Just bought the wifey a BERSA THUNDER in .380Auto for Xmas. The THUNDER model is pretty close to the CC in features and design. (CC has a larger cap. mag and no pinky extender I believe) I've done lots of background research on-line using GOOGLE and forums like this one, plus borrowed similar guns to shoot from gun club members before I purchased it. Here's my FYI I've discovered/learned from my experience owning the BERSA THUNDER:
PROS:smt023
1. It seems to be vey accurate up to 15+yrds - AFTER I bench tested it and sighted it in by tightening the rear sight in place..... (see my earlier post)
2. VERY affordable - $300 bucks. I also compared : WALTHER PPK $500+ / SIG232 $650+ / BERETTA 84 CHEETAH $550+
3. Great safety features & easy to use
4. Nice 3DOT night sights
5. A side/side comparison w/SIG232 was virtually a tie. THe SIG won but not by much?????? (can't remember all the details) I think the final decision was influenced with SIG's long history of reputation and quality of their other models they offer. So a gun that's rated A+ that's just as good as a SIG for 1/2 the price....is a no brainer in my books, unless you've got cash coming out the wazzoo.
CONS:smt102
1. .380Auto ammo is more expensive to shoot than 9mm, unless your into reloading + it is only about 2mm shorter, but in the area of being only about 3/4 as "powerfull" as 9mm. NOTE: some will tell you 9mm itself is a joke and the ONLY cal. to have is .45ACP too. Opinions vary greatly and the debate goes on.......me......shoot what your comfortable with & can afford
2. The gun is pretty stiff/a little awkward to break down due to the strong hefty recoil spring.
3. The gun is VERY sensitive to feed jams if you happen to accidently "limp-wrist" when firing. I've only had 2 in 250rnds so-far.
4. For some unknown reason the BERSA doesn't supply a case and only comes with 1 7rnd mag. I've searched everywhere - on-line or thru local dealers & the entire line of mags are "Back-Ordered" with no confirmed re-stocking date - So I wait.
MY CONCLUSION:smt033
It's a great CCW, not a serious "plinker" or a range "target gun". The local dealer I bought the wife's from - can't keep it in stock due to it's popularity & price. Alot of forum members luv their's and swear by it's dependability/accuracy/price/features/ease of maintenance, all which I tend to agree with. IT'S A NICE STURDY GUN.
For me.....it's too SMALL, and it's sub-compact frame I've found doesn't work well for those with large hands even w/the pinky extender on the magazine. After about 50rnds of target practice, I find the energy transfer from recoil actually makes my hand hurt, even though I'm only shooting 95grn FMJ "whitebox" Walmart target rounds. (not sure but maybe the fact that the 3" barrel is "fixed" is a factor)
The model I bought was the total "black" ver. and not the stainless or "mixed" frames that BERSA offers. SO I can't really speak as to any overall do's/don't when it comes to cleaning/maintaining. I clean it like I do my Beretta 92FS......after every trip to the range. It's all good.
Whoa too much caffene today.......Hope some of this rant helps. Good luck