Bersa Thunder .380 or 9mm?

[KPShooting]

I'm thinking about a Bersa for my first pistol purchase. I mainly want a bedside gun, but would ultimately like to CC it.

I was initially thinking about the Thunder .380 because of it's small size and reported low kick. It seemed like the perfect carry gun, but the more I read about the .380 round, the less desirable it seemed.

Then I discovered the Thunder 9mm UC. While slightly bigger the 9mm cartridge would pack more of a punch.

I'm at a loss as to which to pursue. The .380 is cheaper and much easier to find, but the ammo is almost double the cost of 9mm. The 9mm has the cheaper ammo, but it's more money upfront and they are VERY hard to come by. The 9mm is also thicker from what I've read so it might not be great for CC.

Does anyone have either of these pistols, and if so what are your thoughts? Are there better alternatives that are relatively same dimensions and price?

[ddefazio]

I would keep my eye open for a used G26.

[Neko456]

9mm is a good defensive round the 380 is near bare minimum. There are more defensive rounds out for the 9mm and more pratice ammo at reasonable price.
Even if the 9mm Bersa is slightly bigger the amount of stopping power is that much better over the 380, some think SP is a myth. But just in Gel testing the 9mm is a better round.

Except for being slightly bigger gun all the pluses are in the 9 mil lane.

[afultz075]

There are many on this forum including me that will attest to the fact that the Thunder .380 is a great little gun. I traded for one a few weeks ago and it's a solid, reliable pistol that's sold for a very reasonable price.

I can't speak for the Thunder 9mm as I haven't ever held one, but I don't really care for the design of any of the other Bersa's besides the Thunder 380.

[Crazee]

I have had experience with both..Don't let anyone turn you away from Bersa's they are excellent guns.. I never had a Jam with mine.. As you have stated the 9mm is a bit bigger and isn't the easiest to conceal.. But that is the only drawback.. The 9mm comes with two clips.. They hold 13+1 as opposed to 7 or 8 in the 380.. The ammo is cheaper and easier to find. I bought the 9mm after shooting the 380.. I did not feel confident in the 380 cartridge.. The only other thing that I like better about the 380 is that I have small hands and it fit me better. But in the end that was not nearly as important as the cartridge and capacity. PS if you have any specific questions feel free to PM me..

[JEC_PA]

I certainly like how the Bersa 380 fits, never shot it. Glad to hear some postitve notes on it. It certainly is priced right.

[mrnyman]

Bersas are awesome guns and at a good price too, .i have many .380's as you can see from my basket of .380's but when i want to carry a .380 i reach for my Bersa.

The 9mm is too new (to the U.S.) give it another year on the market. Get the Thunder .380

[mrnyman]

Here's loo[IMG]img193.imageshack.us/i/picture019jv.jpg/[/IMG]king at you kids, 380 all the way

[ssom003]

Right now 9mm ammo is cheaper than .380

[musclebound]

Bersas are awesome guns and at a good price too, .i have many .380's as you can see from my basket of .380's but when i want to carry a .380 i reach for my Bersa.

The 9mm is too new (to the U.S.) give it another year on the market. Get the Thunder .380

What do you mean it's too new? I've had mine for about a year and a half. I think the 9mm bersa pistols have the best reputation among the bunch. That was the Consensus on the Bersa forum last time I was there. I probably have 3-4k through, and it's been flawless. I'm more accurate with it than with my glock. I'd say go for the 9mm.