Bersa Thunder 380 Review and Price

A Comprehensive Guide

Bersa Thunder 380 Review
Bersa Thunder 380
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From $ 250

Technical Data

Here is a detailed Bersa Thunder 380 review. The Bersa Thunder 380 gun is a compact semi-automatic pistol. It was designed to be used in combat but comfortable enough for range training. It was created in 1990, and it has been popular ever since. Many Glock owners consider the Bersa Thunder 380 as an alternative because of its reliability and affordability. This review will compare these features to help you choose this self-defense weapon.

Table of Contents

The Bersa Thunder 380 is one of the best handguns for self-defense or concealed carry. The polymer grip provides excellent traction while also being comfortable in your hand. It has more than enough stopping power for self-defense and is easy to conceal if you carry it on the job. The safety features are perfect for protecting you and keeping your gun secure when not in use. Let’s discuss the features of the Bersa Thunder 380 that make it a great gun for self-defense.

Features of Bersa Thunder 380

Grip and Textures

One of the first things you will notice about this gun is its grip. The polymer grip is very comfortable and provides adequate traction to avoid slipping. It is also removable, so you can replace it if it ever gets damaged or you want to personalize your gun. The grip is slightly bulky, but it will fit in your hand without feeling too large to control. It is designed to fit securely in your hand and has a textured gripping surface for extra control during shooting.

 

The textured pattern of the grip will also ensure you have an excellent grip on the weapon when pulling it out of your holster. The grip’s texture combined with the non-slip surface makes this gun perfect for all types of weather conditions and users, especially people who have sweaty hands. The grip has the Bersa logo on both sides of the weapon. Overall, it feels comfortable in your hand without adding too much weight. The grips are also removable for easy cleaning or switching out with different grip styles.

Bersa Thunder 380 Review and Price Grip and Textures

Size and Weight

The weight of the Bersa Thunder 380 is one of its best features. It weighs only 23 ounces, making it perfect for concealment or carry in your purse or bag. This gun is compact enough to hold during an attack without feeling like carrying a heavy object. The lightweight design also helps during vacations or trips for self-defense without weighing down your bag. The size of the gun is great for all types of users. The entire weapon only measures 6.6 inches in length, making it easy to add to your hand. The short length is also perfect for people with smaller hands or self-defense weapons during high-intensity situations. The overall height is only 4.8 inches, and the barrel length measures 3.5 inches long, which is common for most handguns of this caliber. The width is slightly larger at 1.3 inches, but it still fits in your hand comfortably.

Bersa Thunder 380 Review and Price Size and Weight

Stopping Power

The stopping power of this weapon is one of the most important components in choosing a self-defense weapon. Bersa Thunder 380 review has found that it has more than enough stopping power to use as a reliable home defense weapon or on the job. The Bersa Thunder 380 is a great handgun for self-defense. This gun can shoot a bullet with a velocity of 985 feet per second. It uses .380 ACP rounds which are the perfect size to ensure stopping power without sacrificing portability. It is accurate and easy to shoot, perfect for all experience levels. You can accurately shoot it from a 35- to 50-yard range, and its small size makes it great for various-sized hands.

Safety Features

The safety features on the Bersa Thunder 380 include a traditional safety switch and an internal locking mechanism. The dual safeties make it nearly impossible to fire unless you purposely pull the trigger and lock them in place. Combining these safety measures makes this gun one of the safest handguns to use for self-defense. There is also a keyed locking mechanism to help you prevent unauthorized use of the firearm. It is one of the safest guns on the market, making it great for home defense or travel purposes. The Bersa Thunder also comes with manual safety on the side of the gun. The manual safety is easy to use and makes it a great addition to the weapon for extra security.

Bersa Thunder 380 Review and Price Safety Features

Slide Stop and Magazine Release

The Bersa Thunder 380 also has a slide stop and magazine release to help you easily load the weapon. The slide is made of an alloy frame, steel slide, and an external hammer. The slide release is located directly on top of the handle, making it easy to find when you need to access it in a hurry. The magazine release is also located on the side, and it sits perfectly in your hand when you hold the gun. This makes it easy for you to change out magazines during a high-intensity situation quickly. This feature is essential for self-defense weapons when you  need to reload your gun quickly in an emergency. You can load your rounds into the magazine in one quick motion. It holds 7 rounds in the standard magazine and 8 rounds in the extended clip. 

