BERSA MODEL 85
Posted Jun 15, 2023
The BERSA Model 85 is a true classic in the world of handguns. The 85 is a modern, lightweight, and accurate pistol that has been around for nearly 30 years. It is a semi-automatic handgun made by BERSA in Argentina. The Model 85 is a very popular handgun that is most commonly used for target shooting or home defense.
The Model 85 is a single-action hammer-fired pistol made out of steel with an aluminum frame. The pistol has a 4.5 inch barrel and measures 8.3 inches in length with an overall weight of 30.9 ounces unloaded. The 85 can be chambered in either 9mm or .45ACP, both of which have proven to be reliable and accurate in the hands of experienced shooters. The pistol features adjustable rear sights, a four-position ambidextrous safetly/decocking lever, a trigger pull of 4-5 lbs and a maximum magazine capacity of 13 in 9mm and 10 in .45 ACP. The BERSA Model 85 is a behemoth of a handgun that is both reliable and accurate.
The Model 85 is a very ergonomic handgun, making it comfortable to handle and shoot. The grip angle of the 85 is very natural and enables the shooter to easily bring the gun up to the target. The pistol has a manual safety/decocking lever that doubles as an ambidextrous safety. This allows you to carry the gun with the hammer cocked while the safety is engaged, preventing the gun from firing. The magazine release is located just behind the trigger guard and can be easily reached by the shooter's support hand, making it easy to reload the gun quickly.
The accuracy of the Model 85 is remarkable, and it is an excellent choice for a variety of shooter profiles. The 4.5 inch barrel enables the shooter to achieve tight groupings while the adjustable rear sights help with accuracy when shooting at a distance. In my experience, I have been able to shoot groups with the 85 that are consistently under two inches at 25 yards. Additionally, the trigger pull is extremely smooth and light. The 85's trigger can be manipulated without much effort and enables the shooter to quickly reacquire the target for follow up shots.
The reliability of the Model 85 is impressive. Despite its large size, the 85 is still a capable performer that can easily handle different types of ammunition with no problems. The pistol is very reliable and has never once had a failure to feed, fire, or eject. It has been a very reliable gun in my experience and I have never encountered any problems with it.
In terms of aesthetics, the BERSA Model 85 is definitely a gun that you can take pride in owning. The 85 has a classic look that many shooters find to be pleasing. The two-tone finish on the steel and aluminum parts of the gun give it a nice look that I personally find to be attractive.
Overall, the BERSA Model 85 is an excellent gun that offers an impressive combination of accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics. The gun is well-built and reliable, and the ergonomics make it easy and comfortable to shoot. The 85's accuracy and trigger pull are outstanding, allowing the shooter to consistently hit their target. The 85 is a great gun for both novice and experienced shooters alike, and is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, accurate, and well-built firearm.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Low maintenance: The BERSA MODEL 85 is easy to maintain and requires little to no regular servicing.
• Accurate: This gun is capable of producing exceptionally accurate grouping at medium-range.
• Reliable: The BERSA MODEL 85 is very reliable and not prone to jams or misfires.
• Durable: The BERSA MODEL 85 is built with high-quality materials and is designed for long-term use.
• Versatile: The gun can handle a variety of attachments and accessories, making it highly customizable.
Cons:
• Expensive: The BERSA MODEL 85 can be quite expensive, especially when you consider the cost of additional attachments and accessories.
• High recoil: This gun produces a noticeable amount of recoil, which can be difficult to manage for less experienced shooters.
• Limited ammunition: The BERSA MODEL 85 only accepts 9mm Luger caliber ammunition, meaning it is not conducive to long-distance firing.
Who Should Buy
The BERSA Model 85 is a semi-automatic pistol designed for recreational, self-defense, and target shooting purposes. It is generally suitable for most shooters and is a great choice for those new to firearms. This pistol is generally not considered a hunting or competitive shooting weapon, and is not suitable for more experienced shooters who are used to higher performing weapons.
Comparisons
| Bersa Model 85 | Smith & Wesson Performance Center PC1911 | Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE | Heckler & Koch HK416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Semi-Automatic | Automatic |
| Caliber | .380 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Capacity | 8 Rounds | 7+1 Rounds | 8+1 Rounds | 30 Rounds |
| Weight | 21.4 oz. | 41.2 oz. | 39.5 oz. | 7.5 lbs. |
| Barrel Length | 3.5" | 4.25" | 4.6" | 14.5" |
| Trigger Pull | 7 lbs. | 6.5 lbs. | 4-5 lbs. | 5.6 lbs. |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 8 Rounds
• Action: DA/SA
• Construction: Steel Frame, Black Finish
• Sight: Adjustable
• Barrel Length: 3.5”
• Overall Length: 6.5”
• Height: 4.55”
• Weight: 21.4 oz.
Popular Accessories
- Grips - Several grips are available for the Bersa Model 85, allowing for a more comfortable and custom fit.
- Sights - Standard factory sights are available or aftermarket enhanced target sights can be purchased for more accurate shooting.
- Magazines - Magazine capacities can be upgraded to hold up to 15 rounds for extra firepower.
- Holsters - A variety of different holsters are available for the Bersa Model 85 allowing for concealed or open carrying.
- Laser - Put on a laser sight for enhanced accuracy, even in low light scenarios.
- Trigger - Upgrade the trigger with add on components for faster and lighter pulls.
Accuracy
The BERSA MODEL 85 is a semi-automatic handgun that is designed for self-defense and concealed carry. This gun has a reputation for being exceptionally accurate due to its excellent quality of manufacturing and design. The BERSA MODEL 85 is known for consistent and repeatable accuracy, especially when shooting from distances up to 25 yards. In terms of accuracy, the BERSA MODEL 85 is considered to be a reliable gun that can be trusted for self-defense or competition. Furthermore, this gun is fairly easy to maintain and provides great performance and recoil control for shooters of all levels of experience.
