Firestorm Mini 40 or 9mm?

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DougB

New member
I handled one of these at the NRA show (thinking it was a .380). I was quite surprised when I saw 40 S&W on the frame. And more so when I heard it holds 11 rounds fully loaded. It seemed like a decent quality, very compact, all-metal pistol. I think I've read a few favorable comments about these before, but would appreciate hearing more experiences before I try one - everything looks good about them, but the low price and Firestorm name (which I think is really Bersa, if I remember correctly), make me a little nervous. How are they in terms of reliability, durability, etc. Thanks.

Doug
 
I posted a similar question a few months back, but eventually decided to buy a Kahr K40 Elite, with which I am very pleased by the way.

I have never fired the Firestorm Mini 40, but as one poster said, "it looks pretty darn sexy". Looks, however, were not critical in my decision. All other things were.

And you're right: Firestorm is Bersa's alter ego in the U.S... Same gun; different name.

I own a Thunder 380. I don't use it much anymore except when I renew my CCW license and take the proficiency test, since I have "graduated" to more powerful loads. But quality was never a factor. Bersas, although not usually recognized as exceptional guns, are good nevertheless.

Hope this helps.
 
I purchased the 9mm Mini FireStorm. Ten shot only on the U.S. guns, but the ones listed on an English website do come with higher capacity mags. It's comparable in size to the Taurus PT111, but is a few ounces heavier. It's quite slim considering it has full ambi controls. The trigger is much nicer than the PT111, but that's to be expected since it's dbl/sgl action. I haven't hit the 200 round mark yet, but I've had no FTF or FTEs, or any other problem for that matter. Field stripping is relatively easy so that's a plus. I'm not the greatest shooter in the world, so I'm sure the gun has more accuracy than I am capable of shooting. I shoot it better than some of my full size pistols. It must have been designed for small hands like mine. :D

Right off hand, the Handguns 2002 Buyer's Guide (Handguns Presents #16) has a review of the Mini FireStorm (P36). I've seen at least two more reviews in the past six months, but I don't have access to those mags at this moment.

I'm not sure why the pistols are labelled as FireStorms in this country instead of Bersa. The English website shows the full size Bersa Thunder 9 and the reduced size Bersa Mini Thunder.

BTW, see if you can get the seller to throw in another mag. These puppies run about $50 for a 10 shot mag!

http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/minispecs.htm
MINI FIRESTORM 9mm & 40 S&W
9mm D.A. 10-Shot
40 S&W D.A. 10-Shot

CALIBER: 9mm / 40S&W
OPERATION: Semi-Automatic
ACTION: Double Action
OVERALL LENGTH: 6 1/2"
HEIGHT: 4 1/2"
WIDTH: 1 1/2"
BARREL LENGTH: 3 1/2"
WEIGHT: 24.5 oz
SIGHTS: White Outline Drift Adjustable Target Sight
SAFETIES: Manual, Firing Pin, Decock
FINISH: Matte
GRIPS: Anatomically Designed Polymer Grips

1750 BRIELLE AVE. UNIT B-1, WANAMASSA, NJ 07712
Tel: 732-493-0302 Fax: 732-493-0301
e-mail: firestormsgs@aol.com

Edison

:) :)
 
magazine availability

At recent Gun Show I contemplated buying a Firestorm Mini-40. However after shopping ALL the magazine sellers it seems there are no extra magazines readily available. I really liked the appearance (and the price $270 NIB) but I decided to pass 'til I could find magazines. I have three other .40 pistols to help hold the safe down.;)
 
I've shoot a Mini .40 and liked it a lot.

At the range I belong to, the owner and a couple of the RO's use the Mini .40 as their CCW.

I think a Mini .40 is next on my list.
I've got some .40 ammo but I don't have a gun to go with it anymore.:p
 
Thanks for the replies. I spoke with a logal dealer who also uses one himself and likes it. I think I'm going to have to give one of these a try. The big decision now is whether I should get the matte black or nickel finish.

By the way, I believe dealer cost on extra magazines is about $30.

Doug
 
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