Bersa Thunder 380 Review and Price Slide Stop and Magazine Release

Trigger Mechanism

The trigger mechanism of the Bersa Thunder 380 is one of its best features. It has a short travel distance, which means you have less chance to miss your target when pulling the trigger quickly. This gun also comes with an external hammer, so your shot does not bounce while walking or moving within close range. The Bersa Thunder 380 is a single action and a double action. This means it can be fired by pulling the trigger in double-action mode or single-action mode. If you choose to shoot in single-action mode, you will not need to pull back the hammer before you fire the weapon.

 

While if you choose to shoot in double-action mode, you will need to pull back the hammer before firing the weapon. The difference is that with the single-action mode, you do not have to worry about wearing down your trigger spring as quickly since it does not have to travel as far. Both of these mechanisms make this gun extremely accurate when firing at short distances since your hand does not shake while you are firing. It is one of the most accurate handguns on the market, making it a great gun for beginners and experts in firearm handling. 

Bersa Thunder 380 Review and Price Trigger Mechanism

Recoil and Muzzle Flip

The Bersa Thunder 380 has a low-recoil mechanism that absorbs most of the shot’s momentum. Due to its lightweight aluminum alloy frame, you do not need to put too much muscle into the weapon to fire it. This makes the Bersa Thunder 380 great for both beginners and experts alike. This also helps to reduce muzzle flip and makes it easier to control when you have to line up your target quickly. If you are new to shooting handguns, this is a great feature as you can shoot multiple rounds with less kickback. 

Bersa Thunder 380 Review and Price Recoil and Muzzle Flip

Advantages of Bersa Thunder 380

Concealability

Since the Bersa Thunder 380 is a compact gun, it is easy to conceal. It measures 6.6 inches in length and has a barrel of 3.5 inches long, making it a great weapon to carry on your hip or your ankle without anyone knowing you have it with you. The lightweight alloy frame also gives this handgun an extremely low weight of just 23 ounces, which is a big advantage in a self-defense weapon.

Reliability

The Bersa Thunder 380 is a gun made to last, and it has great quality. It has an extremely low rate of misfires and jams, attributed to its parts being all high-quality and durable. 

Durability

Since this weapon is made from lightweight aluminum alloy, the gun only weighs 23 ounces. This means it is extremely durable and can take a beating and keep on working. It does not require too much maintenance due to its great quality, and you do not have to worry about rust or corrosion as this gun will last for years.

Affordability

The Bersa Thunder 380 is available for an extremely affordable price. It is one of the most affordable handguns on the market, especially considering its quality and durability. If you want an extremely reliable gun that will last for years but does not want to spend too much money, then this may be the handgun for you.

Disadvantages of Bersa Thunder 380

Availability

Bersa is not as well-known as other gun manufacturers such as Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Beretta. This means that fewer people own a Bersa pistol, making it harder to find replacement parts for this gun if you ever need them. 

Ammunition Capacity

Many handguns have around 10 rounds of ammunition per magazine; however, this gun only has 7 rounds per magazine. While the magazine is easy to load, this can be a problem if you find yourself in a situation where you need to fire multiple rounds quickly and do not have time to reload. 

Aftermarket Accessories - Bersa Thunder 380 Review and Price

There are many aftermarket accessories that you can purchase for this gun, but finding parts could be a challenge depending on where you are. Some of the best aftermarket accessories for Bersa Thunder 380 are:

Sights

One downside to the Bersa Thunder 380 is that it does not have adjustable or laser sights. If you are struggling to hit your target, you can purchase new sights to make it easier to aim. There are a wide variety of sights available on the market, so you should be able to find something that fits your needs and shooting style.

Lasers

If you struggle to aim as well as you would like, adding a laser sight to your gun will make it much easier. You can purchase tactical lasers that stick onto the front of the gun and project an accurate red dot onto your target. This helps to ensure that you never miss and always hit where you need to every time.

Flashlights

If you are looking for a handgun used during the night or in dark areas, adding a flashlight can make it much more effective. Since this gun is compact, the best accessory to buy is one of the tactical lights that fit on the front of your weapon. This helps ensure that you always have some form of illumination when you need it.

