Double stack 380 ,.....CZ 83 vs Bersa Thunder Plus

I have settled on a double stack 380 as my next handgun purchase. It will mainly a range toy. I have settled on either a CZ 83 or a Bresa Plus

I doubt I will consider anything else, but I respect everyone opinions so if you have others go for it.

-Beretta Chettah is too rich for my blood. I want to keep this under $500.
-Must be new. More than half of my guns I bought used and would like to get a NIB this time.
-Must be double stack--12 rounds min.
-I really like the look of the Bersa and CZ...I know looks are not as important as function...but if it functions AND looks good why not...it is a range TOY after all

Anyway, Does anyone have any opinions on the CZ and /or the Bersa. Particularly the following:

1) Warranty and Customer Service
2) Function...esp. with cast lead reloads...don't want any FTF or FTEs
3) Finish durability.. I will probably get black and the CZ's high gloss looks better but how to the different finishes hold up
4) Takedown and cleaning

The Bersa seems to run about $350-$375 here and the CZ about $450-$475....all else the same it might come down to CZ's looks vs Bersa xtra rounds and $100....but I wanted to see if anyone here could helo me decide

10/22/11

re: Bersa thunder 380


There is a thread in this forum, “Bersa Thunder 380” you can find at: http://www.msgunowners.com/t4058-bersa-thunder-380

I have that Bersa and if you’ll take a look at my posting dated Mar 30, 2010, I’ve pretty well set forth my thoughts on it. I’m pleased with it...particularly the lower price (not called the “Frugal Shooter” for nothing!).

I’ve got some other posts in that thread, the most recent is dated, Jun 29, 2011, “From the Driver’s Seat”.

If you’re considering the Bersa I think you’ll find that thread a worthwhile read.

If you’ve got any specific questions send me a PM. I’ll try to answer.


Ed

I owe two CZ 83s and really like them. However, mine are Czech police trade-ins and were about $260 each. Takedown is super easy. With mag out, you pull down on the front end of the trigger guard until it clicks, then slide the slide off.

I have yet to shoot lead bullets in mine, but will when I get some cast... I am very pleased with the accuracy on these 380s.

.

I have owned a Bersa and liked it. Gunstore owner/smith has one as his EDC.

I have 2 Bersas in my family. I have nothing but good things to say about these guns.

Paul

Love the Bersas.. I have had two

Im not a Bersa fan. Had a Bersa 380 a couple years ago. It broke after about 30 rds shot through. Sent it back to get it fixed. As soon as i got it back traded it on something else.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! BERETTA is the way to go with .380 self defense (if you can't go 9mm more). About the only thing Bersa will fire semi reliably is ball - not a good option for self defense. Don't jeopardize you or your family. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

colonelz wrote:YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! BERETTA is the way to go with .380 self defense (if you can't go 9mm more). About the only thing Bersa will fire semi reliably is ball - not a good option for self defense. Don't jeopardize you or your family. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!

Agree that you should never jeopardize your family, but as I stated this is completely a range toy. I have other weapons for defense and this would never be used for such (unless I was attacked at the range, but even then I would have other options on my hip).

I just wanted to restate that this will not be a self defense weapon. I would not want this to turn into a "is 380 enough" type of thread.

But self defense aside the beretta is probalby the best range toy 380 out there. I am just not sure if it is worth the xtra $$ for that purpose. Saw all 3 in a gun shop the other day. Bersa plus was $375, CZ was $420, the Beretta was $795

Understand your point. It's just that the Beretta is so nice! Check around in pawn shops, gun shows and on the internet for one. It's worth the difference in quality, reliability, looks, and yes....snob factor, too!

May i ask why a .380 and not a 9mm. 9mm ammo can be had cheaper a lot of the time, and a lot better at SD.

bugman53 wrote:May i ask why a .380 and not a 9mm. 9mm ammo can be had cheaper a lot of the time, and a lot better at SD.

I already reload for both 9mm and 380 and it is a little cheaper for the 380. Again this is just a range toy. I already have a pocket 380 and just want a larger capicity 380 to have fun with.

My primary SD gun is a Ruger sp101 in 357 mag

Ok that makes sence. I would lean towards the CZ personaly They seem to be a little better made than the bersa.

Just a note have you looked at the walther Pk380? Walther would be my #1 choice in a mid sized 380. Although only 8+1. Ther might be an extened mag for it.

Just got back from Van's. He has a used Beretta 84 for $499. Sometimes he'll do a little better on price. Great guy and Great store.

colonelz wrote:Just got back from Van's. He has a used Beretta 84 for $499. Sometimes he'll do a little better on price. Great guy and Great store.

I assume van's is in Jackson? Was the beretta blued or stainless

It is at 777 Highway 468, Brandon, MS (near Whitfield), about 10 miles south east of Jackson. The Beretta was blued. Phone number for Van's is (601) 825-9087.