and thank you
I will probably get all kinds of flack about this, but I took the bar out that enables the mag. safety, No kids around here so I don't see a real need for it in my case, as for the frame lock, I don't even know where or if I even have the key anymore.
MissouriOldTimer If its a defence gun it makes sense because even if your magazine breaks or is lost, you can still fire the round in the chamber. On the other hand, it could open you up to legal issues if its used in defence, especially in a civil trial.
Excellent review. For the beavertail or, lack thereof in this model, you can always get the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus. (Not the combat) It just like the Bersa Thunder 380 but with a double stack mag and with the longer beavertail.
Ever since I bought my first Bersa Thunder 380, I have seen tons of TH-cam videos of people saying they are junk. It turns out that all of those people never owned one, and think any gun under $300 has to be junk. Well, my Bersa was made in the 90s, and it shoots straight, it's never failed to feed, fire,or eject a round. Not only that but it's 100% stainless steel and it's a real beauty. I got mine for $200. It's the most reliable and accurate gun I own.
Hola. Las armas bersas son baratas porque se fabrican en argentina ,dónde la mano de obra es barata , los insumos de fabricación y demas costos son baratos respecto a tu país .
Si está fábrica estaría en tu país los precios no serían tan accesibles para que duden de su calidad de fabricación.
Aquí los argentinos tenemos garantía de por vida, ante cualquier inconveniente bersa repara tu arma llevándola personalmente a la fábrica .
Saludos desde buenos aires, argentina
I got a Bersa Thunder CC for $200 as well. Excellent gun for the money. It's my EDC.
@@sergiolucianocosi I have. Bersa 380cc, TRP 380 Plus, TRP 45acp. I love them all, No Malfunctions and accurate.
Not my EDC anymore but I carried the Bersa Thunder for several years. It’s the only firearm I’ve shot tons of ammo through without a single issue.
Same here. Many years with NO problem !!
Lol then why stop carrying it?
maybe he move to LA?
@@seribas For the same reason I did-- because there are NOW reliable, 9mm pistols that are in the same size category
@@M--GT8223summed it up.
I've had the Bersa 380+, 15+1 rounds and is it sweet! I've also looked into its effectiveness on ballistic gel and again, 12 inches of penatration is of course perfect! This particular pistol ALWAYS shoots whatever you feed it, it just doesn't care! Simply put, it's the perfect pistol for conceal carry!!👍
I can't remember how Barry worded it, but I've always said
"I'd rather have a Hi-Point at home than a Kimber on layaway"
proof the US government using technology 50 year ahead
Think about it for the price of one Kimber you can buy 5 Hi-points and put one in every room of the house and throw one under your car seat. they are ugly as hell and I would never carry one but they are dependable and will do the job, like a disposable hand gun lol. Just saying.
+David Summers No.
Matthew Caughey No.
I believe he said: "A Hi-Point at home is better than this (held up a Glock) on layaway... any day of the week."
I picked one of these up a month or two ago as my first pistol. I love it so far, it's just about the perfect size and the magazine capacity is hard to beat.
I have the Bersa Thunder plus.. (non combat) The combination of a fat grip, good grip material, moderate weight and a .380 cartridge makes this a really comfortable gun to shoot. This makes it easy to stay on target with and fun at the range. I cannot say the same for my LCP. It's been 100% reliable and more accurate than expected.
I bet not one single person that thinks 380 isn't enough would be willing to stand in front of one
Travis Barr Bullshit logic but ok
Yep. "Stopping power" is a gimmick unless you're talking about something really huge. Penetration and shot placement are everything.
Say it a little louder
Well okay, would you like to go to Afghanistan with a 380? I'm just pointing out the flawed logic, 380s have their place and are great for that
.380 is a problem if you have a bear charging you. For home defense in US I think its okay.
I love these style of pistols. I carry a makarov for CC and it's profile is so slick that nobody ever notices that I carry.
I did too- Polish Random P64- this looks like a better option at a good price- hard to argue with 15+1 of 380 ACP with a decocker that goes bang all the time- you can't beat that with a big stick!
That should be Radom
Makarov’s are great carry pistols. The bullet diameter as well 👌 . Fatty. My cz 82 I enjoy shooting. Glad you enjoy carrying a single stack..I’ve eyed them but have found prices to be absurd in the surplus realm unfortunately…
15 rounds rapid fire and staying on target? I"M IN! .. Sexy sexy gun. Loving this review. Converted now knowing theirs a 15 round option.
