Berrsa TPR 380 Plus Shooting Impressions

[@GBGuns]

Article with specs and links: www.gbgunsdepot.com/post/bersa-tpr-380-plus

[@Dontgetenslaved]

Do the Fatih .380 yet?

[@GBGuns]

@@Dontgetenslaved it's not on our website, but we've got videos on it.

[@Dontgetenslaved]

@@GBGuns been looking to get one since you can seem to find Beretta 84 mags cheaper than thunder plus ones these days if at all lol. Like the beretta look better also but don't doubt the thunder plus reliability and accuracy. I'm not buying just for the fact mags are non existent except on ebay for $150+++

[@GBGuns]

@@Dontgetenslaved Bersa has been going through a transition from their former to current importer,plus covid lockdowns in Argentina, I expect stuff like mags to become more available.

[@Dontgetenslaved]

@@GBGuns yeah, until then I think I'll be waiting and go ahead and get the Fatih. At least it has two mags and I can find extra for $50ish. I think that extra mag it comes with is worth the extra $50 the fatih cost. I have plenty of normal thunder mags so it'll do for now. I just have to go break it in.

[@rsl82568]

I been Looking for a Bersa Thunder 380 Plus for almost a year. On 08/23/2024 went to a Gun Shop and saw a Bersa TRP 380 Plus. Nickel Finish. I have no regrets in buying it. Runs Underwood Xtreme Defense with no problems.

[@theseukonnen1200]

Heads up that Bersa specifically reccomends that you don't run steel case in these guns. The majority of the feed ramp is anodized aluminium, and running steel cases instead of brass will chip off the anodizing after a while and then just progressively eat up the softer aluminium underneath until it's too ragged for dependable feeding.

[@1stgenbirdNH]

On Bersa's website, they used to list the recommended ammo brands. Not sure if that is still the case.

[@unixfool]

@@1stgenbirdNH When I bought mine, I remember it coming with some literature that stated what ammo not to shoot. I remember steel case being listed.

[@adrianotero7963]

Why would Bersa make a feed ramp out of anodized aluminum ?

[@theseukonnen1200]

0@@adrianotero7963 Cost savings, most likely. It means significantly less material/smaller bar stock of high-quality steel can be used to make the barrel; the stock can basically be the same width as the finished barrel, whereas making a barrel with an integrated feed ramp hanging off of it will take a piece of stock that's roughly twice the diameter, more than double the raw material, and a much higher percentage of the bar stock wasted by turning into lathe chips rather than barrel. By contrast anodized aluminium has a high enough surface hardness that copper, brass, and lead won't cause it much of any trouble, and that's what most rounds most people are shooting are made up of.

[@adrianotero7963]

@theseukonnen1200 I can see the advantages....wonder if the older model Combat plus has this same type of construction or the more traditional type that forges the barrel and feed ramp all in one process......anyone know the answer to my question ? I would prefer to have a handgun that can fire any type of ammo including steel case if need be.....

[@verychilladrian]

Also please never apologize for the beautiful sounds of a well used range

[@humbaba_7730]

that “ bersa bite “ the beaver tail gives everyone ( not just you ) can be easily remedied with a Walther PP 18lb recoil spring. ( stock #58518 ) i shoot underwood .68 grain +P 1400fps ammo & it hits beautifully. makes you smile.. 😀 of course regular range ammo is nothing.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Seems like a great offering. Bersa is a really good company. Well done you all. Thank you.

[@tobylopez445]

I own one of these Bersa's and I just love how good the shot placement is. also a very nice review. you guys are so much fun to watch. many Blessings always. Toby from Puerto Rico USA funny thing! I have never had any kind of recoil issues with this gun, so I am really puzzled that you guys had so many issues with recoil. ALSOOOOO it's a great gun for older citizens, just like me! 74yrs old.

[@hoffrun]

Agreed. I don't have recoil, no pinching . I'm 70 and have 2 of the Bersa thunder plus.

[@MilitaryHistoryMadeEasy]

I had no idea people in Puerto Rico could own firearms…thanks for sharing

[@jrn8774]

I have the CC 8 shot version and shoot often. I've never had a problem. I installed tan Talon Grips(tape) for better grip, now the perfect CC for me with a belly band. Very reliable!

[@TitanV]

With such a nice and thorough test, I really get the full idea what to expect from a gun you're testing. Bersa remains a very interesting and neat little 380, considering the roots of the design and what it's competing against. Another awesome job guys - you truly deserve a lot of a bigger audience! Such an underappreciated channel...

[@verncutshall5950]

I enjoy the dynamic between you two. I find that you also do the fairest evaluations I have seen. Thank you your input in to my possible hand gun purchase.

[@GBGuns]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@jeffpaul8260]

I have the thunder plus and love mine. Never an issue with it.

[@smokingcrab2290]

Is the recoil about the same as a 9mm?

