Bersa Thunder vs. Ruger LCP

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Prime Winner

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I'm looking for a small concealed carry piece and think I have narrowed my search down to a Bersa Thunder 380 or a Ruger LCP 380.

what I want out of a concealed carry gun:

* easily concealable, would like to stuff in my pocket
* something I can take to the range 3-4 times a year for about 100 rounds per trip
* something for about $300

guns Ive tried to concealed carry but just didnt work out:

* keltec 380 - didnt like it, felt too small in my hand. although I did like how the ease to hide
* glock 19 & 26 - loved them, just couldnt get used to carrying on my hip in an IWB holster
* sigma - same as above for glocks
* S&W model 12-4 - nice revolver but cant find a concealable holster I feel comfortable with

posted this on another site but thought I would ask the family here as well
 
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Just a heads up, if you don't like the Keltec P-3AT .380, scratch the LCP because they are essentially the same size and design. Good luck with your decision.
 
I have a P3AT and a friend has the LCP. For me, there is NO difference in the 2 guns. I can shoot either gun with either hand. With guns in this size catagory, you MUST shoot them often to get to know them. Then you MUST shoot them often to stay proficient!
I do consider them to be "back up guns" to my primary, which is a 442.
 
Between the Bersa and LCP for a concealed carry / pocket gun, the LCP hands down. The Bersa is too big and bulky for a pocket gun IMO.

For general shooting however, I'd go with the Bersa. Since it's bigger and heavier it will be easier to put more rounds through it.

I owned a Bersa and currently own and carry a LCP. I sold the Bersa because mine wasn't reliable. I have since shot one that had no issues.

I really like the LCP. After some rounds it's easy to be quite accurate with it. Of course, it's a close quarters self defense gun, not a target gun. At 7 to 10 yards its accurate enough (all rounds on the target).
 
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check out the Bersa CC it's a little smaller than the thunder it's also thinner.
Google the Bersa CC and check it out it fits in a Desantis Nemisis I carry it once in a while as a back up on duty in my week hand pocket.

Pete
 
Electraclyde said:
I have a P3AT and a friend has the LCP. For me, there is NO difference in the 2 guns. I can shoot either gun with either hand. With guns in this size catagory, you MUST shoot them often to get to know them. Then you MUST shoot them often to stay proficient!
I do consider them to be "back up guns" to my primary, which is a 442.
Click to expand...
This is an excellent post and I wholeheartedly agree. Larger guns let one fall into a rhythm and spit the lead out. My P3AT doesn't work that way. Every shot must be aimed. Keep in mind, there are one shot magazine extensions availabe for the P3AT, and finger grip type floor plates (the name escapes me right now) that allow a better grip.
 
IMHO, you don't have a gun problem, you have a holster problem.
I often see this in students who do not grasp that holster and belt choice are more important than gun choice, within reason. You may need to change the way you dress or use a different holster.
Why do you think we all have that shoebox of holsters?
For the money you've spent swapping guns, you could have a $900 gun, belt, holster rig.
 
Firehouse said:
Just a heads up, if you don't like the Keltec P-3AT .380, scratch the LCP because they are essentially the same size and design. Good luck with your decision.
Click to expand...

That is why they call it the LCP, Little Copied Pistol.
 
That's what I said when Ruger announced the LCP, but there turn out to be subtle differences between the gripframe of the Ruger and the P3AT's - these allow me to shoot the LCP wonderfully, where I cannot get the P3AT to function properly when shooting with only one hand.

Back to the OP's Q: it's sort of hard to compare the two - they're very different. The LCP is easier to conceal than my Beretta 21a Bobcat - the Bersa is a little pigger than a PPK. Don't know what kind of pockets you're talking about - I can carry and conceal PPK-sized blowbacks in some of my pants, but they aren't too well concealed in others. The LCP is so tiny and flat that it works very well in any pants in a wallet holster. OTOH, I put a Kel-Tec clip on mine and wear it (with a behind-the-trigger block modeled after the Saf-T-Blok's that I used for some purposes with my various Glunks) IWB - it's the least noticeable gun I own.

You might prefer the feel of the Bersa, though. It's going to have to be your call on this subjective decision - both guns have things going for them. I mean, which is better, an apple or a banana? They're both fruit, but . . . :cool:
 
OKFC05 said:
IMHO, you don't have a gun problem, you have a holster problem.
I often see this in students who do not grasp that holster and belt choice are more important than gun choice, within reason. You may need to change the way you dress or use a different holster.
Why do you think we all have that shoebox of holsters?
For the money you've spent swapping guns, you could have a $900 gun, belt, holster rig.
Click to expand...

Good post. Getting proper gear to go with my guns made all the difference in the world as far as comfort and concealability go. Pick a gun you shoot well and trust then get some good leather for it, it will be a completely different experience.
 
pete950 said:
check out the Bersa CC it's a little smaller than the thunder it's also thinner.
Google the Bersa CC and check it out it fits in a Desantis Nemisis I carry it once in a while as a back up on duty in my week hand pocket.

Pete
Click to expand...

Pete, Plus 1
I love my Bersa CC. As you noted it is a tad smaller than the standard Thunder. Bersa makes several variations on the same theme. My Bersa shoots like a dream, it points and shoots to point of aim better than any small pistol I have tried. Everyone who picks it up is amazed at just how "right" it feels. Now if you have very large hands it may not be the gun for you. As far as concealed carry it works well. It goes in a
pocket holster in my front right pocket and does not print. The CC comes with an 8 round magazine and I keep a back up mag handy.

It makes a great truck gun, I keep it in my truck in the center console and just slip it into my pocket when I get out. If I ever have to shoot from the drivers seat it is not only accessible and very handy to point, it won't blow my hearing (or whats left of it), into the next county. Winchester 95 grain Silvertip hollow points will get the job done and if I am not "Up close and personal" I'll be putting the pedal to the metal and fleeing. Bottom line, shoot one and you will be glad you did.
 
hey guys, thanks for all the great input. lots of great info. I ended up going with a Bersa Firestorm 380. got it for $283 after tax and ID check fee. this thing feels great and I like the ability to have a thumb safety.

 
Enjoy your new Bersa

I think ya made the right choice. My Thunder .380 has been great so far. Got it in my pocket right now as a matter of fact.

I also own the Thunder 9. Great gun a bit to big and heavy for a carry gun, but it makes a great night stand gun.

Next to S&W, Bersa is my second choice for firearms. Great quality but at an affordable price.
 
Nice choice, Prime.

I had an older Bersa Model 383 (the Thunder/Firestorm precurser). I traded it away on a new sidearm as the slide spring was weak with age and .380 ammo was impossible to find in my area at the time. Instead of replacing the spring and waiting for ammo, I got rid of it.

I really miss it. .380 ammo is back around now and the Bersa was a straight shooting and easily concealed. Plus, the cant and grip worked well for me. I plan on another Bersa but I am waiting to see the new .40 compact due any day now from Bersa before making my purchase.
 
I have a LCP and it is a great pocket carry and BUG. I am lucky because I have 400 rounds through it without any problems. I also own a Sig P232 (380auto) and this is one quality weapon. The fit and finish is probably the best in the business IMHO. Carry whatever you feel good with.
 
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