BERSA THUNDER 380
Posted Jun 15, 2023
The BERSA Thunder 380 is a sought-after handgun for those looking for a reliable and compact option for concealed carry, plinking or target shooting. Manufactured in Argentina, the Thunder 380 is made out of high-quality materials and has a great reputation among gun owners who appreciate its low price tag, superior accuracy, ergonomic design and safety features.
When you first inspect the Thunder 380, you’ll notice the all-metal construction and striking, sleek design. The handgun has an alloy frame with a blued-finish and the matte black composite grip is slender and comfortable. An additional accessory rail is fitted at the front of the gun for adding extra accessories such as tactical lights and lasers. The gun is also equipped with an ambidextrous manual safety lever and slide-lock.
One of the best features of the Thunder 380 is its caliber. Many concealed carriers feel more comfortable carrying a .380, which could also be considered the lightest of the “soft” calibers. It also provides a reliable platform for shooting and accuracy is not compromised in the slightest.
The gun is equipped with a 3.5-inch barrel and the patented Bersa “Fast Action” system which allows you to achieve a quick and easy draw from the holster. The trigger pull is a smooth and consistent 8-9 pounds which contributes to the great accuracy you can expect from the Thunder 380. A wide magazine release offers quick and effortless reloads.
The Thunder 380 comes with standard fixed sights but you can also customize with aftermarket optics. It has a seven-round capacity, and although there are aftermarket mags that can accommodate up to nine rounds, the compact size and concealability of the Thunder 380 remain unaffected.
Overall, the BERSA Thunder 380 is an excellent firearm and a real value for concealed carriers and target shooters alike. It’s lightweight, reliable and accurate, plus it has a good capacity and low recoil. It should be said that there are much more advanced handguns out there but as far as a basic, entry-level polymer gun is concerned, the Thunder 380 is the undisputed king in the budget category.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Lightweight and ergonomically designed.
• Low recoil.
• Affordable and widely available.
• Reliable and accurate.
• Available in a wide variety of finishes and ergonomic designs.
• Great for target practice or novice shooters.
Cons:
• Poor sights and long trigger pull.
• Limited aftermarket options.
• Magazine often gets stuck in the gun.
• Prone to jamming.
• Tend to be finicky when it comes to certain ammunition types.
Who Should Buy
The BERSA THUNDER 380 is a type of handgun that is primarily designed for self-defense. People who should buy this type of firearm include those who are legally allowed to own and possess firearms, who have been trained in gun safety and who possess a valid license to own such weapons.
People who should not buy a BERSA THUNDER 380 include those who are not legally allowed to own firearms, those with no safety training and those who do not possess a valid license to own such weapons. In addition, minors should not purchase this firearm, as it is intended for use by adults.
Comparisons
| BERSA THUNDER 380 | SMITH & WESSON PERFORMANCE CENTER PC1911 | WILSON COMBAT CQB TACTICAL LE | HECKLER & KOCH HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .380 ACP | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | .223 Remington / 5.56x45 |
| Barrel Length | 3.5 in | 5 in | 5.4 in | 14.5 in |
| Sight Radius | 5.75 in | 6.9 in | 6.5 in | N/A |
| Overall Length | 6.625 in | 8.56 in | 8.7 in | 28.4 in |
| Weight (empty) | 21.5 oz | 41.0 oz | 43.0 oz | 7.3 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 8+1 Rounds | 7+1 Rounds | 8+1 Rounds | 30+1 Rounds |
| Grips | Checkered Wood | Textured Wood | G-10 | Polymer |
| Safety | Manual Safety | Thumb Safety | Ambidextrous Frame Mounted | Ambidextrous Controls |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 8+1 Rounds
• Action: Double/Single Action
• Barrel Length: 3.5"
• Frame: Alloy
• Slide: Alloy
• Grips: Checkered Polymer
• Sights: Fixed or Adjustable
• Length: 6.5"
• Weight: 22 oz. (empty)
Popular Accessories
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- Extra Magazine
- Magazine Loading Tool
- Recoil Spring
- Trigger Kit
- Rail System
- Laser Sight
- Grip Inserts
- Sight Mount
- Magazine Holster
- Soft Carrying Case
Accuracy
The BERSA THUNDER 380 is a reliable and accurate handgun, even for beginners. It is a single-action semi-automatic pistol with a trigger safety that prevents accidental discharge. The 3.5” barrel gives a good sight radius and contributes to the gun's accuracy. This model comes equipped with a low-profile three-dot sight system for improved accuracy and accuracy of the placement of shots. It also has a smooth trigger pull with a short reset, giving beginner shooters greater accuracy and live-shooting ability. Additionally, the BERSA THUNDER 380 features an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable and intuitive. All of these features add up to a weapon that is very accurate and an excellent choice for anyone seeking an easy-to-use self-defense handgun.