[@jeffpaul8260]

@@smokingcrab2290 close. For me not as much as much as the 9mm plus the thunder is tad bigger than some pocket guns today. But i also shoot my smith and wesson model 69 in 44 mag with 2.75 in barrel. I am not recoil sensitive to normal handguns. I am 6 feet and have no issue with my knuckles getting pounded by the trigger guard. This gun is the cats meow! i have 4 15 round mags for mine. Any way you slice it thats a lot of firepower. I havent had any issues with mine at all.

[@smokingcrab2290]

@Jeff Paul, good info. You should look up the video on KZbin about the bersa thunder plus with a Walther pp 18lb recoil spring. It's supposed to tame the recoil by 30% at least.

[@hoffrun]

Love the thunder plus. Lots of firepower and the gun itself is smoothe to use.

[@EducatedBlackMan]

I bought the Bersa Thunder 8 + 1 a few weeks ago. After shooting FMJ, Cor Bon, Critical Defense, and Precision One XTP the gun shot so flawlessly and smoothly that I bought the Thunder Plus. Critical Defense was no recoil. If you purchase after-market mags get Mec Gar, not Pro Mag. I never run steel ammo. The Bersa will eat everything else including Buffalo Bore and Underwood XTP and XTD. I bought both guns for less than the cost of the Sig. BTW, leave your grip about 1/4 inch below the beaver tail and you will feel little recoil.

[@Dontgetenslaved]

There is nothing wrong with current pro mags in the thunder. If you get an old one...maybe. believe it or not, Mecgar is the brand that is picky with bersa. I know most pmags are junk, but since most of the market for mags went to pmag since bersa wasn't importing that they had to up the game. People have done plenty of reliability test on them. Most of the mags that had issues were fixed with a simple disassembly and lube. As everything else, there are lemons out there so I'm sure they are out there, not saying they're perfect.

[@unixfool]

This gun is gorgeous! I've the non-TPR 380 Plus. I thought I was done purchasing guns for awhile...will definitely have to get this one.

[@marksd5650]

It looks similar to my wife’s carry gun, the Sig Sauer P230 in .380, all metal hammer fired, but holds 7+1. The 230, though discontinued, is widely available used. The gun you are reviewing is not on the Massachusetts approved firearms list, so we won’t be shooting it any time soon. Thank you and best regards.

[@armsdirectory]

The P230 is an excellent gun!

[@deere3321]

I watched another youtuber reviewing this gun. He claimed a recoil spring from a Walther PP fits and really helps with recoil. It's an 18 lb spring vs the original at 12lbs. I love my Bersa's

[@Walsh5084]

I found that putting a thin piece of Gorilla tape at the beaver tail going down the back strap helps with the "sting" from the aluminum frame. My left hand, however does not like shooting it. Otherwise it is very nice

[@jeffreyedwards2371]

Love my Thunder Plus, great ballistics with Underwood Extreme Defense ammo. Pretty close to 9MM performance with Underwood ammo.

[@elblancobasura]

Thanks for the video. I've always been somewhat intrigued by this gun. I have the standard Bersa Thunder affair and like it very much. With respect to why they use brass, (Remington GS) I've read the commentaries below and theories that brass seats better than copper, brass is cheaper than copper, etc., etc. All that may and probably is true for all I know. What I've been led to believe though from looking into this previously in threads as well as Rem marketing is that supposedly and theoretically, the brass is stiffer than the copper and opens over a greater distance during the expansion phase, also inhibiting peeling all the bay back to the core allowing for a wider expansion overall by the end of the bullet travel. To that end, in tests I've seen in 10% gel, the 124gr. GS and 124gr. +P Speer Gold Dot JHP's 9mm. Luger fired from the identical gun exhibited what looked to my eyes to be nearly an identical wound track in both length and volume. So does the brass jacket make it "better" or more effective than others? Not sure. Maybe in some loads and not in others. Maybe not at all.

[@justanotherdave7117]

Love my Thunder Plus. Absolutely perfect size for my frame and may I recommend the Underwood Xtreme Defender ammo to anybody carrying a 380. I have had a few light primer strikes on my last couple of range trips, not the worst thing in the world since you can just pull the trigger again (thank you da/sa) but I did a complete strip and cleaning on it last night which will hopefully sort out the light strikes.

[@ronaldroberts8515]

I pick my bersa up within the next week and can't wait to shoot and I'll have to check out lever for single n double shot.

[@pistolaspr4497]

Greetings Very good video. I am a lover of the bersa. I have several bersa weapons and it is an excellent weapon, I always recommend it to anyone. success

[@gc641]

Love by little Bersa, I carry mines

[@jesusmonarrez2996]

All that I can think is: a great review, as many others you have done showing what hand guns have to offer and it seems that bersa 380 is an excellent choice well done 👌

[@TJ-qo2xu]

I was so looking forward to this and it didn't disappoint. It seems it just comes down to training and maybe better sights if possible. Thank you both for a great review, have fun and be safe.