I love the .380 cartridge! John Browning never made anything bad.
Except the .25 and .45
@@SAPHGOD HAHAHAHAHAHAH okay
Um... the .25 ACP
@@SAPHGOD What on earth did you say about the beautiful .45?
.25 acp is a great choice for a 100 Rd stick mag in a machine pistol or smg against unarmored infantry
When somebody tells me "oh its only a .380, thatd just piss me off" i tell them simply "its only a punctured lung"
Or a severed Nerve Stem if you train to shoot for the teeth...
Blowbacks tend to be a little snappy and very reliable; good stuff
@Fernando Alaric shut up bot
Thank you very much for the review!
Para cuándo la bp full size ??
Can you get your pistols in MA
Bersa guns are great! The standard .380 Combat is one of my favorite .380s, and it's one of the most viewed guns on my channel!
I have a single stack and have always had good luck with it. Never an issue. Watching this makes me want to add a double stack now. Thanks Eric and all at moss for all of the great videos. If someone needs a good handgun and on a budget bersa is a good option.
Hope you got yourself a double. They’re great fun. I love my Bersa combat plus. Wife loves her single stack as well.. I switch back and forth between the Thunder combat plus with Buff Bore +P 380 and the cz 82 in the hot summer months. Love me a nice compact blowback.
Bersa 380 is my daily cc along with the M&P Bodyguard. the Bersa is a great gun very reliable easy to shoot lightweight easy to conceal. I love my CZ po7 and po1 they are on the bigger side and I only cc them in the winter. Bersa is a highly underrated gun they're very well-built great price
I have always been plagued with hammer bite on standard hammer 1911 pattern pistols. But I had a standard 7+1 Bersa Thunder .380 and never got bit. I think it has a bigger beaver tail than the combat. Great shooting, easy to care for guns.
I've been itchin to get my hands on one of those. We reviewed the double-stack 380 from Zenith and it was tons of fun to shoot!
+moreamerican the russians and other com-block countries used .32acp 380acp and 9x18 for years with great effectiveness so yes .380 and combat goes together, especially in a 15+1 package
I went ahead and bought a Bersa Thunder Plus, this videos was the last bit of convincing I needed to pull the trigger on that purchase. I did buy the Matte Finish one though, and not the combat version as shown here. It turns out that the combat version intentionally has the smaller beaver tail, it's a combat version feature, so the regular version already fixed all the hammer biting problem that you guys had. It does however have three dot sights instead of the Glock type shown in the video.
I cleaned it and took it to the range, with two hundred FMJ shots that Bersa says need to be fired to 'break it in', and I had no loading problems, a couple of non-fires though. Then I cleaned it again and over the last several months, shot many hundreds of rounds through it, with both FMJ and JHP's with no problems. After 500 rounds I think it really smoothed out, being an old fashioned design, I think it's going to last for years, regardless if I use it all the time. We'll see.
I didn't see you mention it in the video, but one of the range features of the Bersa Plus that I really enjoy is the 'combat loading' feature... When you eject a spent magazine with the slide locked back, slamming a loaded magazine in it automatically triggers the slide to load a round and allows near continuous fast firing without needing to hit the slide release or pull the slide back to unlock it, no need to take the firearm out of aiming mode. 31 rounds near as fast as you can keep pulling the trigger. Lots of fun at the range, really easy to blow your money on Ammo though :P (I found Fiocchi sells a JHP version of 90 grain standard ammo, about 25-30 cents per round so now I use that for range instead of ball or FMJ). Great video, thanks for talking me into the funnest little firearm I've ever used.
First off, to my fellow veterans thank you all for your service! Eric I've been watching your videos now for a long while and I love them. I would like to add a suggestion to your videos that may help fill some of the more redundant time in them especially for these more concealable guns. You could add a segment where you actually conceal the gun in several carry positions so that we can see how well the gun can carry. I don't think that this would eat up a whole lot of time and would actually be beneficial. Thank you for doing what you do!
Also what kind of hats are you and chad wearing?
I used to get bit by the slide action on my Bersa TPR9C. Then I noticed the bottom back end of the slide has sharp corners. Filed and rounded them a little. No more slide bites.
