Ruger LCP or the Bersa Thunder 380 CCP

[69rrvert]

Thinking about getting my wife a small conceal carry gun and trying to get her interested in shooting and getting her CHL. Right now, she has no interest in either. I don't think I am forcing her. I was able to get to go to the range a few months ago with a friend and I. He brought a Bersa 380 with him that she shot 7 rounds out of and actually did pretty good for the first time EVER shooting any kind of gun. She hit the target every time at 7 yards. Not the bulls eye but at least they were on the target or "center mass". I was thinking that if she had her own gun she would be more incline to going with me to the range. I have a Ruger P-89 and a Taurus PT-111 but I think the 9mm's are little more than she can handle right now. I'm leaning more towards the Ruger LCP (made in USA) but I like the safety features of Bersa Thunder 380 (SA/DA and 9 round capacity). I also read that the Bersa is more accurate because the nonremovable barrel. Thanks - 69rrve

 

[robertba12]

I would not recommend either model in this case-keep it simple. If she is gun shy in the first place, pardon the pun, then I would suggest a smith .38 special (or the LCR)- no frills and nothing to chamber or remember other than pull the trigger. I am not a fan of the Bersa, and have owned an LCP (dumped it) it is rather harsh and has horrible accuracy, even at close range.

 

[Wraith]

While I haven't shot the LCP yet, I have owned the Bersa and it is a great gun and highly undervalued as a conceal carry/shooter. When shot back to back with my Kel Tec P11, the Bersa would group tighter everytime and would still do great at 25 yards while the P11's pattern opened up. I think the LCP would turn a first timer away from shooting as the recoil will be a bit more than a steel gun. My

 

[Jeff B]

While I haven't shot the LCP yet, I have owned the Bersa and it is a great gun and highly undervalued as a conceal carry/shooter. When shot back to back with my Kel Tec P11, the Bersa would group tighter everytime and would still do great at 25 yards while the P11's pattern opened up. I think the LCP would turn a first timer away from shooting as the recoil will be a bit more than a steel gun. My

Agreed with your statements about the Bersa.

My daughter has an LCP, which she will shoot about three mags through and then switch to my XD9. Primarily, because the LCP has a significant recoil, ie, is not pleasant to shoot, especially for a beginner.

THe revolver idea is pretty good as well.

Jeff B.

 

[TxEMTP69]

I bought my wife the Bersa .380 as she liked it, also ordered the rubber grips and makes it even nicer to shoot. She loves her Bersa and have had zero issues with it

 

[Seabear1500]

I have owned both. I still own the LCP but I messed up and sold the Bersa thinking I didn't need two .380s. My wife hates the LCP ("it's too loud") LOL that's another story. She told me she liked "that other gun she shot better" (meaning the Bersa) I didn't tell her I sold it. As an istructor I know the .38 revolver would be easiest to master, but she likes the look of SA pistols better. I joked about getting a pink revolver one day and she pointed at a pink gripped SA .380 she liked the looks of. I guess I will have to go that route for her if it will make her like it and shoot it more.

Back on topic....I never had a single problem with the Bersa, and anyone that says the LCP isn't accurate just hasn't learned to shoot it or can't due to the size. Mine is DEADLY accurate. The Bersa was as well. I know women that can shoot the LCP just fine, but they all prefer the mildness of the Bersa or something similar. For now I would say of the two choices you mentioned I would go with the Bersa.

 

[69rrvert]

Thanks for the information. I never really thought about the recoil of the smaller guns. Like I said, she has shot a Bersa 380 recently and had pretty good contol over it for a first time shooter. I am more of semi auto person but I may look at some of the smaller revolvers like the LCR or a S&W 38. Thanks - 69rrvert

 

[Texas42]

I own a kel tec 380, the cheaper, uglier cousin of the Ruger, LCP.

Don't get it. please. It is a great pocket gun for CC when a larger gun won't work. 380 auto is impossible to find and the gun is hard to shoot. It can be an accurate gun, but it is hard to shoot it, and it kicks more than your other 9mm's. I've heard about 80% good reviews about the bursa. Probably not a terrible gun. . . but I think there are just better options out there for that gun's size.

Has she actually shot your 9mm? I think you might find that it isn't nearly so bad. When it comes to recoil and ease of shooting, bigger is better. It is easier to shoot a bigger gun than a smaller one. (this assumes you can hold it properly.

I think you want to get her into shooting before you try to push her into getting a CHL. Just my opinion.

Heck, maybe a 22 pistol. Everyone one shot have one, especially with the price of ammo. It isn't going to be a denfensive weapon, but it will get her into shooting.

I think the best thing would be to take her to one of those gun safety classes that has several weapons and calibers to choose from. It is going to cost money, but it will be cheaper than buying a gun she never shoots, and she'll like what you get more.

Besides, I don't want to be the one teaching my wife to shoot, at least not right off.

I have somer personal opinions about double action revovlers, especially snubs. They are hard guns to shoot. The triggers are long and hard.

