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Bersa 380 Accuracy?

16K views 32 replies 22 participants last post by  JasBrit 
#1 · (Edited)
Bought the wifey a BERSA THUNDER .380 over xmas and I'm having some "issues" with it's overall accuracy, or in simpler terms - lack of.

It's a nice little gun (the wifey luvs it), don't get me wrong, but try and shoot consistant groupings at a static paper target at 6-10 yards is like a "Hail- Mary" play. At 5 yards......not so bad. 3 yards.....pretty good.

The wife shoots in the 3-5 yard range so in her mind she's not really having a problem since it's a CCW weapon for her anyways. But when I try and shoot it at the minumum distance I start at, 8 yards.......well lets just say.... WOW!:smt102

I admit I/the wife never actually shot this BERSA before I bought it (shot a WALTHER PPK /SIG232 in .380 & a TAURUS Pro PT111/XD Sub in 9mm that was avialable to me for comparison in the sub-compact arena) and searched on-line including this forum and the BERSA met with rave recomendations on all sides.

So I guess my "issues" are:
1. The small 3" barrel - poor accuracy out past 6 yards - normal or not?
2. A serious brand of Ammo problem. - shooting Walmarts "white box" Winchester 95grn FMJ. -they sure eject with serious powder blackening on the casing. The metal isn't burnt from heat, just covered in a thick black layer of soot.
3. My large hands gripping this thing - it's the wife's- she likes it, so don't sweat it and keep her targets in close?
4. It's a CCW weapon - NOT a target pistol. SO any practical use of it being remotely accurate at over 20ft away.....yea... yer dream'n buddy?

Just a bit of a rant. As long as the wifey likes it........we'll be keep'n it. I'm happy to use my 92FS for my own "accuracy" tests on my targets.

I gotta get me some more coffee. :smt023

Thanks
 
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#27 ·
Interesting thread. I just bought a Bersa Thunder .380 two weeks ago and my experience in the indoor range with it gave me the opposite impression. I found it to be quite accurate for such a short barreled gun.
I shoot my wifes T380 at an indoor range quite often. Neither my wife or me have any issues with accuracy out to 15 yds (5-7" groups consistently). Most often we shoot at defensive ranges of 21 ft or less and unless there is a flinch by the operator, the accuracy is more than enough for defensive purposes. Remember, it's not a target gun.:smt023
 
#28 ·
Remember, it's not a target gun.:smt023
+1

Yea......I sometimes forget that. But in my own defense...my XD9sc w/3" barrel is a BEAUTIFUL shooter that puts rounds on target in 2" or less groupings at 7-10 yrds.
I know it's like comparing apples - oranges, but I had high expectations the BERSA would a least be "close".:rolleyes:

Thanks
 
#29 ·
Keep in mind that there are two ways to setup sites, or site picture, on a gun. It sounds like you are used to having the target sit on top of the front site which is one of the methods. The Bersa uses the other method where you put the front site on the target, sometimes refered to as combat sites if I'm not mistaken. After I figured that out, I have not had any problems keeping my shot groups really tight out to about 15 yards (3-6 inches on a good day!).
This is a very important point regarding Bersas: they shoot a 'dead-on hold', not a 'six-o'clock hold'. In other words -- as MacTex describes -- you aim with your front sight COVERING the target point, NOT UNDER it. The latter will result in low shots.
I think this single adjustment will solve most shooters' problem with 'inaccurate' Bersas.
I find the .380 -- especially the concealed carry edition, which has a very low-profile front sight -- to be a fine little point-and-shoot pistol. At 'social' ranges -- at which it is most likely to be used in live action -- simple, informal sighting down the barrel will result in plenty accurate results (minus that dratted first-round, double-action opener!).
 
#31 ·
Update on my Thunder 380. I have no issue with accuracy. Out to 15 Yards (it is a pocket gun guys!) I get very good accuracy, it shoots right with my G23 out to that range. I can't carry it though as it has at least three FTFeed every range session. I keep it clean, use factory mags and fire good ball ammo (experimented with several brands.) I sent it back and had it worked on and it still does it. Shame, it is a very handy and attractive little gun for carry. I still EDC S&W 642/640. Yes, I may be limp wristing it but you have to be realistic in CCW, you will not always be assuming your best "school" grip and stance when SHTF.
 
#32 ·
Before I deceided to buy my BT 380 Plus,I did quite a lot of research on small caliber SD weapons.This gun is perfect for my wife in terms of size,operation,etc.This ACP compares equal to or even excells in comparison to other current .380 AUTO's on the market except the price.
I find it to be accurate and have no problem using it as a SD carry weapon ( when she let's me use it! )
 
#33 ·
Nathan, quick point of interest about your wife shooting to the right. "My wife has one that she kept swearing shoots to the right" If the Lee target for correction is any indicator, hits to the right (3:00 position) indicates "Thumbing (squeezing thumb) or Too Much Trigger Finger. If shots are at about the 1-2:00 position it is "Heeling" or anticipating recoil. At the 4-5:00 position to the right, it's "Tightening Grip While Pulling Trigger".
 
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