My grandfather has one (single stack), I love it. He doesn't carry it everywhere and almost never carries but for recreational shooting it's also great.
I've always been impressed with the Bersa Thunder and I love the double stack version.
I conceal carry a Bersa BP9CC daily and I love it. Super high value entry level personal defense weapon. Accurate, reliable, affordable.
xZENxSAMURAIx what would you say the trigger pull is on it?
I love mine !!
@daywalker48603 better than out of the box Glock trigger
Awesome pistol. Probably a 3.5 lb trigger. Where a Glock is about 5.5. I call it a glock 43 for half the price. Bersa’s are a great value.
I like that! The Makarov pistols are very trustworthy and compact, simple and easy to shoot...but they don't have modern features that shooters would want today. This pistol seems to offer all the benefits of the old plus many of the new features AND higher capacity!
I highly recommend this to anyone!
Was able to get this exact Combat Plus version as well as lucky enough to score two mags directly from the US distribution company!
Contemplating on trading it, but it’s such a rare and nice treat, may just hold onto it!
What's the difference between the standard and the plus?
@@wingnutmcspazatron3957 capacity!
@@wingnutmcspazatron3957 prob a slightly wider grip too since it’s higher capacity
Fwiw I don’t have this anymore, I shoulda kept it though!
I love my Bersa combat plus! Best concealed carry gun I train with.
I have a Bersa .380 Thunder I purchased well over a decade ago and love it. Thanks for this review, another for my list of guns I need; damn long list, as much as it is silly thank you both for mentioning Barry. I never met or knew anything of the Man, outside of y'alls video's, but I've met a great deal of older gentleman throughout my life that remind me of Barry and his mannerisms. Thank you again for all the work you folks do to bring us this great content. If I'm ever out South East I'll make sure to wander in and say hello. Take care guys, keep your powder dry.
Thanks for this review on this particular gun! I have the single stack version of this and really like it. Thanks for EVERYTHING you guys do on this channel, It is appreciated greatly.
Have had tpr9, tpr9c & tpr40 for 10 plus yrs, none have never had any hiccups, just bought the tpr9xt competition last year, adjustable rear sights fiber front, shoots great
Are you enjoying the tpr9xt for comp shooting?
I have the tpr9 in blue and really enjoy it…also run the thunder combat plus. I was thinking about it as the price has dropped on it on a few sites I watch it on. Also, did you mount a micro on it ?
🙏
The Thunders I've shot (and the one I own) have all been very accurate. They have enough weight and size to be a pleasure to train with, and it's fun to shoot an accurate pistol.
Thank you for these videos focusing on the more "economically-friendly" firearms.
There's no such thing as a wimpy round. Not .380, not .32, not .25, and not even .22 short. Any bullet is better than no bullet when you need it, and any one of those "wimpy" calibers to the head will turn a criminal's lights out.
I like mouse guns.
I know nothing about 22 short ballistcs but i doubt it would pass through a skull i could totally be wrong and dont mind a lesseon
devwreck127 even a chest shot is pretty commonly lethal
Joshua Johnston even if it doesn't get through the skull, it's damn sure gonna ring your bell. And obviously self defense scenarios you're not shooting to kill, you're shooting to stop the threat and survive. As long as it gets that job done then you're good.
I agree, but keep in mind there is a difference between lethal and stopping power.
I have a Thunder Plus..I really like it. The grip is VERY comfortable and makes it easy to hold on target. Magazines. It comes with one magazine only. Finding them is impossible. I finally found one at a gun show and payed a lot for it.
best review on the Bersa i've seen...I carry the 40 thunder pro when I'm in Chicago
You're looking for a case, Chicago is the last place you wanna get caught with a gun.
Bersa .380 Thunder was the first pistol I bought. Love it, and its still part of my EDC
It was the first semi auto I bought.
Hey Eric,Conspiracy Mike here ,I have had one of these for years. msrp on magazines is $42 usd. I got lucky and bought my gun and 5 magazines used for $300. shoots great only 2 things I'd like to do to make it better a set of night sights and a threadedbarrel. Something else is that you can use the same holsters as the standard Bersa Thunder 380. My perfect pair for EDC is the gun, my extra mags , my Kershaw knife,CQC-4KXL designed by Emerson, I got at walmart for $30, and my g2 nitrolon. Side note; maybe it's just me but the fact that a G2 nitrolon costs close to $100 today when 10 years ago I paid $36 for one says a lot about the state of our economy but I digress. I carry hammer down safety off because I find it difficult to release, but I carried a Glock for a long time so my finger is my safety.
