About Bersa
Bersa S.A. was established in 1958 by three Italian mechanical engineers who immigrated to Argentina: Benso Bonadimani, Ercole Montini, and Savino Caselli.
The company name "BERSA" is actually an acronym combining the first letters of their names: (B)enso, (Er)cole, and (Sa)vino.
Initially focused on producing parts for Ballester-Molina, Bersa achieved its first major breakthrough in 1959 with the release of the "Modelo 60," a .22 Long Rifle pistol based on a modified Beretta design.
The company has maintained continuous operations for over 65 years, becoming one of Argentina's largest firearms manufacturers with a global reputation for reliable, affordable firearms.
In 2022, Bersa expanded into American manufacturing with a 45,500-square-foot facility in Kennesaw, Georgia, producing firearms in 9mm Luger, 5.56 NATO, and .300 Blackout.
Popular Bersa Features
Exceptional Reliability
- Bersa firearms are renowned for their ability to keep working after long, hard use and are difficult to make malfunction even with various ammunition types.
Quality Construction
- Features aluminum frames for lightweight construction without sacrificing durability, paired with high-strength steel slides for longevity.
Ergonomic Design
- Comfortable polymer grips with excellent traction and ergonomic design make them easy to shoot well for shooters of all experience levels.
Safety Features
- Integral locking systems, manual safeties on appropriate models, firing pin blocks, and double-action/single-action triggers provide multiple layers of safety.
Easy Maintenance
- Known for being among the quickest guns to field strip for cleaning, with simple disassembly procedures that make maintenance straightforward.
Functional Sight Systems
- Three-dot sight systems come standard across most models, with checkered slide tops to reduce glare and improve sight picture.
Best-Selling Bersa Pistols
Thunder .380 ACP
- Often cited as "the most popular .380 ACP pistol," the Thunder .380 is known for exceptional reliability and affordability in the concealed carry market.
BP9CC (Bersa Polymer 9mm Concealed Carry)
- Bersa's first polymer-framed pistol features a single-stack 9mm design with 8+1 capacity and excellent 4lb trigger pull weight.
Thunder 9mm Series
- Available in full-size and compact versions, the Thunder 9mm line serves both duty and personal defense applications with proven reliability.
Thunder Pro Series
- Enhanced versions designed specifically for law enforcement and military use, featuring improved controls and tactical features.
Thunder 9 Pro XT
- Competition-oriented variant with oversized controls, enhanced trigger, and features designed specifically for competitive shooting sports.
Thunder .22
- Popular for training and recreational shooting, offering the same reliable platform in an economical .22 caliber configuration.
Thunder Combat Series
- Enhanced versions with tactical features designed for serious defensive applications and professional use.
Popular Uses for Bersa Pistols
Personal Defense and Concealed Carry
- Thunder .380 and BP9CC models are popular choices for concealed carry due to their lightweight aluminum frames and reliable operation.
Law Enforcement and Military
- Thunder Pro series pistols are designed specifically for duty use and have been adopted by various law enforcement agencies throughout South America.
Competition Shooting
- Thunder 9 Pro XT models feature enhanced controls and improved triggers that make them suitable for various shooting sports competitions.
Training and Practice
- The .22 caliber variants are popular for training new shooters due to their easy-to-shoot characteristics and economical ammunition costs.
Budget-Conscious Shooting
- Bersa firearms provide quality and reliability without premium prices, making them ideal for shooters who value function over brand prestige.
Bersa FAQs
QUESTION: What warranty does Bersa offer on their pistols and handguns?
ANSWER: Bersa provides a limited one-year warranty from date of purchase covering defects in material and workmanship, with repair or replacement at no charge during the warranty period.
QUESTION: What type of ammunition should I use in my Bersa firearm?
ANSWER: Bersa recommends only newly manufactured ammunition meeting SAAMI or NATO specifications, avoiding reloaded, remanufactured, or non-SAAMI compliant ammunition.
QUESTION: How often should I service my Bersa pistol?
ANSWER: Bersa recommends professional service once per year or every 5,000 rounds, whichever comes first, along with regular cleaning and lubrication.
QUESTION: Are Bersa firearms reliable for personal defense?
ANSWER: Yes, Bersa firearms are renowned for exceptional reliability and are difficult to make malfunction even with various ammunition types and extended use.
QUESTION: Do Bersa pistols require a break-in period?
ANSWER: Some Bersa models may require several hundred rounds to fully break in springs and mechanisms for optimal performance.
QUESTION: Can I add aftermarket parts to my Bersa firearm?
ANSWER: Bersa warns that adding aftermarket parts may void warranty and could be unsafe, recommending contact with customer service before adding any non-OEM parts.
QUESTION: Where are Bersa firearms manufactured?
ANSWER: Bersa firearms are manufactured both in Argentina at their original facility and in their new American manufacturing facility in Kennesaw, Georgia.
QUESTION: What makes Bersa pistols popular for concealed carry?
ANSWER: Bersa pistols feature lightweight aluminum frames, compact designs, reliable operation, and affordable pricing that make them ideal for concealed carry applications.
QUESTION: Are Bersa firearms suitable for law enforcement use?
ANSWER: Yes, the Thunder Pro series is designed specifically for duty use and has been adopted by various law enforcement agencies for its reliability and value.
QUESTION: How easy is it to clean and maintain a Bersa pistol?
ANSWER: Bersa pistols are known for being among the quickest and easiest guns to field strip for cleaning, with straightforward maintenance procedures.
