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Makarov or Bersa Thunder .380?

kilgoretrout
I'm looking for a back-up piece and something for the wife to learn to use. Based on the size pistol that I want, I have read positive reviews on the Makarov 9x18 and the Bersa Thunder .380. I would appreciate any opinions, pro or con, on these two pistols from anyone who is knowledgeable about them. Both are very reasonably priced. It looks like I can get the Bersa with one mag for about 200. and the Makarov with four mags for about 185. including shipping anf transfer fees.

Thanks
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • chunkstyle
    Bersa = more widely available ammo, wider selection of ammo types.

    Mak = more power, simpler design, easier maintenence, better for left-handed, possibly greater durablility.

    My personal choice? I don't shoot .380s. I own Maks.

    Since I have been studying Greek lately, I'll give a more direct translation of the Thermopylae Monument: "Stranger, tell the Lakedaemonians that in agreement with their customs, we lie here."
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  • D@D
    I'd good with Bersa Thunder if you wife will be shooting it.They have a little lighter trigger than the Mak.

    Guns kill people like spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat
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  • kingjoey
    You can also get the Mak in .380 although I prefer the 9x18 round. I absolutely love my Makarovs and trust them 100%. My Russian Mak has something like 12,000+ rds through it with no FTF's or appreciable wear on the internals.

    Love them Beavers
    orst-title-1.gif
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  • 1022man
    I own both. Carry either on the mood at the time. Both are great guns. But if it came to one or the other it would be a mak, either russian or german. I do own a bulgarian, not as nce as my russian. Maks are a lot easier to get parts for than the bersa. So if the wike dosn't like the grips, or trigger on a maks, it's cheaper/easier to replace than the bersa. Either can be 380, only the mak is 9mm mak.
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  • kingjoey
    quote:Either can be 380, only the mak is 9mm mak.

    Just to prevent any confusion, the Makarov is available chambered in .380 or in 9x18. Due to the dimensional differences of the rounds, do not attempt to fire .380 in a 9x18 gun or vice-versa.

    Love them Beavers
    orst-title-1.gif
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  • jsergovic
    Isn't the Bersa a little t'icker dan da Mak?

    About $150 more for a new PPK/S in stainless. But it'll take you $125 in ammo to break it in. Mine is finally 100% after 1200+ rounds.

    Mak = nice kick, a little harsh on the hand.

    Are Makarovs C&R ?
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  • interstatepawnllc
    quote:Originally posted by kingjoey
    quote:Either can be 380, only the mak is 9mm mak.

    Just to prevent any confusion, the Makarov is available chambered in .380 or in 9x18. Due to the dimensional differences of the rounds, do not attempt to fire .380 in a 9x18 gun or vice-versa.

    Love them Beavers
    orst-title-1.gif


    There is nothing unsafe about firing a .380 round out of a 9X18 barrel. You will lose considerably accuracy but that is about it. It is not a good idea to fire a 9x18 in a .380 barrel.

    topcat1.bmp Don't "F" with kitty!! unamerican.gif
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  • BigBarn
    Depends on what your wife is going to be using the back up for. If it is strictly a defense back up, then I would most definitely go with the Mak. It might be a little harder to carry, and a little more bulky to operate, but the difference in the stopping power is significant! Especially if you are using up rounds! Just tell her, practice, practice, practice!

    BigBarn[:o)]

    "Respect the land, and it will respect you"
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