The combat variants of the thunder 380 pistols feature a slightly reduced beaver tail. I own a standerd thunder 380 plus and have no issues with hammer bite.
I don't think Chad's review is fair. If he said "for my grip it is uncomfortable," that would be a fair statement. Not everyone will have your "hold". I have had my Bersa for 10 years and I do not find it uncomfortable at all. Everyone that shoots it wants one. It is a great gun, never a stove pipe or failure. Please be fair in your comments ! People make buying decisions based on what you say in your videos.
100% correct, I honestly think anyone who says the combat is uncomfortable to shoot is either a limp wristed pansy a** or never even shot one. These things are a riot to shoot.
This gun is awesome in every way!
He’s complaining about the gun for an issue he is causing not the gun if he held it correctly he wouldn’t have a problem.
@@joshuaraffensperger3592 high tang pistol grip is a basic fundamental is it not? and with that hes getting bite from the hammer. im confused what your point is
Happy Veterans Day Bud!!! Thank You!
Thanks!
I don’t think they mentioned in the video, but “Combat” designation on the Bersa Thunder Plus means smaller beaver tail, Glock style sights, and black metal with green grips.
If you want better protection for your hand, get the Thunder Plus without the “Combat”. You then also have traditional three dot sights and multiple color options.
Thanks for the good review.
Now Bersa if you are listening, let’s see an ambidextrous safety and super thin grips in G10 or something. And definitely ditch the frame lock safety. But way to go making an excellent firearm the size of a Glock 42 with double the capacity for half the price.
I just bought this combat version. I don't have 'ham hands so I don't have any issues with hammer or slide bite! Great little piece for not too much cash! 👍
Thank you
Perfect concealed on handed shooter. Plenty of capacity, low cost, lightweight. Reliable.
Eric and Chad, thank you for the awesome firearms channel! I started watching and subscribed to you all a few months back and have absolutely enjoyed watching every second of it. After watching the above video/review about the Bersa, I became very interested in the Bersa and ended buying one. I bought the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus and am looking very forward to shooting it myself in the near future. The Bersa will be the first pistol I've ever bought(I own other firearms but only rifles and a shotgun). Thanks again for such a fantastic channel/series.
I owned the Thunder 380 Combat. I loved it. It was reliable through the 600+ rounds I sent through it.
The combat variant has a "smaller beavertail for easier carrying and holstering" according to the site compared to the standard Thunder Plus
Even though I have several Glocks, Smiths, and Rugers in my carry rotation, I still love my Bersa Thunder .380acp. Mine is the single stack, but it rocks on the range and is a great carry gun.
Definitely considering getting one now because of this. The ammo can be a little more expensive than a 9mm, but with an alloy frame, relatively low price, single and double action, compact size, and up to 16 rounds total, its a very compelling choice.
I have put thousands of rounds through mine with no issues and it is my main carry gun. I am surprised that you found it uncomfortable to shoot I never had that issue and all the people I shoot with have shot it with no complaints. It really is a great gun especially for the money, I intended to buy a Walther when I got mine and after shooting both went with the Bersa.
Eric, Perhaps you can do a comparison video between this, a PPK(s) and a Beretta Cheetah 84F. And ACTUALLY pick a winner in your opinion.
You folks do a great job.
Love the jump into the meat with no wasted time on repeat intros. Cheers from WV.
This gun is easy to work with and worth more than it cost .
.380, 9mm, 38, 357 are all the same diameter lead just a slight amount of powder charge in the casing.
the length of the casing is a big difference although you’re right about the diameter. Making double stack 380 magazines smaller and more compact than a 9 mm one of the same capacity.
I'm considering this for my son for his high school graduation. He was looking at a slightly different version at Academy and really liked it. Plus he likes the hammer fire guns. Of course I like all of the safety features on the gun.
It really is a great buy! If you haven’t gotten one, it’s worth it! I happen to land two extra magazines too!
He likes dasa ? Hes got good taste. I’ve always been that way..my two younger brothers always give me crap for it and like their strikers…Oh well…😂 I’ve always just preferred the options with them especially the cz’s I have as well. Can carry hammer locked back or double action. Etc. everyone’s different. Hope you got this pistol for him it’s a great piece from Bersa. I enjoy it.
