Bersa Thunder: An Affordable Argentinian PPK Adaptation

by
posted on November 17, 2021
Bersa%20Thunder

The Bersa Thunder is a blowback-operated semi-automatic handgun made in Argentina and available in the United States through Talon Distributing based in Kennesaw, Ga. Bersa, which manufacturers its firearms in the city of Ramos-Mejia near Buenos Aires, was established by a trio of Italian engineers more than six decades ago. The company has a well-established reputation for making affordable and reliable handguns.  

The Bersa Thunder is one of those firearms. It’s available in .380 ACP and .22 LR chamberings. Magazine capacity for the .22 is 10, while the larger-bore version can ship with either seven or eight round versions (depending on model).

Barrel length, regardless of choice, is 3.5". Overall gun length is 6.6", height 4.7", width 1.3" and .380 ACP models tip the scales at 20 ozs.. The rimfires come in just shy of 19 ozs.

The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the steel slide, and at the rear is a notched-bar dovetail. The frame is constructed from weight-saving aluminum. Grips are made of polymer and, like the metalwork,  available in a dizzying array of colors.

Fire controls include a decocker/manual safety and magazine release on the left side. A slide catch is also located there. The takedown lever is located on the right side of the gun.

There’s no shortage of finishes currently available—clear, flat dark earth, duo-tone, white, gold, matte black, rose gold, nickel, pink, blue and more. There are even versions in the lineup with threaded barrels. MSRPs start at $303.

The frame also includes an integral lock that disables the trigger with a turn of the provided key. It’s not a popular feature with every enthusiast, but there’s no denying it’s added peace of mind for relatively new owners worried about unauthorized access.

As for performance, B. Gil Horman tested one for American Rifleman and concluded, “With its moderate recoil, reliable feeding and solid defensive accuracy, it’s an ideal all-day-every-day concealed-carry piece. It’s hard to believe that it's a budget-friendly gun that can be picked up for real-world prices just at or below $300. With all of the affordably priced accessories available for this pistol, it’s a worthy candidate for daily carry.”

Latest

Century BFT 01
Century BFT 01

New For 2024: Century Arms BFT74 & BFT556

Century Arms expanded its AK-style BFT rifle line in 2024 with two new models chambered for 5.56 NATO and 5.45x39 mm, respectively.

Preview: Armaspec SRS AR-15 Kit

This Armaspec upgrade to the AR-15’s standard buffer and spring includes a trio of interchangeable buffer weights that allow the user to tune it to his or her rifle/load.

Gun Of The Week: Davidson’s Exclusive KelTec KS7

Join American Rifleman staff on the range this week with a unique version of KelTec's KS7 bullpup shotgun.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 1, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Hydra Weaponry Expands To New Facility

Hydra Weaponry—the designer and manufacturer of the modular Marck-15 Hydra Weapon System and Maine’s largest firearm employer—has expanded into a larger facility.

Review: Bushmaster M4A2 Patrolman's Carbine

The M4A2 Patrolman’s Carbine from Bushmaster Firearms is the first in a line of AR-15s designed to bring back the standard, carbine-length firearms that have long been a staple of American shooting enthusiasts.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.