Grips

If you are looking for a different grip on your gun to make it more comfortable, plenty of options are available. You can purchase new grips that are rubber, textured, finger grooved, or have finger rest molds. This helps you find the best grip that works for you and ensures that you have the most control over your weapon.

Magazine

If your magazine is damaged or you want a backup, plenty of options are available. You can purchase new magazines that hold more rounds, have finger rest molds, have fewer restrictions to increase the speed with which you can fire your weapon. And many other variations so you can ensure that you always have a working magazine for your gun.

Magazine Pouches

If you are looking for a way to hold your spare magazines, you can purchase plenty of pouches. Some have belt loops, others have velcro closures, and some are even designed to be placed onto tactical vests so that you always have them securely fastened onto your body.

Slings

There are a wide variety of slings available on the market for purchase. These slings can be used to carry your gun so that you have both of your hands free, or they can be used to secure your weapon onto tactical vests, tactical belts, and tactical bags. This is ideal if you have multiple guns because it makes it easier to carry all of them when you need to.

Holsters

There are plenty of holsters available on the market manufactured for this gun specifically. These holsters protect your gun and ensure it is secure when carrying it around with you. This helps to ensure that you do not lose your weapon or accidentally injure yourself by dropping it onto hard surfaces where it can be damaged or broken. Depending on where you need to carry your weapon, you can choose IWB holsters, OWB holsters, or even ankle holsters. Some have belt loops, others have magnetic closures, and some even come with leg straps to be attached to tactical vests or other gear. The more options that come with your holster, the more secure it will be when you need to use it. Here is our recommendation for a specific holster that you can purchase:

Fobus Bersa Thunder 380 Right Hand Standard Belt Holster

The Fobus standard holster is an excellent choice for concealed carry. The holster’s simple design makes it easy to use and apply, with a smooth draw and easy holstering of the handgun. It is made of durable injection-molded polymer. This holster features a retention screw that can be adjusted for desired retention force. The holster also has a built-in belt loop, which allows you to use it without the paddle or belt clip if you prefer. The patented locking adjustment system provides an extra level of safety by locking in place when holsters are fully seated on the belt, making it extremely difficult for someone to pull out the gun. This particular holster can be worn on both strong sides and cross-draw without modification to the holster, making this one of our most popular holsters.

FAQs

What kind of suppressor can I use for my Bersa Thunder 380 Plus?

There are plenty of different tactical lasers that have been manufactured for specific handguns. If you want to add a laser sight to your gun, you must purchase the correct model and ensure that it is fastened securely onto the front of your pistol.

Is the Bersa 380 Thunder a good gun?

The Bersa is a great gun for concealed carry or home security. It has plenty of safety features to make it safe for you to use, but its polymer frame makes it lightweight and comfortable so that you can shoot accurately and quickly if needed.

How loud is a Bersa Thunder 380?

Legally, all handguns must make a safe sound when they fire. However, the Bersa Thunder 380 is known for being one of the quieter options on the market today due to its internal mechanisms and how it was manufactured.

What is the best holster to use for my Bersa Thunder 380?

There are plenty of manufacturers that make holsters specifically for this gun, and they vary in cost and quality, so it is up to you to choose the one that works best for your needs. Whether you need a holster for casual carry or home security, there is something available on the market today for your gun.

How do I maintain my Bersa Thunder 380?

Many different manufacturers make gun oil, solvents, and lubricants that are specifically designed to work on the components of your gun so you can ensure they are always functioning properly.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, a lot goes into the Bersa Thunder 380 review, and it may seem overwhelming at first. However, if you take some time to read all of the information above and determine which factors are most important to you, it will be much easier to choose the perfect gun for your concealed carry or home defense needs. There are many benefits to using this gun, like the fact that it is lightweight and easy for you to carry around on your person. It also has an affordable price tag, so even if you do not have much money to spend, you can still purchase this handgun. You may find that there are other guns on the market today, but the Bersa Thunder 380 is an excellent choice for concealed carriers and home defense. It would be best if you considered all options before purchasing any product. I hope this article has helped you make the right decision for your needs.

Our Research Process

Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.

Author Profile

Gabriel Tackett
Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.