[@jrwill58]

I just bought one and my rear sights are Glock like, a white U shape on rear with front dot in white as well. Mine has a slanted rear sight and its a 15+1. Mine is listed as the "Bersa Thunder 380 Combat Plus DA/SA .380 ACP 3.5in 15+1 OD Green".

[@truthtone58]

I just got a bersa 380 thunder for $199. And straight out of the box was very impressed.

[@dougmac9955]

I have one of the early models of the high capacity Bersa 380s that I inherited from a very dear friend last year. I only shot it once when he was still alive and that was about 4 years ago. I haven't been able to bring myself to shoot it since he died, but I will. As I remember it felt very good the one time I shot it very similar to my Mauser HSc. When I say early version the main difference is the magazine release, on my gun it is above and behind the trigger instead of just below and behind as it is on the gun you reviewed. My friend could not get spare magazines for his gun but discovered that the new magazines like for your test gun were identical except for the cut out for the magazine catch so he bought 2 of those and a gunsmith cut the correct notch in the new magazines and they work perfectly. So if you guys looking for magazines find some with a notch cut higher up the magazine body you can probably get them cut correctly to work in your newer guns.

[@rjdavis7503]

The TPR 380 is a nice sidearm. The TPR 9 is also a winner!

[@armsdirectory]

For your future range LoL! Great video as usual guys!

[@eduardohermoso150]

This is available locally. A complaint that I heard was that the magazines were a bit expensive. Nevertheless, the Bersa is less expensive when compared to the Beretta double stack .380 model. Great video Guys!!

[@jeffpaul8260]

I have total of 4 mags for mine. That's nice firepower!

[@Dontgetenslaved]

If you get lucky, get email notifications from every legit site when they come back in stock, you can get for $50 roughly. The only reason I haven't jumped on one...the ONLY mags I can find are on ebay and are $150-$200. I doubt many people would pay that but I have seen them sell for $100.

[@jeffpaul8260]

@@Dontgetenslaved i bought mine when they were between 40 and 45 per mag

[@Dontgetenslaved]

@@jeffpaul8260 Hopefully they'll be back soon. They just finished their transition to the new importer so hopefully it'll get cheaper again too and maybe I can find the plus for right at $3-325. I have the normal thunder and a mix of 7-8rd mags. Probably 6 of them. They're cheap enough at $15-20 for pmag and $30-40 for bersa brand. It does the job.

[@Dontgetenslaved]

I need to buy a normal thunder or try to find the thunder Plus with a threaded barrel so I can use my form one on something other than a 22. When I registered it I technically registered it as a 9 mm but I only bored itout to a 22 just because I figured I would be using something higher One day but not right at the moment.. I hope what everybody's been talking about the NFA and ATF, maybe here soon we won't have these restrictions and I won't have to pay another $200 for a tax stamp.

[@robertscotti7970]

Bersa makesca dependable gun. I traded in the cc380 for the plus... Its my edc. Very concealable. I love it. Accurate lil pistol.

[@danielrodriguez5463]

This couple is priceless !!!

[@wbwills2]

S\D action metal gun with a decock & 15 + 1 all sounds good.not sure how much stiffness is the right amount of stiffness as far as a decock is concerned but there’s always double action,so that’s not the end of the world.3 things..mag disconnect,compatible replacement sights & replacement grips???will go read the article about those details.not a bad 380.thx

[@ditchdigger93]

I bought the plus. Magazine safety, which I think is always a bad idea, fell apart on the second magazine and locked everything up, couldn't even remove the magazine. Took it back to my dealer and traded it for the standard Thunder model and I love this one. Plus, the plus model is pretty involved as far as disabling the magazine safety. The one on the standard Thunder is very easily disabled by removing one spring. (That you can actually get to). I have not done that on my Thunder as it functions perfectly. So far.

[@FatJesus1911]

I have a regular thunder 380 and that recoil/ pain between my index and thumb is the reason i dont shoot it often. I like it tho regardless

[@richardjohnson4238]

Good Review. I looked at one of these a few days ago. It reminded me a lot of the old Browning BDA 380 I used to have and foolishly sold. I was tempted to try, but I was looking for a Walther PPK/S and decided to go with what I really wanted. I knew if I bought the Bersa, I'd still want the Walther anyway.

[@timshelley8635]

Great video! I've got the original Thunder 380 in the single stack, so I'm interested in the new double stack. Have had good luck with mine. I keep Hornady Critical Defense in mine, just a little light in capacity for the weight. It's my kitchen gun. Poor man's ppk! Keep up the good work!

[@MrTruckerf]

I have a Bersa Thunder as well as a Walther PPK/s and I shoot the Bersa better.

[@44Mag]

I ordered one of these with the threaded barrel and it should be here by Monday. I plan to use it for a suppressor host. (Nearly all .380 is subsonic, and you can easily find defense ammo like Critical Defense or HST's.) The subsonic 9mm is harder to find on the shelf, plus most of it is ball ammo and slightly more expensive.

