Canik Shark or Bersa Thunder Pro?

C

Cosmodragoon

New member
I know it isn't as popular as it used to be but I love SA/DA for carry. If one has a manual safety, I won't use it. I do like a decocker and most of my other SA/DA guns have them so I'm used to it. So I've been looking for a less expensive 9mm CCW that's in the medium size range. These two lines stand out. They look great on paper and they just plain look good. The reviews are solid on both. Since nobody has one within 100 miles of me, I figured I'd pick your brain.

The Bersa Thunder Pro has what I'm looking for but is a little on the large side. The UC version (see below) looks about right and it has something else I like: finger grooves.

bersa_thunder_uc_9mm_001_400.jpg


The Shark C is pretty much right in the middle of those size-wise. It doesn't have a decocker but it sure looks sharp. It has its roots in the beloved CZ-75 but is far prettier. A major benefit there is that it supposedly makes good use of CZ accessories.

1422284_01_canik_55_shark_c_9mm_nib_cc_ac_640.jpg


Speaking of accessories, I know several Caniks take the Hogue rubber grips with finger grooves. Does anyone know if they fit this model?
 
Bersa for sure. Mine may be an anomaly but it has the best SA/DA hammer fired trigger I have ever pulled. That and it has been 100% reliable.
 
I have the tristar t100, same as shark c, beat gun I have ever owned. I can't speak for or against the bersa, just on the amazing reliability and shootability of the canik. The downside is the finish, the hard chrome is a fine finish, but the blue doesn't stick to the alloy frame of the c or t100 series well.
 
I know nothing about the Shark,,,

I know nothing about the Shark,,,
But I own a Bersa Thunder 9 UC and like it quite a bit.

140724-UC9-09-Boxed-LR.jpg


It comes with either 10 or 13 round magazines,,,
So you have that flexibility if you need it.

It will feel like a CZ RAMI in your hand,,,
Mine has a very decent trigger,,,
DA pull isn't too long,,,
SA is short-n-crisp.

Over 350 rounds and not one malfunction.

Happy hunting,,,

Aarond

.
 
Bersa is a good choice

I have the 9UC and I am quite pleased. It's pretty thick due to generous ambidextrous levers. Had an XD9 SC and it is almost the exact same size as the Bersa. A lot depends on how you like your gun to work. The Bersa can't be carried cocked and locked because the safety decocks the gun. You can then turn the safety off and have a DA first pull.

The CZ clones (I have a Witness) usually only have a safety. This means you can carry cocked and locked, or hammer down and safety off. The bad news is that you have to decock manually. Unless you are a 1911 or SAA guy this can be a bit scary. If you slip BOOM!

Bersa is the easiest pistol to take down by far, even a cave... yeah its dead simple no part to lose no witness marks to line up. 1) turn take down lever 2) pull slide off frame 3) done
 
I ve had 2 of the Bersa 1 went to a family member that needed a pistol for home . Other went to step son as his carry pistol. Next one I but is staying with me period.

Their a nice carry pistol if you want a hi cap 9mm for a reasonable price.
 
I can't speak for the Bersa, but I've looked over the Canik CZ clones. Haven't shot them, but I've been able to do some dryfire. A decent SA trigger, but I feel they have an absolutely awful DA - only you can determine what you like, though. Apparently, the DA pull can be improved, but for the effort involved, it may be better to get a genuine CZ. If not the 75B, then maybe a P07 - best 9mm I've had the pleasure to shoot ( other than the 75B ).
 
Canik for sure. Shot both and ended up buying the Canik. It might be the best bang for your buck gun on the market right now.
 
The CZ75 family are some of my very favorite pistols.

I have read 99% good things about the Bersa.

You might be looking at a win/win.
 
I'm still interested in both of these but since starting this thread, I still haven't seen either in person. I keep an eye out at shows and I visit the local stores on a semi-regular basis. Maybe some day...
 
I know it isn't as popular as it used to be but I love SA/DA for carry. If one has a manual safety, I won't use it. I do like a decocker and most of my other SA/DA guns have them so I'm used to it.
Click to expand...

This pretty much answers your question, IMO. The Canik has no decocker, so you either have to carry C&L, which you said you don't like, or decock it by thumbing the hammer, which just makes me uncomfortable, personally. I suppose you could carry cocked with the safety off, but that just doesn't seem like a good idea to me. The Bersa, on the other hand is made for exactly the kind of carry you are describing: safely decocked and safety off.
 
I've been very impressed with every gun that comes out of the Canik factory (I have Tristars and Canik branded versions). They're all VERY well built and reliable.
 
I had a Bersa Ultra Pro in 9mm and loved it. It was my concealed carry pistol. Lost it in the divorce. :( I handled another one a few days at a gun shop. Believe it or not, the Ultra Pros have one of the best, out-of-the-box triggers around. I was amazed at how light and smooth the double action trigger pull is with no stacking. Plus, the Ultra Pro, with the finger grooved grip just fits the hand perfectly. I don't think you'd go wrong with one.
 
I've often considered the Bersa and I might end up getting one eventually but the Caniks are just a pleasure to shoot. I have the Shark compact's big brother, the T-120. Manually de-cocking a pistol is no big deal as long as you think before you do. I always point in a safe direction and never let the hammer down with out paying attention to what I'm doing. Not at all scary and easy to get in the habit of doing it properly.
 
Yeah, the Canik has no decocker and it has a manual safety that I'll never use. Why would I consider it? Well, it's a CZ-type design that's prettier and more affordable. I love CZ 75s but not the aesthetics on the muzzle end of the frame, either normal or railed. The Shark solves this with a very attractive taper. If I could find an actual CZ cut like that...
 
Cosmodragoon said:
Yeah, the Canik has no decocker and it has a manual safety that I'll never use. Why would I consider it? Well, it's a CZ-type design that's prettier and more affordable. I love CZ 75s but not the aesthetics on the muzzle end of the frame, either normal or railed. The Shark solves this with a very attractive taper. If I could find an actual CZ cut like that...
Click to expand...

The Canik reminds me of the Jericho's profile....but with a better safety arrangement.

I want one of the Canik/Tristar pistols with the more CZ-like profiles....mainly so that I can find holsters easier.
 
No brainer: the Canik. As you mention, virtually all accessories for the unrailed compact CZ 75s should fit, and Cajun Gun Works has the parts to make the trigger as sweet as you want it to be, DA and SA. There is good reason why the CZ 75 is the most cloned DA/SA pistol on the planet.
 
As always, it's about personal preference. The Shark is longer than the Thunder and heavier as well. Both companies have good reputations. I own a Canik Stingray (CZ Compact clone) and love the gun, but it's all steel, too heavy to be a carry weapon. If you are limiting yourself to the two guns then Bersa is going to be "more compact" and most likely easier to carry.

I recently purchased the Taurus 111 G2 and it will eventually become my carry gun. It doesn't have a hammer. At first I thought I made a mistake, it doesn't bother me now, don't even think about a hammer, decocker, etc. Essentially you would be "cocked and locked."

I don't think your research is complete as of yet. I'm sure there are others who have thoughts on a compact for carry with the budget of a Bersa.

Happy shopping. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top