Greetings from Argentine !
Another plus I would say for Bersa has always been their magazine quality. I don't know if they make them in house or outsource them but they have always been high quality. Combine that with my Thunder 380 has always fed and ejected anything and everything I've ever fed it. I wish my old PPK had worked so well.
Hi, Patreon member here. I really like this gun. I have always wanted a high capacity 380 pistol, and since for some idiotic reason we can't buy the Glock high capacity 380 pistol in the United States, I am seriously looking at this one.
I had a single stack bersa 380 that was fantastic. A little heavy for a pocket gun but it was great. I'd love to still have it.
The Bersa .380 is the absolute best bang for the buck in the self defense firearm world. I had a Bersa Thunder CC that saved my bacon from an attacking Pit Bull. I did disarm the magazine disconnect because it is just stupid. All you have to do is take off the grip panel and remove a spring. Also, all I carry is Buffalo Bore ammunition. On the day I had to shoot a 90 pound Pit Bull as it attacked my dogs while on a walk I carried the hard cast ammo from Buffalo Bore. The dog ran off and bled out from a single torso shot. I now carry their hollow point ammunition however. I was initially concerned on the .380's penetrating capability because of testing I did on Hornady .380 hollow point that only expanded a third of the time and penetrated no more than three inches into water bottles...Hornady LIES. Don't ever trust your life to a Hornady .380 round. Their 9MM is probably underpowered too but still good enough I suppose. When they cheat on .380 you lose however.
Boy Eric, you can sure rock that Bersa. I have the 2-tone with the Crimson Trace grips but the single stack. No problems with my handloads and any cast bullet I have put thru it. I use it as my nightstand gun. I am going to take it to the range this weekend now since I watched this video. Thanks!
I’ve shot the smoke outta my Bersa 380 and Love it! Both have been flawless!
Bersa is a Argentinian base company founded in the 50's and with the world famous Bokër/Arbolito are exporting guns and knives around the world. You should try the new Bersa Thunder 90 it's just awesome.
I love my single stack Thunder .380 it has been my carry gun for 14 years and have never had any issues. I did polish the feed ramp when I purchased it and keep it clean an lubed correctly. I have put just a little north of 750 rounds through it now with the only issue ever being a dead primer on one round. I love mine and I am very interested in the + series. Thanks for the Awesome review guys!
Damn. In 14 years you've only ran 750 rounds.
My brother we have to fix this.
Im getting one. Thanks for the video. Much better than a striker fired pistol.
I miss Barry...
Yeah, I do too. Whenever I watch a video I often wonder 'What would Barry have to say about that?"
yeah, I know what you mean
+1
Very comfortable small gun to shoot. In the plus version the rubberized, wide grip feels excellent, confidence inspiring. The Plus magazines are unobtainable... I finally found one at a gun show.. payed a ridiculous amount for it. The gun only comes with one magazine.
had mine for 7 months now. very snappy recoil due to low mass of gun. very accurate. Have trained with DA/SA before (SW4013 and Beretta 92) so this is simple to shoot. Comes with one mag, and can't get a second one due to perpetual backorder by every vendor. DA is just a bit too long, but only on the first shot. De cocking is very rough if you try to engage with right shooting hand. mag release and slide slide are easy. grip is very comfortable. no issue with hammer bite, but you must consider, in a DA/SA why is there a hammer spur anyway? Why not just bob the hammer?
Eric, I always enjoy your reviews; well informed and no B.S.. Having intervened in countless GSW's, I would convey to your viewers that though, this round will prove lethal if properly placed, it is not a round that often stops an attacker. The attacker continues to be an attacker until enough blood loss has occurred. This is critical to be aware of as a potential purchaser of a firearm. Thank you for your due diligence and providing your best information. DP
Hey Eric, thanks for covering these in a serious way. Most people just ignore the larger 380s and skip straight to 9mm. That said, I'd love to see what someone with gunsmithing experience could do to improve a gun like a Bersa (like the Mosin trigger job video). The before and after effects of gunsmith tuning should be really obvious when applied to a $300 pistol (vs a $700+ 1911). Lol
Had a thunder 380 and really liked it. Moved up to a glock but that bersa was reliable as heck and shot very smooth and light.