[@bluecheese3891]

Could the longer beaver tail cause the "bite" issue? I have the T380CC and absolutely love it with zero shot fatigue. Put 50 round cycles through it an never notice any thumb, knuckle, or hand issues. Although I never put more than 200 in a single day. Snappy, so feels like 9mm. Still, great out to 50+ yards & trust it for emergencies 100%.

[@verychilladrian]

I’ve been watching so many bersa thunder plus vids prior to purchasing one as my first piece. Thank you for going so in depth! I know what to expect going into it way more than I previously did.

[@GBGuns]

Thank you, if you likethis format we've reviewed hundreds of other guns in the same way.

[@RabbiTosmiser]

​@@GBGunsare they reliable enough for self defense

[@alvolante4164]

Tia we are rooting for you always!!

[@jeremyb0793]

Love the standard Bersa Thunder, I think I'm going to pick up a Thunder Plus

[@alancarr3381]

Thanks for the video guys.

[@throbinhood6930]

After spring replacement, iv saw that it fires amazing with little recoil and no bite. An all day plinker

[@jalcanites2939]

What spring did you replaced it with?

[@georgevickers6752]

Love you guys! ♥

[@stephenkidder8876]

I just bought the Thunder plus combat .380. I haven't fired it yet, but I'm impressed with the quality vs. cost. I didn't buy it to carry (I have better options for that). I just wanted it for a fun gun. Great video y'all!

[@stephenkidder8876]

Update: After 5 boxes of 50 rounds each, mine has been absolutely flawless. And it came with 2 15 round magazines. I'm 'Lovin it.

[@denniswilson1903]

I have both a Bersa 380 and an M&P 380 EZ. Frankly although I like the Bersa, it has a lot more recoil than the the 380 EZ. If I needed to shoot more than 50 rounds, I would always prefer the 380 EZ.

[@frankbrowning328]

The S&W EZ is a locked breach design which greatly decreases recoil. The Sig P365 380 is also a locked breach gun. The Bersa is a straight blow back, so all of the slide velocity is immediately sent back to the hand without the time delay of unlocking the breach

[@denniswilson1903]

@@frankbrowning328 Okay, I am a wuss, but the recoil does get to me. :-))

[@frankbrowning328]

@@denniswilson1903 Recoil affects everyone differently. We should all shoot what we enjoy

[@CampDavid54]

It’s stacked That’s what she said Who doesn’t like this lady

[@ms_freemant]

☺️

[@apfelsnutz]

This is sn excellent video on the Bersa TPR380. Thank you for sharing, I will subscribe !

[@GBGuns]

Thank you and welcome to the channel! Most of our gun reviews are two separate videos (tabletop and range) culminating in a full review article, so check the pinned comment for those or simply visit GBGunsDepot.com

[@nydajackmccoy]

Finally picked up the 15 round one, and I've started carrying it now instead of my G19. I've become a believer in the 380 Plus. I work in customer service at a desk in a small to medium lobby. If someone pulls on me, it will get the job done with less recoil, less risk of overpenetration thru walls (with the correct ammo), and it's cheap enough that I won't mind losing it to a police evidence locker if I have to pull. I've put about a thousand rounds thru it and have had no malfunctions yet. For those who like 380acp, or are thinking of trying it for a while, you won't go wrong with this gun. And who doesn't like the Walther-esque aesthetics?

[@frankbrowning328]

Straight blowback 380's kick more than most would expect. In guns of equal size, weight and width, the felt recoil is more than 9mm in the same sized gun. When you go to something like a Sig P365 380 with its locked breach design, the felt recoil is far less

[@GBGuns]

We've reviewed the 365 380

[@frankbrowning328]

@@GBGuns Yes, and it was a good video. A very pleasant 380 to shoot

[@macriggland6526]

Yeah, but 'felt recoil' and 'muzzle flip' are different things. As far as I can tell, straight blowback will always have less muzzle flip in like for like comparisons, as there is no delay system. Straight back and forwards. Makes a gun fast. When carrying a hammer fired DASA like this, if you anticipate trouble and have proper concealment, it's easy to cock the hammer from the holstered position.

[@wbwills2]

@@macriggland6526 Yes…But ,1st shot in double action gives the opportunity to ease off the trigger if at the last second you decide not to shoot. I have heard that from more than a few combat veterans. Just a thought.

[@mikes1172]

I had the the Thunder .380 Combat and for the life of me I couldn't shoot for jack crap or my full size Bersa 9mm. I sold both with less than 100 rounds through each of them. My 3rd Bersa a brand new .22 Thunder version slam fired shooting through my wall when the slide was dropped. I boxed it back up and took it to the range to check out what was going on and the first magazine trying it out it and it shot a 3 round burst. I called Bersa and told them and their response was since you had the firearm for slightly over a year you will have to pay for shipping. I said, did you just hear what I said, your firearm could have killed me and then it went full auto on a public range. Bear in mind the pistol was brand new, minus shooting through my wall it hadn't been shot because Covid at the time and the ranges were shut down. Bersa didn't care about my wall, my safety they cared about not paying to ship back their defective firearm. I'll stick to H&K

[@thorshammer5134]

You couldn’t shoot because you never learned how, then you wasted money on two guns you chose not to learn.

