Dirty Argentinian

[Gat Man]

I went to one of the local guns shops at lunchtime and came across a Bersa Firestorm 380 in the consignment case. It’s well used, only came with one mag but the trigger pull is crisp and action is smooth. The price was listed at $175, I offered $125 and it was accepted. All in with taxes and fees was $187. I’m pretty stoked and think it might be good to teach the kids when they’re ready to step up from the 22s.

 

[Deleted member 9396]

You scored, Gat Man
These are sweet lil 380s. Mine has been accurate and reliable. I think I paid ~$280

 

[Tank Mechanic]

Most blowback .380s are harder on your hand than a full size 9mm.

 

[Dvrjon]

Most blowback .380s are harder on your hand than a full size 9mm.

True, but the grips on that gun really do mitigate the recoil.

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

Sorry, no. The Bersa .380 blowback design makes for a sharp, uncomfortable recoil for a child, a lot of adults to. When younger a fullsize or Commander 1911 in .45acp was comfortable to shoot hundreds of rounds a day. The most I ever shot out of my Bersa .380 was 20 rounds in one sitting and I was done.

The guns themselves are small, comfortable to hold and well made and accurate. But fun is not a word I would describe to shoot them. You got a screaming deal, but shoot it yourself first before letting a kid or new shooter try it, you'll be surprised by the amount of recoil.

YMMV

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

True, but the grips on that gun really do mitigate the recoil.

I tried factory grips, $80 custom wood grips, 3d party rubber grips, etc. It was never comfortable to shoot. Had multiple shooters all experienced try it also and no one wanted to shoot it for any prolonged string of fire. I actually really like them, just not shooting them. Otherwise they're a tank and accurate with old world charm.

 

[Dvrjon]

I tried factory grips, $80 custom wood grips, 3d party rubber grips, etc. It was never comfortable to shoot. Had multiple shooters all experienced try it also and no one wanted to shoot it for any prolonged string of fire. I actually really like them, just not shooting them. Otherwise they're a tank and accurate with old world charm.

I have a Tanfoglio from 45 years ago which is a blowback and hits like a ballpeen hammer. The Bersa, in contrast, is substantially more pleasant. But I do agree that it’s probably a chunk to use for youth intro and training and could be more of a turn off than a mid-size 9mm.