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Gun Carrier Review: Bersa Thunder 380

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The Bersa Thunder draws mixed reactions from the gun community. One Bersa Thunder review might state that a .380 ACP does not pack enough power, while another shooter might swear by its reliability. Should you get this handgun?

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Bersa Thunder 380 Review | Packing for Self-Defense

What You Need To Know

The Bersa Thunder 380 is a .380 ACP with an 8+1 round capacity, 3.5-inch barrel length, 6.6-inch gun length, and 22-ounce weight. You can easily slide this behind your belt or inside a handbag.

Many shooters hail the Thunder .380 ACP as one of the best innovations in the industry. Its small, lightweight frame attracts shooters of all levels, from neophytes who want a manageable pistol to veterans needing inconspicuous concealed carry weapons.

However, no two shooters share the exact preferences. What your buddies find practical and efficient might turn out as junk on your end.

So before you cough up a few hundred for a new Bersa Thunder, we recommend going through this compact yet comprehensive review first. Our goal is to help buyers make educated purchases.

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Accuracy

Man aiming pistol in shooting range | bersa thunder 380 plus

The Bersa Thunder .380 ranks nowhere near competition level, but you can accurately shoot it from a 35- to 50-yard mark. This accuracy makes for good target shooting during the weekends.

Price Value

Man holds handgun in gun shop | bersa thunder 380 cc

Bursa Thunder .380 ACP handguns range from $250 to $300. Shooters would be hard-pressed to find any other pistol on the market that offers similar quality.

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Ergonomic Design

Pile of handguns on wooden table | bersa thunder 380 magazine

The Bersa Thunder 380 magazine has a small round capacity of 8+1. Shooters might have a tough time shooting multiple rounds out on the field, but nine rounds are enough if you use the ACP for self-defense.

If you want something larger, try the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus. It carries all the advantages of the standard Thunder 380, but also offers a larger 15+1 round capacity.

Take note of the gun's safety decocker. Safety decockers prevent accidental discharge stemming from mechanical failures and human errors. However, they also make it difficult to fire quickly.

In an emergency situation, panicky, nervous first-timers might forget to unhook the decocker, thus compromising their overall safety. To prevent similar situations, practice activating and deactivating the decocker as quickly as you can.

Reliability

close up on a guy shooting firearm handgun | bersa thunder 380 price

With a double-shot, first-action mechanism, versatile 3-inch barrel, and light 22-ounce weight, the Thunder .380 ACP undoubtedly scores high in terms of reliability. You can use this handgun in several situations.

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Aesthetic Design

9mm 9x19 luger caliber live ammunition with golden cartridges | bersa thunder 380 problems

Many shooters criticize the Bersa Thunder 380 for its poor-quality design. Admittedly, Bersa could have done a better job with the way the Thunder .380 ACP looks.

It does not have the best finish, but it definitely looks better than the other handguns in the same price range. This .380 ACP only costs $300, yet people unfairly compare it to 9mm pistols costing double.

Tip: The Thunder series also comes in pink. We found that first-timers and neophytes gravitate toward brightly colored pink guns because they have an overall less intimidating look. Everybody wants the security that gun ownership offers, but not many can handle the intensity.

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Final Verdict: Real-Life Application

A person is hiding a handgun under the denim belt | bersa thunder 380 price

Considering the price point and overall value offered, the Bersa Thunder .380 ACP passes as a suitable self-defense or concealed carry weapon for shooters of all levels. Even lanky teenagers firing for the first time can handle this ACP.

However, keep in mind that the gun costs $300, so do not buy with the intent of acquiring a $2,000 pistol. The handgun has its shortcomings, but it's nonetheless reliable.

Check out this Bersa Thunder 380 review by Honest Outlaw where they take the pistol out for a test run:

The Bersa Thunder .380 ACP suits first-time shooters in the market for a self-defense handgun. It offers reliability, accuracy, and functionality, so most shooters would feel comfortable using it for concealed carry applications. Plus, you can get a brand-new piece for only $300.

Although, as many shooters have said before, .380 ACP handguns do not pack forceful stopping power. You will either have to target the weak points or fire multiple rounds to deal significant, life-threatening injuries to your attacker.

Have you tried shooting this .380 ACP handgun before? Share your own Bersa Thunder 380 review with us in the comments section below!

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3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Paul

    July 30, 2021 at 6:26 PM

    I’ve owned and carried the Bursa Thunder 380 for a fews years now and have put about 800 rds through it. In all that I’ve had a few non-fires and one stove-pipe, all due to the ammo, I’ve had this happen in some high end pistols as well. I actually like when this happens, which is why I practice with cheap ammo. A malfunction can happen at any time with even a quality brand name ammo, and that has happened to me on occasion. So when these malfunction happen, I go immediately into clearing it. Practice, Practice, Practice! Practice, clearing malfunctions! When I bought it, I was looking to buy a Walther PPK, but it felt too small in my hand. When I grab a pistol, I want it to fit right off the bat, not needing to adjust my grip. The Bursa fit better in my hand.
    Overall, for the money I cannot complain or critize this pistol. It has performed equally as well as any hand gun I have used or owned.

  2. Don

    July 30, 2021 at 5:47 PM

    I’ve owned a Bersa Thunder Plus .380 for years and have always really liked that gun. It’s accurate and smooth, and what I’m always surprised by is people never mention in articles or reviews that for all intents and purposes, it’s a knockoff of the Walther PPK! I think no one ever mentions the design not being terrific or any of the other supposed negatives about the Bersa because of the popularity of James Bond carrying the Walther PPK!

  3. Joe

    July 30, 2021 at 2:41 PM

    Perfect home and car defense

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