[@mikes1172]

@@thorshammer5134 Wow, I'm glad you solved that problem for me. No more guns for me, I'm only going to knit quilts!

[@thorshammer5134]

@@mikes1172 probably a good idea 👍

[@carlostrujillo4750]

During the covid lock down nobody cared about nothing and things are still not guite the same

[@mulekicker-ut5jl]

I like these pistols l. I’ve only handled in gun shop but some say they are in reliable ? I may have to get one anyway

[@GBGuns]

Did you see us have any problems?

[@Dontgetenslaved]

I wish they would put this slide on some new model single stack thunder combats.

[@christopherbishop4927]

We have the same tastes in metal frame handguns, I've been waiting for Wuhan Spike prices to normalize and will probably add a Bersa Combat Plus to the 380acp collection.....eventually. thanks for the review

[@christopherbishop4927]

Stryker fired plasti-guns are not my thing whatsoever. I have a Freudian aversion to polymer......

[@GBGuns]

Lol!

[@AOMartialArts]

I welcome the TPR styling on the Thunder series, but I'm looking forward to Bersa showing up with something new or jumping in on micro-optics-ready carry category. Come on, Bersa!! Imagine the BP9cc optics ready with 13 rounds or the TPR9c in 30Super Carry with like 16 rounds

[@GBGuns]

We still haven't shot 30 Super Carry

[@richardholland4533]

Very good.

[@AlbertMilliron]

I’ve noticed a few people complain about the bite from this weapon. The dovetail is larger than ppk/s but I still hear folks complain about the ‘bite’ is there anything to help prevent that and what is the reason this is happening? Thanks in advance. I purchased one of these having owned a CC bersa and a Walther ppks but didn’t like the small ammo capacity. The 15+1 is perfect for a 380 but the extra magazine cost is expensive.

[@GBGuns]

You can tinker with heavier springs to cut down on recoil, but at the risk of reduced liability

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

I just picked one up it accompanies my ppk/s .22 now when I work armed protection gigs for escorts. I really like it and prefer it to carrying my Hk P30LS around, as good as that gun is, frankly the best 9mm I’ve ever shot or owned which numbers in the dozens. But I wanted something easy to draw and conceal (got a lumbar support belly holster that’s owb but can wear a shirt over if I want or wear over a shirt then a button up or loose jacket etc etc) I landed on this because the price and the excellent da/sa trigger I mean holy shit the DA is amazing on it better than my sig p220 carry or sp 2022! Also fuck forbid I got to use it I don’t want my prized pistol to be in police evidence I’ve had to defend myself and have seen combat before it’s usually a short process here. But I have a self defense training regimen, mace, knife, hands 🙌, gun depending. And depending if one of the lovely ladies I help protect are being attacked. Stopped an attacker in October luckily just my mitts and a bit of pepper spray no one was hurt other than his nose lol. Lots of boxing lots of combat training , lots of experience, I’m stoked to have a nice gun like this perfect size great capacity and able to utilize a skill set otherwise useless in normal society for protecting vs combat. Feels good

[@howard5567]

I have both the Bersa Thunder 8+1 single stack & the Thunder Plus 15+1 double stack. But I don't understand your (TPR) designation. Both needed the sights adjustment, it also helps to color in the white Dots sights with Fluorescent Lite Green or Orange. When I go to range I take a golf glove , with the right trigger finger cut back to the second knuckle. I personally don't like Hornady hollow points, I use Speer Gold Dots & Buffalo Bore, with no red polymer your less likely to over penetrate. But the Sig Sauer p230 & the Springfield Arsenal 911 are better.

[@Dontgetenslaved]

I wish they would bring their aftermarket parts back. I need some wrap around for my thunder and can't find any anywhere.

[@jimr5703]

If Bersa re-designs this gun to have the slick, flowing ambi controls like the TPR 9C or the Thunder 45 UC Pro, I'd be all over it. As it stands I'll just carry my much prettier Thunder 380 Plus - maybe get some wood grips for it...

[@juliodude1882]

I love my Thunder 380 Plus. Mine does not like any of the Blazer ammo though, especially the aluminum case.

[@Gieszkanne]

There is also a Thunder Combat Plus. It has a much smaller beaver tail maybe that would have gave you less problems. But also on this model you have you can modify the beaver tail.

[@n.b.2164]

I have a combat and it's terrific. Fit's my hand very comfortably. I'm interested in this TPR plus.