So when the Bersa was "was reliable as heck and shot very smooth " why did you switch to Glock? Its like a cult with these Glocks.
When you mentioned Barry I started to cry, I cant believe that he died a year ago he was amazing at what he did for the channel the last 5-4 years. Miss ya Barry RIP
I agree Eric, I've had ALOT of great experiences with multiple Bersa's.
tThere's a lot of value in those pistols.
i want one now thanks erik
Looks like my CZ 70 milsurp .32 acp. In fact it’s a clone of it except for the caliber and mag capacity. I’d trust the Bersa. Looks like a well built gun like my CZ 70
Great content brother... I love my Bersa and EAA Witness....👍
Love mine never jammed shoots every ammo I put in it ..Also love my Browning BDA 380 both shoot 15 round mags ❤️
"That's some medicine for sure!" LMAO.
Non fda approved medicine. 😂
I’ve been considering this model because of its capacity. And I like the color too. Good video!
I had a Bersa which ran without a hitch. Sold it now they are iligal here, wish I never sold it.
Yes i'm in commie Ca. Wishing I was outta here.
(edit) Too many bullets for CA.
Well... Maybe, just maybe, some of the insane gun laws will get challenged by a more constitutionally friendly supreme court in a couple years and get struck down like they should have been in the first place. I feel bad for all the great people who live in CA. There's a lot of good people there despite the crazies, and there's a lot of beauty and history in that state. It's a shame what it's been turned into. CA is a liberal test tube for what Hillary wanted to do to the nation. Most unfriendly state for new business, 2nd or 3rd to last in student test scores, highest income, sales, gasoline, and corporate taxes in the nation, 20% higher unemployment rate vs the national average. Thankfully we have been saved from that for 4 years at least....
Naethan Carter Why? Short story is because Ca. Imposes so many restrictions and then they impose fees that lots of gun Companies like Glock, Ruger, S&W, and a host of others said Fuck you Ca. We don't need you. And they stopped bending over for Ca. Restrictions, fees & taxes are what has driven industry right out of Ca. Main thing in Ca is farming industry which prevails over anything else. Weather is super nice here as well but if I could I would move to Nevada on the Eastern side of Lake Tahoe. And every morning I could wake up go out front and flip off Ca. Was going to be short, sorry bout the rant. No i'm NOT!!!
The Firestorm is still on the CA Certified List. It's not 'illegal', it just doesn't have microstamping, a magazine disconnect or a loaded round indicator as well as Bersa not wanting to pay the extortion fee to get the gun onto the CA Cert. List if it did have the three needed features to be sold new in CA from a dealer. Otherwise you can sell them person to person all day long.
PandLantis You sir are correct, I sold mine person to person like you said. All went smoothly through my FFL dealer.
I often shoot a 9mm hellcat and recently got to shoot one of these. It’s an absolute.380 delivery machine
i thought rip ammo was just meme ammo
Silicon Cake nope
I'll stick with speer for real though
cost, street proven..
Plus I can just imagine some lawyer like "and he had REST IN PEACE ammo???? Clearly this guy was looking for trouble!" or some dumb shit
Keegan Dent Priceless
It's also useless. (C)R(A)Ip Ammo stops at less than ten inches in gel. This round would stop in someone's rib cage. Might as well hit him with bird shot. 15" in gel is a great number for penetration to stop threats. You want to spend $2.00 per round. that's on you. i'd rather spend $0.50 per round and actually stop someone, than piss him off.
@Jeremy Metcalf - how do you know that .380 RIP wouldn't penetrate a rib cage?
i have a older bersa and I'll tell you what. I have never had one issue at all with that little gun. the gun is almost 20 years old now. It is my backup glove box gun now. XDs 9mm is my carry. Can't wait for the national reciprocating carry
Perhaps I missed it but has Eric ever reviewed the Taurus PT-111 G2? I own two of them and both of them have run well for me.
I won´t argue as you have had way more experience with Taurus than I but my G2´s have been solid with no issues. I don´t carry them as my conceal carry pistols but they make nice firing range guns.
DeadlyEmoAngel xX você já tentou a taurus Millenium G2?? são boas pistolas
Have a PT-111 G2 myself, been an excellent carry gun. No problems at the range, eats all kinds of ammo. Though the trigger takes some getting use to. No better 12+1 9mm on the market at any price.
