Bersa Thunder 9mm question

[Beretta Bob]

A buddy of mine is looking for his first handgun purchase, and he is on a budget. He likes the feel of full frame autos, and is debating on a Bersa Thunder 9.
He wants a 9 because of price of ammo.

What reviews I have read sound good. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this brand, or any recommendations on an inexpensive 9 auto?

[Adam-12]

Bob,

I considered a Bersa for my first purchase: the price is really nice. Some folks criticize their quality, but many Bersa owners are really devoted to them, so on that score I'd certainly consider one.

The main caution I'd offer is that the Bersas are double action on the first shot, single action thereafter, and then must be decocked before reholstering. Newcomers to handguns might do better with double-action-only, which always fires like a revolver, or else something like a 1911 that only fires single action. That way the trigger is consistent between shots.

Your buddy might want to consider renting a few pistols, including DA/SA, SA and DAO, and see how he likes them before making a purchase.





(Note for completeness: hammerless autoloaders are often technically neither DAO nor SA; many of them are partially cocked when a round is chambered. The guy behind the counter might call them double-action-only, or single action, or something else. As long as the trigger is the same every time, that's what I'm talking about.)

[QuakertownRich]

I owned a full-sized Bersa Thunder9 last year. At first appearance it was similar to a Beretta, and fits holsters for the Beretta. It never gave me a problem, but I noticed the guide rod was plastic. It looked like a chewed up pencil after a few hundred rounds so I sold it away. I only buy collectable/quality handguns now, all Springfield, S&W etc.

[Beretta Bob]

Thanks for the advice guys.
I appreciate it.