[@johnkellmer5133]

Very audible reset. Too much recoil for my arthritis, I think. Probably go for the EZ or the P365 380. I would like something pocket concealable but I think the Max would have too much recoil also. And I won't buy anything that is not reliable. I think you two make a good team, and you're fun to watch.

[@marksd5650]

I’m in the same boat, just had arthritic bone removed from my thumb. The EZ is in my future, but currently carry the 365xl with Romeo Zero (which is zero fun to shoot), and shoot Nighthawk 9mm, P226 legion and 229 legion at the range. I’m not bothered by those until about 600 rounds. Nevertheless, EZ will one day be my carry gun. Best Regards

[@johnkellmer5133]

@@marksd5650 Appreciate the reply. My son's girlfriend bought the .380 EZ Performance Center version and it's been reliable completely. No issues. He shot it and said "Dad, you oughta get one." But I want to try the Sig, too, so we'll see...

[@tobylopez445]

I am 74yrs old and I bought the LCP Max and I don't like it because of the recoil. so! I am trading it in for a Sig 365/ 380

[@johnkellmer5133]

@@tobylopez445 yeah, me too, sort of. I'm 73. I had the LCP ll in .380 but it had a nasty sort of twisty recoil that was very unpleasant and worked my arthritic thumb and to a lesser extent my wrist in a painful way. So I'm pretty leary of the Max. I've watched a bunch of videos on the Sig, and one guy "hammerstriker" has a video where you can watch him shoot the Max and the Sig side by side and there is visually much less felt recoil from the Sig. Plus the recoil seems to (me) to be more straight back from the Sig and the Max does look twisty.

[@elsullo2]

I am friends with arthritis also, so I can say that nine-millimeter tilting barrel pistols often seem to recoil LESS than the straight blow-back recoil of the .380 in pistols of equal weight! The blow-back is a sharp and snappy recoil, while the tilting design absorbs and diverts recoil more gradually. Also, a double stack nine mm pistol really spreads the recoil to a wider size patch of the hand, feeling much softer and improving control. No kidding, but I have had excellent service from the "extinct" Kel-Tec P-11 ten-plus-one 9mm pistol! I would not hesitate to gamble on a used one, and it would be very inexpensive............................elsullo

[@richki.24]

I have 3 boxes of that PPU ammo, feeds great in my PK380

[@davidmiller8940]

Sounds like the bullets aren’t the only things getting spicy! 🤣

[@Deuterom]

I've owned and shot the Bersa 380 Combat 8+1 for years now which I thoroughly enjoy and am awaiting delivery of the 380 thunder plus 15+1 as we speak. I can attest to the snappy recoil of the pistol especially surprising for a mostly all metal gun. I also own a Ruger LCP Max in 380, but that's a discussion for another day. I recently reviewed an interesting video (see link below) by a gentleman who has taken the effort to changed out recoil springs on his Bersa to tame the snappy blow back. His claim is that the OEM spring, which he measures at about 12 lbs is too light resulting in the aggressive recoil. By trying different spring loads of increasing strengths of 15, 16, 17, then 18 lbs, he discovered that 18 lbs gave the best relief with no failure-to-feed. I love experimentation so I'm willing to give this a try. Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWqakpdnlt96hZo

[@Gunoke-fd6bc]

I had a Bersa Thunder Combat and I couldn't hit for crap with it, sold it and I loved the look and feel of the firearm. I had the same problem with another Bersa 9mm full size pistol, not sure what it is. I had another issue where I couldn't get the slide back on the firearm, despite being a blowback pistol, the timing of the spring "orientation" was binding and not allowing the slide to get back in place. I had to make micro adjustments on the spring rotation, before it finally allowed it to be locked into place. It was really odd, I even called Bersa for support. Lastly, bought a Bersa Thunder .22 LR, it slam fired upon dropping the slide, shot through the wall of my house. I took it to the range and it did the same thing and then went Full Auto. I called them, their response well you've had this firearm for more than a year, I say yes that is true but I didn't shoot it until today. Well, we will service it but you will have to pay for shipping costs. I said, you sold me a dangerous firearm that even shoots FA they didn't care. Do, I want to buy this pistol sure, but I own a SIG P232, so why bother?

[@fernandosuarez5815]

I have 2 ! It shoots great 👍

[@d.h.cooksey1149]

I thought the Bersa TPR stands for (Thunder Pro Redesign) which looks nothing like what you are reviewing. The TPR, I thought, is a more square LE design, not the PP / PPK design. Am I wrong?

[@Zach-ov1cd]

Your microphones are top notch even with the shooting in the background could still understand you guys very well. I'm confused... you guys are getting slide bite with that "beaver tail"? If I had the money I would buy you your own range. Someday I hope to shoot as well as you two.

[@GBGuns]

Thank you. It's the frame banging against the thumb knuckle. We learned to shoot well by going to multiple major shooting schools. Front Sight, CENTER-T, Thunder Ranch, and ITTS

[@Zach-ov1cd]

@@GBGuns speaking of T Ranch, will you be having any video from it on your channel?

