bersa thunder 380 plus

**lonehiker** · April 18th, 2007, 06:07 PM

picked up my new piece today. it was susposed to be a standard thunder 380, but when it came in it was a plus model (plus stamped on the side, 15 shot flush fit magizine)

i took it apart and cleaned it, boy was it an oily mess

i will take it to the range tomorrow and give it a good test

**lonehiker** · April 19th, 2007, 12:27 PM

i took it to the range today, it did not go so well

the first 16 rounds (15 and one 1) had 2 FTF's and no slide lock on empty mag

the second 16 hand 3 FTF's and no slide lock on empty mag

i was using magatech 95 gr. fmg

something tells me the recoil spring is too strong, slide not coming back far enough ?

**Siggy** · April 19th, 2007, 12:55 PM

I would try some different ammo first. I have a Bersa .380 (not the special model) and it has never had a problem with FTF, jamming, or not catching the slide.

After 1,200+ rounds it has been a great little pistol with one exception: the safety switch kept becoming locked in the "safe" position when I first got it. Bersa (I called the importer in NJ specified in the materials that come with the pistol) had me Fed-Ex the pistol to their top warranty gunsmith in LA and he had it fixed and shipped back in 2 days. Bersa paid for everything - shipping included. Great service and no problems since. They said if I did have another problem they would replace the entire pistol.

GREAT service from Bersa!

**Atomic Dog** · April 19th, 2007, 01:06 PM

Agreed, the standard model has worked flawlessly through about 800 rounds for me.

Try different ammo, and if need be have bersa take a look at it.

Brian

**MichaelB** · April 19th, 2007, 07:17 PM

Just because I want to jump on the bandwagon. My wife has a Bersa .380. we have put probably 1000 rounds through it. Never had a problem. I think I want one of my own. anyone willing to part with theres?

**Nate** · April 19th, 2007, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by MichaelB

Just because I want to jump on the bandwagon. My wife has a Bersa .380. we have put probably 1000 rounds through it. Never had a problem. I think I want one of my own. anyone willing to part with theres?

Not me. I love mine. I'm planning on getting one in a .22 now as well.

**TwistedCopper** · April 19th, 2007, 08:29 PM

My Bersa .380 has never hiccuped. I shoot Winchester white box for target.

**Thunder_380** · April 19th, 2007, 08:36 PM

I have one as well, I had 2 FTE's with first 50. I think it was my grip. But after that I have had no problems in the last 200 rounds I have shot. Also when you cleaned it did you replace the recoil spring with the tight end first over the barrel? It makes a difference.

**God's Country** · April 19th, 2007, 10:12 PM

The .380 caliber is prone to jamming. I'm not sure if it has something to do with balance of round or the blowback design which is common. That being said the Besra, from what I've read, it a reliable feeder. I would try different ammo, and a firmer grip while shooting. I would also put 2-300 rounds through it before I got concerned. The only major .380 problem I had was the ammo. I purchased CCI and many of the bullets seemed to be set way to deep in the casing. Some even looked cock-eyed. Needless to say I never purchased CCI again, unless it was brass. TRy something new and keep us posted.

**InvisibleGuests** · April 19th, 2007, 11:22 PM

That's cool, I didn't know there was a plus model. Is it any larger than the regular Bersa Thunder 380? I just bought my 380 the day before yesterday and just put another 118 rounds through it today. I really love the machine. It's a very comfortable piece to wear. At least as comfortable as a hunk of metal on your back can be.