BERSA THUNDER 380 PLUS
Posted May 25, 2023
The Bersa Thunder 380 Plus has been gaining popularity in recent years as a dependable and lightweight concealed carry pistol. This semi-automatic, .380 caliber handgun has earned its place in the concealed carry market by providing users with an effective means of self-defense without the need to purchase a larger, heavier model. The Bersa Thunder 380 Plus has earned accolades for its ergonomic design, its small frame, and its affordable price tag. In this review, I will analyze the features and function of the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus and evaluate its effectiveness as a concealed carry handgun.
The Bersa Thunder 380 Plus is a double-action, blowback-operated semi-automatic .380 caliber handgun. It features a polymer frame and a high-impact alloy slide with a black finish. The gun is lightweight (just 15 ounces) and comfortable to hold. Its sights are 3-dot, adjustable for windage and elevation, and feature a white outline rear sight for better target acquisition.
The trigger action on the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus is very smooth and predictable. The trigger has a consistent, gentle, 7-pound pull that works well for shooting quickly and accurately. The trigger feels well-balanced, and the reset is short and crisp for a quick follow-up shot. The gun also has an effective and easy to use slide stop, which allows for easy loading and unloading.
The Bersa Thunder 380 Plus is extremely reliable. It feeds and ejects most varieties of .380 ACP ammunition reliably and without issue. The gun features a low-profile extraction system for easy disassembly, and its recoil is manageable. The slide has a good, solid lockup, and the safety selector is located at the back of the slide for easy access.
In terms of accuracy, the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus is capable of achieving reliable “minute of man” performance at typical self-defense distances. Its adjustable sights allow for more precise accuracy at longer ranges, though they require a bit of adjustment. The gun is also well-suited for shooters with smaller hands due to its slimmer grip and shorter length from butt to muzzle.
In conclusion, the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus is an attractive and dependable concealed carry handgun. It is lightweight, reliable, and accurate, and its adjustable sights make for better target acquisition at longer distances. The gun is also very easy to use, disassemble, and clean. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and shoot, even for shooters with smaller hands. Pair all this with its affordable price tag, and the Bersa Thunder 380 Plus is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and effective concealed carry handgun.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Slim profile
- Low recoil
- Lightweight
- High capacity magazine
- Extremely accurate
- Good value for money
Cons
- No manual safety
- Heavy slide
- Long trigger pull
- Lacks aftermarket support
- Replaced by newer generations of pistols
Who Should Buy
The BERSA THUNDER 380 PLUS is an excellent weapon for both recreational shooting and self-defense. It is an excellent choice for those who have some experience with handguns but it is also suitable for those who are completely new to the world of guns. Those who lack proper training should not purchase the BERSA THUNDER 380 PLUS, as with any gun. It is also important to emphasize that it should only be used in accordance with local laws.
Comparisons
| BERSA THUNDER 380 PLUS | Product 1 | Product 2 | Product 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 3.5 inches | 3.2 inches | 3.7 inches | 3.4 inches |
| Trigger Pull | 6 lb | 10 lb | 6 lb | 9 lb |
| Mag Capacity | 14 rounds | 14 rounds | 10 rounds | 16 rounds |
| Weight | 22 ounces | 23 ounces | 21 ounces | 24 ounces |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 8+1
• Barrel: 3.2"
• Overall Length: 6.5"
• Width: 1.2"
• Height: 5"
• Weight: 21 oz.
• Sights: Fixed (3-Dot)
• Finish: Matte Black
• Grips: Checkered Polymer
• Action: Double Action / Single Action DA/SA
Popular Accessories
PISTOL
- Holsters: You'll want a holster that is comfortable and secure for carrying your BERSA Thunder 380 Plus Pistol. An inside-the-waistband holster is a popular option, or there are other specialized holsters for belt or shoulder carry.
- Magazine Extensions: A magazine extension allows you to increase the capacity of your BERSA Thunder 380 Plus Pistol’s magazine without changing the magazine size.
- Grips: Aftermarket grips can offer improved comfort and control for your BERSA Thunder 380 Plus Pistol and also add custom visuals and styling.
- Sights: For improved accuracy and faster target acquisition, an upgraded set of sights for your BERSA Thunder 380 Plus Pistol may be the way to go, as there are a variety of popular options available.
- Laser Sight: A laser sighting system allows you to quickly and accurately acquire targets with your BERSA Thunder 380 Plus Pistol, and you can find laser sights designed to fit your firearm.
- Flashlights and Tactical Lights: Adding a flashlight or tactical light to your BERSA Thunder 380 Plus Pistol allows for improved low-light performance and more control in certain environments.
Accuracy
The BERSA THUNDER 380 PLUS is a reliable, accurate pistol chambered in .380 ACP. The three-dot sights allow for improved accuracy while shooting, and the crisp DA/SA trigger and lightweight design provide a consistent feel when taking aim. The gun is also quite lightweight, making it easier to keep on target. In terms of accuracy testing, the THUNDER 380 PLUS is capable of impressive performance, with some groups measuring as small as two inches at twelve yards. This makes it an excellent choice for target shooting, defensive applications, or concealed carry.