[@GBGuns]

@@Zach-ov1cd we have an article about it over on GBGUNSDEPOT.COM, but no video. When we train we TRAIN. No fussing with cameras or interrupting the class to get angles, etc.

[@Zach-ov1cd]

@@GBGuns Alright I'll check that out. Thank you sir.

[@GBGuns]

I dug up a direct link for you: www.gbgunsdepot.com/post/thunder-ranch-defensive-handgun-course-gear-report

[@oscarm6319]

Excelente pistola lo mejor en .380 15+1 no fallas no trabas👍👍👍

[@eastguntucky9268]

Adjusting the sights would definitely do the bersa some justice

[@GBGuns]

For sure. We run guns as they come out of the box.

[@smokingcrab2290]

If you get a Walther pp spring 18lbs it'll reduce the recoil by 30%

[@elder1144]

I was going to get a thunder 380 plus but now I'm wondering about the tpr 380 plus. What's the difference? and is the tpr better?

[@GBGuns]

The change from Thunder to TPR is mostly cosmetic.

[@jamesmcgrath1952]

Besides the name change, the only difference I see is the trigger bar. But that's always varied on the Bersas. And don't worry about the stiff decoker. That will smooth out nicely in a short time.😊

[@That1_CopDude]

Nice,

[@jasonkeating9958]

if they done a upgraded version with an optics cut some stylish slide cus and grip that would be amazingly cool and useful

[@GBGuns]

Not much room on this slide for an optic

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

@@GBGuns Why does it need an optic, it already has sights? Plus it would look ridiculous on a small gun like this.

[@starmorpheus]

Optics on a bersa thunder? Lmao

[@capulinamix2]

This bersa does hit hard on the handweb for some reason.

[@MultiFisherofmen]

This will fix your issue kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5PJgIyvfduqn6s

[@JJoker69]

Have you two reviewed the CC model? I haven't been able to find it if you have.....

[@GBGuns]

No we haven't.

[@Tequila_atTheJazzbar]

Unless it’s steel rifle rounds, I never use steel or aluminum rounds. The cost to potential function issues just isn’t worth it.

[@apfelsnutz]

If possible, do a Sport's shirt with logo...Thank You.

[@gregb6469]

I just went to the Bersa website, and they don't even list this gun. They have TPRs in 9mm and .45, but not in .380.

[@GBGuns]

The website is a little behind

[@mats405]

NICE GUN

[@warrenksanbornjr.6643]

Bursa is an awesome gun better then smith and Wesson

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

FYI this new ammo for my 9mm only 50 grain and goes 2000+fps without overpenetratibg but holy shit it has some serious stopping g power, I forgot the name I’m having s brain fart but I’m thinking that and I might try some g2 RIPs for self defense. Another great gun I. The same price range is the Taurus 856. For Walther PPK fans like myself this gun is bud epic

[@GBGuns]

I think this is what you're referring to www.gbgunsdepot.com/post/liberty-ammunition-test

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

@@GBGuns yes that is it. Do you have any thoughts cause I have one magazine for my HKP 30 so 17+ one since it’s so damn expensive and I am broke right now especially since I just picked up this versa I don’t make a lot of money anyway, but I looked at it extensively in fact here in UTAH you could say I got the beta version of that ammo because it was originally made in 65 grain by this company called ammo. Inc. and they are based right here in Salt Lake City and I tried it and holy shit not only does not over penetrate, but it packs a fucking wall up, and you know just in terms of pure physics like the whole thing makes a whole hell of a lot of sense on how functions the G2 rip sure looks scary but this stuff seems like not only are you having significantly less weight especially the night meal 9 mm but packing a fuck load of wall up I can definitely attest to what I’m just gonna call the beta version of this stuff which is originally 65 grain this new stuff seems even better feels great in my HP 30 L by the way and since I start carrying a Walter PVK in this verse I’ve thinned out the grips on everything that’s one reason I love the HKP 30 the 27 different group variation I love the fact I can make a double stack kind of feel like a single stack 1911 and carry it like a 1911 which I’m very used to carrying or an M9 I’m a big fan of da/sa I apologize for the poor grammar and rambling. I’m using talk to text my phones a little messed up but yeah you’re hundred percent right if you have any thoughts about the ammo, I would love to hear them. I really love this video. I’m actually have not picked the gun up yet. I’m probably gonna be picking it up today , I put it on layaway. I got it for discount I got a discount on it. The guy at impact guns are really dope. They usually give us like a little veteran discount and are pretty cool about everything. This is my first 380 and yeah, I’m glad to get like I I looked at a Walter PPK into me. I actually saw a PPK and then a PPKS both in 380 to me. Those are like status symbol guns for sureThe 22 I paid the same prices what the versa 22 would’ve been that said I do think the versa 22 version is probably overall superior except for one thing that the Walter 22 has a threaded barrel and it’s fun to have a classic style gun and it’s worked flawlessly But I’m very fascinated with this new, low-grade ammo that’s basically the weight of it fucking 22, but like packs a serious punch I mean not quite like 357 magnum but like goddamn it sure sure does pretty close like in comparison it sure comes fucking close so Especially when you got 18 rounds of it or even you know if the extend your mag out to 25 Jesus it’s way too expensive to shoot extensively so I got a couple rounds of it I’m gonna shoot and just see how it does if it’s anything like the 65 grain stuff Shot like I test my defense Sammo in a very enclosed space to see how it would be if I had to use it at home and stuff like that and the 65 grade stuff I really feel like a fucking shockwave it’s pretty gnarly but it doesn’t over penetrate it does its job Pax wall up But does not go through not over penetrate. I wish she would expect with a hollowpoint or flat nose you know so again sorry for rambling. I’m really excited for this pistol. I’m excited for the new ammo. I was really excited to find this video in my personal life I’ve had a very, very very difficult month and so to have multiple things to be excited about and have multiple pieces of good news all kind of hitting me at once, I guess it’s kind of put me in an elated state of mind so anyway, sorry for rambling. Thank you for responding. I really love your video and I hope you’re having a wonderful week and I would be happy to report how the gun works. I will try to limit shit down to like just one paragraph or maybe I’ll make a video response to it or something.