I have a Bersa model 85, basically the grandfather to the combat plus. All steel, mine is nickel plated with walnut grips, a beautiful pistol. Also no key lock on the 85.
Those gigantic screws holding the grip panels on though...
and isn't RIP ammo just a meme ammo?
Cactus nope
yep
+Cactus yea RIP ammo is such a joke.
You want ball in a .380
yep go with Underwood xp
16:04 Good point on cost if firearm is locked up in evidence. Something reliable, accurate and a tool specifically for that job takes priority which is why I often carry a S&W SD40 VE which is capable and reliable.
Hello IV8888! I don't know if you guys will see this but will you guys do a video on the new Arex Rex Zero 1? I'm getting close to the age to be able to carry a handgun, and i would like to see what you guys think of it. I watched Tim on the MAC do a torture test and it blew a 1500$ Sig Sauer out of the water so the Arex has really sparked my interest. Keep up the great videos much respect for you and your channel.
I may pick one up and give it a look. Not a big SIG guy so not sure how much I'll like it. For a full sized duty gun I'm more a double stack 1911 kind of guy. I like the FNX tactical a lot too. If I'm going to carry a big gun I'm going to sling bowling balls. The CZ 97 is one of my favorites too.
Aaron Hall
Iraqveteran8888 I m only 14 and have 6 guns could you review a marlin 30-30 for a how far it will kill pls I have been wondering I am a Christian and I look up to keep up the good work 😀👍 I learned a lot from u thank you
***** hey man happy veterans day. Where can I find a $300 sks. And a mauser 98k stock and hardware cheap. I don't mind doing a little work on it. And how much would you charge to bed the mauser and float the barrel? My stock is duffle cut. Oh it's a 44. bnz mauser. Btw I made a thumper few da y s ago. Haven't shot it yet but it's bad ass. Thanks for the idea. Got 80 bucks in it. Wonder if I could rig it for a bayonet? Can't find a muzzle break for it either. Damn I live little over hour from ya. I need to ride over and see ya.
Orin Fussell
I just bought mine today and I love it with my big hands!!!!!! and 15+1 round capacity! YEEEEEHAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Frame lock isnt really a problem for anyone with any knowledge. Dosnt protude from the gun, once its unlocked you can just forget it
Awesome! I've been eyeballing these for a bit. I'm glad you did a video with it.
Good gun. Magazines can be pricey.
Potential issue was, we may have got a bad batch, but we had to polish the feed ramps on ours to get good function.
But my new pocket carry is an RM380 so my opinion may not be valid.
Here in Argentina, Bersa are really low quality, almost all my friends that have owned or own a Bersa they have had all kinds of problems, the only good thing here is that Bersa offers Life Time guaranty, so every time it stops working you can send it and they will fix it up for you. I think that the guns that are exported to the US have a completely different quality control.
I had a Thunder .380 back in the days and I loved it. I wish I'd kept it. Now I see there is a Plus option I will have another.
Happy veteran's day brothers. Thank you for doing what I couldn't.
I carry the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard.380 with a "Clipdraw" clip. It's only 3/4 of an inch wide, you tuck it in, and you can forget it's there. So comfortable, love the .380.
Hay Eric can you please review the Bersa BP9CC. I have been looking at it for myself and the wife as a cc and as a household defense tool. please and thank you
Ahh I miss Ol' Barry he was a great guy , with enormous experience . Rest In Peace mate.
I will probably get all kinds of flack about this, but I took the bar out that enables the mag. safety, No kids around here so I don't see a real need for it in my case, as for the frame lock, I don't even know where or if I even have the key anymore.
Does that improve the trigger pull? Its supposed to on the Browning Hipower.
Rozmic nope. On the hi-power it does, but I dropped it on mine and it didn't do anything. Just didn't feel a need to have it.
really I don't know, I just took it off because I didn't feel I needed that extra thing on there..
that's the way with me, I didn't feel I needed it..
MissouriOldTimer
If its a defence gun it makes sense because even if your magazine breaks or is lost, you can still fire the round in the chamber.
On the other hand, it could open you up to legal issues if its used in defence, especially in a civil trial.
Excellent review. For the beavertail or, lack thereof in this model, you can always get the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus. (Not the combat) It just like the Bersa Thunder 380 but with a double stack mag and with the longer beavertail.
what are your thoughts on the Taurus PT111 millennium G2 in 9mm?