I just lately reviewed a model new, shiny Walther PP—why I selected a PP over a PPK continues to be a thriller—and it introduced again recollections of after I was a younger shaver and would go to the films to catch the most recent 007 flick.
You realize… Bond, James Bond… with all his difficult gear and flashy automobile. However what at all times captured my consideration had been the Bond ladies… uh, properly, possibly we’ll skip that. I additionally observed his pistol, the Walter PPK. It had a presence and was the proper match for him and his escapades.
So now, I’ve earlier than me a gun that appears a heck of so much like 007’s pistol. Plainly Bersa engineered their .380 after fastidiously inspecting the Walter. I can’t name it a clone or a detailed copy, however the affect was there. Right here they’re:
Comparability
Let’s have a look at some similarities and variations…
Walther | Bersa
Motion: DA/SA with decocker | DA/SA with decocker Barrel: Fastened | Fastened Capability: 7+1 | 15+1 Journal Launch: prime of the set off guard | backside of the set off guard, reversible Magazines Included: 2 | 1 Sights: milled, non-adjustable dovetailed, adjustable rear Takedown: set off guard drops down | takedown lever Slide Cease: no | sure Guarantee: lifetime, no restrictions | lifetime, unique proprietor
These are the key variations. In fact, a detailed examination of the 2 will reveal different ones.
The aim of this assessment is to assessment the Bersa, however I assumed I’d tackle the “elephant within the room”, the pure propensity to check the Bersa to the Walther. Now that’s achieved, so we are able to transfer alongside.
Argentina… What?
Bersa is manufactured in Argentina. I feel I can clarify it finest by quoting from their “About Us” net web page. Right here you go:
Since its beginnings in Argentina in 1958, BERSA has been manufacturing top quality firearms for folks everywhere in the world. At this time, nearly 65 years later, each 5 minutes, twelve months a 12 months, someplace on earth, a BERSA gun is offered. BERSA is the selection of regulation enforcement and civilians alike, offering a wonderful product, with a lifetime guarantee, at a worth that’s unmeasured. So, whether or not you’re eager to defend your own home and your loved ones, shoot in competitions, or simply get pleasure from your time on the vary, BERSA is the model that “YOU CAN TRUST”.
I additionally know that the Ecuadorian Air Pressure points Bersa pistols to their pilots. That’s a consolation!
Barrel: 3.5 in Motion: DA/SA Set off Pull: 4.0 lbs SA; 6 lbs., 4 oz. DA (measured with a Lyman digital gauge) Caliber: .380 ACP Capability: 15+1 Body Materials: Alloy Body Measurement: Micro-Compact Entrance Sight: Dovetail Rear Sight: Notched-Bar Dovetail, Adjustable For Windage Magazines Included: 1 Security: Integral Locking System & Guide Security Peak: 4.9″ Sequence: Thunder Weight: 20 OzSlide: Metal Width: 1.3 In Mannequin: Thunder 380 Plus End: Nickel Matte Cerakote Grips: Rubber Wrap-Round
The place To Purchase
This gun is the high-capacity model of the Bersa Thunder. That gun is an 8+1 .380. However, the specs are so shut on each of the weapons that I assumed why not have the additional capability? They solely ship with one journal – that’s not proper, you want two at the least – so I figured 15 was higher than 8.
Analyzing The Thunder Plus… Some Observations
Let’s face it: this pistol is old-school. I imply, alloy body? DA/SA? That’s like, previous, proper? Yessir. I like previous issues… I’ve socks older than most of you, I’d guess. And, I’m previous. Previous doesn’t essentially equal unhealthy. I imply, have a look at the 1911. Prefer it or not, it’s stronger now than I’ve ever seen it, and I’ve had my finger on the heartbeat of the taking pictures world for proper at 50 years.
So, we discover it’s previous. And it’s heavy (properly, probably not, but when all you examine it with is a polymer-framed, one-pound-wonder, then it’s heavy). It doesn’t slot in a pocket except you’re Captain Kangaroo. (Google it). It’s chambered for the 9mm’s weaker cousin, the .380. And it solely comes with one journal, as I discussed above.
Let’s have a look at every of those statements. Heavy is as heavy does. A gun that feels heavy to me might not be in any respect heavy to the subsequent shooter. Plus, a bit of additional heft helps absorb recoil. As for the pocket, I don’t have a comeback for that. It’s simply too chunky. The .380 chambering isn’t a legal responsibility at the moment with all of the developments which have been made in bullet know-how. And, don’t neglect that WWI was began by the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand with a .380 in Sarajevo. The one-magazine factor I can’t assist – it wants multiple.
Dealing with Impressions
After I choose the Bersa up, it suits very properly in my hand. The alloy grip body is roofed with a pleasant rubber wrap-around grip panel. That method, you’ve got texturing on the edges and the entrance. The backstrap is clean.
The gun sits properly in my hand, and I’ve average-size paws. On the 8+1 Thunders, the journal launch is located on the prime of the set off guard, à la the Walther – that’s completely different. However on the Plus, it’s the place God (and John Browning) supposed it to be – on the backside of the set off guard. Plus, it’s reversible. Fellow lefties on the market, be part of me in thanking Bersa for doing that!