[@TheBoxingCannabyte]

Again, sorry I was using talk to text so some of that didn’t translate right I apologize

[@GBGuns]

My thoughts are in that article.

[@showtime2629]

Had a failure tp extract at 11:30 on that Micro ammo.

[@ms_freemant]

Good eye!

[@tomquirin4231]

hey there gb guns, love the vids + content , please keep em coming 1000% cool ! , u.s. marine vet here 93' to 97' active ! , would you guys know if they have any free type promotions/contests/giveaways any ?, ok, talk soon thanks > tom !

[@ChrisHirner]

oh yeah, my bersa thunder beats the living heck out of my thumb knuckle. I put a hogue grip on it. its ok now.

[@billcorbell5362]

What does the TPR designation mean?

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

Brass creates a better chamber seal than steel. As far as why they'd use it over copper 🤷🏽

[@grahamohea2424]

Brass is cheaper than copper. That has always been my hypothesis as to why Golden Sabers use brass in their jackets (that, or the marketing people at Remington really wanted to call it "golden" to make it sound better than the Silvertip).

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

@@grahamohea2424 Yeah when the companies use fancy terms like "Extreme Velocity Rounds" or they sneak the words "used by law enforcement" or "Navy Seal Approved" people just get sucked right in. Same with +P+ crap! Because one + just isn't enough 🙄

[@richki.24]

Yay I luv a double stack 380 ...

[@Peekscape]

I want to like mine but it keeps jamming, Idk, maybe user error. I experimented with different rounds but none of my 9s had the same issues I'm having.

[@GBGuns]

It could be magazines, what kind of malfunction?

[@Peekscape]

@@GBGuns I found out why-- Don't use Snubbed Nosed (flathead) rounds: They don't feed right through conventional feed ramps.

[@flats-hopper4351]

Will bersa thunder plus 15 round mags fit the "Tpr" plus? If not, where can I purchase some, any input will be appreciated ty!

[@GBGuns]

They should, the only changes are cosmetic

[@billcorbell5362]

Locked and loaded Com.

[@charlene2400]

I've been eying one of these. Should be nothing, compared to my P64 slap

[@GBGuns]

Yes, this is a lot more comfortable than a P64

[@charlene2400]

@@GBGuns My father gave me that, at age 21. Everyone who's tried it, has done two things- wince, and put 1st SA shot in ceiling at range, lol. What's different with this model TPR+ vs the Thunder+?

[@GBGuns]

@@charlene2400 as far as I know just slide design.

[@versansky75]

Did anyone else catch the casing hit the camera at 12:00????

[@decibellone696]

ive always not liked small guns that use big calibers - too uncomfortable to shoot. even at 380 ... to me this gun is best suited for .32 caliber. from day one - there is no follow up shot with this in 9mm unless you start at his stomach and hope to hit his chest. Small guns are good for small calibers... makes them more leathal.

[@kimsmith6974]

Does this take the thunder plus mags?

[@GBGuns]

I believe so

[@aaronmeeks1155]

Aw Bullshit its stacked 🤣

[@unixfool]

😆

[@randy464]

Why put the target so far out when you're shooting a pistol?

[@GBGuns]

To put some challenge in it for us. We've both shot A LOT with A LOT of different pistols. The more we challenge ourselves the more we pick up on little nuances of each gun.

[@cw4623]

Just wish they came in stainless steel. Or something other than pot metal. Also the triggers aren't great. "Clicky" and abrasive-- not a smooth pull, and it clicks every time. Otherwise this gun would be a winner. As it is, PPK/S .22 may be a better choice.