Does the Bersa 380 have a big recoil?

Question

Since it is a small pistol, does it have a big recoil? I am a small person worried about the recoil of this pistol. What are the pro's and con's on this pistol?

Answer 1

".380" and "big recoil" don't belong in the same sentence.

The worst recoil from a .380 will probably be felt in the Kel-Tec P3AT, which is a tiny polymer-framed pistol.

The Bersa is much larger, and is all-metal construction. Recoil will be negligible.

Answer 2

The .380 ACP cartridge does not have excessive recoil. As a Gunsmith and Pistol Instructor I would be more concerned with the reliability of the "Bersa" brand handgun, if you intend to use it for personal protection. They are very prone to mechanical problems that require repairs, and have a lousy reputation for jambing, stove-piping and magazine feed problems.Bersa is considered a low end handgun in both price and quality. I won't service them or carry them used or new in my shop. Just too many problems to deal with. I am sorry if this isn't what you were expecting, but you asked so I feel obligated to tell you the straight story here. Again, this is my personal/professional opinion. I am sure there will be people that will disagree.

Answer 3

Hi Cheryl. Fact is that even though the .380s are not terribly big, some have a lot of 'snap' which shooters with smaller hands sometimes find painful (after a few rounds). This is especially true of those .380s with single stack magazines like the Walters and the Sigs (230s n 232s).

If you like a .380 then consider one of the wider grip .380s like those with double-stack magazines. Bersa may even make one, if not Beretta and Browning does. They are going to cost a bit more than the Bersa but worth the difference in price. Why don't you trying shooting a .380 single stack and double stack and then decide.

If you aren't going to shoot your .380 a whole lot, then the Bersa you are looking at will probably serve you well. They are really decent guns. Just get proficient with it, learn how to use it and more importantly, WHEN to use it.

Good luck.

H

Answer 4

Maybe some have had problems with the Bersa brand guns but my buddy and I both have Bersa mini-45 autos and we love them. I am impressed with the accuracy I get from that little 3 1/2" barrel. Mine works every time and will perk right along with most every style bullet. Even semi-wad cutters if they have enough powder behind them. I for one would buy another one, maybe even one of the .380's for my wife. As she doesn't like heavy recoiling guns like I do.

Answer 5

My Bersa Thunder .380 is a fine gun with very light recoil. Maybe I was lucky to get an unusual example, but the only time I had reliability problems with it were some examples of failure to feed with an 'aftermarket' spare magazine. Loaded with CorBon rounds, it is my 'social' carry gun.

Answer 6

No, it's quite manageable and reasonably priced.

Everybody will have different and varying opinions about the stopping power of the .380, so I will refrain from commenting on it. Look at some ballistic tables and draw your own conclusion. I WILL say that you don't need a 44 magnum to be protected.

Answer 7

It's fine Cheryl, go try it out. If the pistol is too light, it can kick a little. But most .380s are faily docile.

Answer 8

No. I gave one to my mom for Christmas and she likes it. Never has complained about the kick, and has shot groundhogs with it and used it to escort someone from my property when I was away on vacation and she came here to feed my dogs. It's a good gun. I shot it about 100 times before I gave it to her to be sure.

Answer 9

Not at all.