I’ll have to handle the corners of the journal’s base plate with a file. The rear corners are very pointed and have to be relieved, which I’ll do.
One factor you’ll not see on the Plus that’s on the usual mannequin is what some shooters name a “Hillary Gap”. You realize, the keyed lock that ties every part up so the gun turns into a really costly paperweight? The Plus mannequin doesn’t have this … “function”. Yay! What the gun does have (that I don’t like) is {a magazine} disconnect security. The set off is deactivated except the journal is inserted. This may be addressed, however you’ll need to look that up by yourself.
The sights are giant sufficient, with house across the entrance put up.
They’re each dovetailed, so I assume they’re replaceable. They’re of the three-dot selection. With white dots, I normally will colour the entrance dot with some orange nail polish to get a fast sight image. Others are likely to “Sharpie” out the rear dots in order that solely the entrance one is seen. Nonetheless you deal with it, the sights work. Plus, the rear is windage-adjustable, though we didn’t must make the most of that adjustment. We may transfer it a contact to the left whereas trying on the targets. Advantageous-tuning comes later.
Taking the gun aside is a lot simpler than with a Walther.
The Bersa has a takedown lever on the suitable facet of the body. Take away the journal, press in opposition to that lever to carry it down, and pull the slide to the rear and off the body. While you wish to put it again, maintain the takedown lever down, re-insert the slide over the recoil spring and barrel, and pull all of it the best way to the rear. Then, simply push it down onto the body. That’s it.
One function that I actually recognize on this gun is the slide cease. The $900-plus Walther PPK doesn’t have one. I by no means understood that. At the least there’s one right here and it really works.
Talking of options, there’s one other one which I may do with out… the hooked set off guard. I don’t know of anybody who wraps their assist hand index finger across the entrance of the set off guard anymore, Miami-Vice fashion, nevertheless it’s there with striations reduce into it.
Right here’s A Holster That Works
I assumed I’d point out that I discovered a holster that works for me. Being left-handed and never precisely ripped (the saying is I don’t have a six-pack however I do have a keg), generally it’s troublesome to hold IWB.
So, Martin at Falco Holsters got here up with a pleasant OWB paddle holster. Paddle holsters are simpler to placed on and take off, at the least for me. It’s leather-based and has an open prime which I want. There was no challenge about ordering it left-handed. You gotta love holster firms that present holsters for either side! Right here’s a hyperlink.
The DA/SA Drill
I wish to contact briefly on the DA/SA process in case some readers usually are not conscious of the way it works.
A DA/SA (double motion/single motion) pistol works mainly like a DA/SA revolver. You possibly can hearth the gun with the hammer down (in opposition to the slide), or cocked. Sometimes, most shooters will carry the pistol with a loaded journal, a spherical within the chamber, and the hammer down.
While you insert a loaded journal and let the slide run ahead, you may press the security/decocker lever down and it’ll safely drop the hammer – it has a hammer block to be further protected. Then, increase the security lever till it clicks and the set off is re-engaged. Now, you’ve got a loaded journal, a spherical within the chamber, and the hammer down for protected carrying.
Your first shot will probably be a protracted DA pull, with subsequent pictures having a lighter, shorter SA pull. I like such a motion… you’ve got management over it and might carry the gun nonetheless you want. My solely gripe is that I can’t attain the security lever, because it’s mounted on the slide. A frame-mounted lever like Taurus did with its model of the Beretta 92 is simpler for me, at the least, to achieve. However a slide-mounted lever is extra frequent.
Capturing The Bersa
I had a few .380 masses that I wished to attempt within the Bersa, so we set some targets up at 15 yards. Listed here are two representatives:
I used to be actually impressed with the Blazer outcomes. This load would make an amazing observe load. With the Essential Protection, the goal’s not unhealthy, though I’d almost definitely attempt another protection rounds in an effort to dial one in. It’s not unhealthy, actually, with 4 largely collectively and a flyer. The Blazer is actually encouraging. We shot each off a relaxation and offhand on the talked about 15 yards. Due to Bear Creek Arsenal for offering a very nice ammo field and a few targets.
Summing Up
I like this gun a lot that I despatched Bersa a test for it. It isn’t small and lightweight like my S&W Bodyguard 2.0 .380 (which inserts simply into my pocket), nevertheless it has an attract all its personal. It’s completely different, on goal… I overuse the time period, however I name it old style, being a DA/SA.
You possibly can grasp onto the grip, and the sights are useful. Additionally, its “chunkiness” is a plus, because it helps hold recoil down. It was correct with many of the ammo we shot and dependable. I’d not hesitate to hold it. This gun has a secure platform with 16 rounds of .380, good sights, a good set off, and a grip that matches very properly.
Despite the fact that it’s a bit chunky and requires a holster, I prefer it. I do know of a number of different shooters who carry Bersas and sing their praises. I feel I’ll be part of their refrain.