Hope you figure it out.

 

[TxEMTP69]

I agree 22's are alot of fun and get people into shooting. .380 ammo is a PITA to find right now. I def think you should get her what she is comfortable, a class with options to try or a range where she can rent diff guns is a good place to start.

 

[45tex]

None of the small frame .380's, 9mm, or even the .38's were ever intended to be "fun" to shoot. Especially the Polymer framed weapons. They were not intended to group in a league with, say anything with a 6" barrel. They are working tools. When the tools are needed I doubt your going to complain about the crappy trigger and the chest wide group. You will be thankful for your life and for ever miserable shot you endured at the range so your tool worked when you needed it. You must decide "to" carry and accept the responsibility before you whine about the recoil. Don't put the cart before the horse.

 

[Texas42]

Yeah, I agree, 45Tex, that those small framed guns have their purpose and place. I just think that it is more important to learn to love shooting (or at least like it) before you give them those small guns. If she hates the gun, and hate shooting, she will never carry it.

 

[HarleyMechanix]

Bout 18 months ago old lady decided she wanted to learn to shoot for SD. Only shot handguns one time before. Shes a petite girl. Got her a Bersa Thunder 380. Its not her favorite but it is super reliable, compact and has a decocker so it makes a good purse gun. Last weekend she shot a 44mag for the first time and now wants one. I have two bersas and they are good functioning tools. Wont win any beauty contests. But i dont worry bout scratching em either.

 

[TxEMTP69]

Yeah, I agree, 45Tex, that those small framed guns have their purpose and place. I just think that it is more important to learn to love shooting (or at least like it) before you give them those small guns. If she hates the gun, and hate shooting, she will never carry it.

+1

 

[69rrvert]

Thanks for the information. I think I may look into finding a good instructor for her to use that has a variety of guns for her to shoot. Thanks - 69rrvert

 

[Texas1911]

The LCP is not inaccurate, I've put a magazine into the X on a DPS target with one at 7 yards. That is plenty good. They just do not put up with any bad habits on behalf of the shooter. They are lightweight with a heavy and long trigger pull, same with the air weight S&W revolvers and the Ruger LCR. That leaves absolutely no room for any flinching, yanking the trigger, etc. that many people do.

As far as finding a gun for your wife. Your best bet is to get out of the "micro machine" pistol mentality. Women like small guns because they think it's cute and feminine, but in reality they are loud, aggressive, and less reliable than their larger counterparts. I cannot tell you how many people (men and women) that have bought the micro machine pistols and had alot of trouble with them.

The Bersa is kinda the first step up in getting something that isn't giving up everything for the sake of being lightweight and tiny. They are very accurate thanks to the fixed barrel design, and the gun fires a decent caliber. I personally think you can get a much more reliable design with a Glock 26 or Walther PPS, which fires a much better cartridge with little increase in recoil.

If you want to stick with the Bersa style, I would highly recommend looking at the Sig P232 which is slightly upsized, and significantly more refined than the Bersa and Walther PPK.

 

[Ranger60]

I have an LCP and love it, good thing about it is pocket carry and it is just like putting my wallet in my pocket everytime I go out. And it is a reasonable self defense round with Hornady Critical Defense. My GF on the other hand loves her snub nose 38s, does not want to change. And she is pretty gun knowledgeable.

I have found the LCP very accurate, feeds anything and is fun to shoot, but would be a handful for an inexperienced shooter.

Before buying anything, I would suggest rentals at the range, gun show or shops for look and touch, and some range time to see what she can handle reliably and safely.

Then after purchase, more range time.

 

[Longtooths]

I own two Thunder .380 and the Conceal Carry version of the Bersa and all have been flawless. The CC version is my regular carry in the hot Texas summers. In the winter I carry bigger caliber.

 

[Patriot Arms 1]

We have sold many of the Ruger LCP and the Bersa Thunder in our store. In the last month 3 of the Bersa Thunders have been returned because of malfunctions. All three of the Bersa's malfunctioned after approx. 50 to 75 rounds thru them. It appears that the safety on the pistol broke during firing and the trigger pulls freely as if it were in the safe position. Not sure if that is the problem, but all have been sent back to the factory and customers money was refunded. We will not sell the Bersa's in our store any longer. All customers that have purchased the LCP are very happy with them.

 

[Maxpower]

I have an LCP and love it, good thing about it is pocket carry and it is just like putting my wallet in my pocket everytime I go out. And it is a reasonable self defense round with Hornady Critical Defense. My GF on the other hand loves her snub nose 38s, does not want to change. And she is pretty gun knowledgeable.

I have found the LCP very accurate, feeds anything and is fun to shoot, but would be a handful for an inexperienced shooter.

I agree, it did take 30-40 rounds to get used to the trigger pull but I find it to be very accurate, W/WO the laser. a great pocket carry

 

[shibbykins]

another happy bersa owner here. LCP is nice (shoot a buddys regularly and will be buying one soon) but the bersa is more accurate IMHO.