Bersa Thunder for the price of a Makarov?

[maxinquaye]

Hi,

I went in and bought a Makarov from my usual place the other day. They called me back today saying they could not locate any, and are offering to sell me a Bersa Thunder in .380 for the same price. I dont know anything about the thunder, is it worthwhile? Price wouldbe $179 (What I paid for the Mak).

Thanks as always

 

[Halo]

The Bersa Thunder is a good pistol, and that's a good price for one. I have two Bersas, I've been satisfied with them. You can take a look at them here:

http://www.bersa-llama.com/cat_thunder380.html

You still need a Mak though .

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Never owned either---but have handled both in the store----the Bersa seems to be the better gun to me. Esp--if the price is right.

 

[Dave R]

The Bersa will be lighter and smaller. Easier to carry if you plan to carry it. Ammo availability is marginally better for .380.

The Makarov is reputed to be more accurate and more durable.

 

[gunfreak00]

Take the bersa for that price.I have a thunder 9mm and a 380 ,they both have been good guns.you still can get maks. for$99 new in box.granted they arent as good as a e. german mak. but after a couple hundred rounds the action loosens up and they are good guns.

 

[Slabside]

m:

Not to discount the Bersa in any way but if the Makarov is what you really want, then stick to it. Try locating a Makarov on your own. I think for the price dif, you would me more happy w/ the Mak. However it works out, best wishes.

Slabside

 

[Kevinch]

I don't know anything about a Bersa but I do know something about Makarovs: accurate, very reliable, & built very well. I think an un-issued milsurp Bulgarian Makarov is one of the best values in a handgun today. I think the $99 Maks are used milsurps, and are also a very good deal.

A lot of it depends on the Mak you are buying for $179. For an un-issued milsurp Bulgarian or a new commercial Bulgarian (identified by the word "ARSENAL" on the slide), that is a fair retail price. If it's an East German (EG) or new Russian commercial, that's a fair price. If it's a used Bulgarian or used Russian commercial you could probably do better.

If it would happen to be a Russian milsurp or Chinese gun, stay away from them. Tell me where the dealer is at so I can ...er..go over & scold him.. Kidding aside, either of those is a very good deal at that price assuming the gun is in nice shape.

My latest edition of the SOG flyer has Bersa .380 pistols going from $169.95 to $199.95, so it would appear that $179 is right in the middle of the going prices.