The Argentinean firm Bersa is a now well-known maker of what used to be called �medium autos.� Typified by their DA/SA trigger system, a slide-mounted safety/decocking lever mounted on the left rear slide and of steel and aluminum alloy (receiver) construction, it differs from the predecessor Walther PP blueprint only in its use of a take down lever instead of the hinged trigger guard.

While sub-compact .380's with plastic frames and double-action-only triggers are all the rage, I disagree. I believe that, while one gains comfort and convenience from sub-compact, relatively low powered self-defense handguns need all the help they can get. I prefer pistols that are less difficult to use, with larger controls, cleaner triggers and better sights.

To illustrate this, I would suggest the reader go to his or her local firearm emporium and handle one of the sub-compact DAO .380's and note where one�s pinky finger rests (in space, generally) and how easy (or difficult) it is to effect a magazine change. With the shop�s permission, squeeze through that gritty trigger stroke while trying to hold the ultra-light pistol steady via the sights.

With any handgun, shot placement is crucial and nowhere is this more emphatic than with handguns dispensing of limited stopping power. With sub-compact pistols, practical accuracy is egregiously compromised for those central nervous system or upper thoracic cavity shots so needed by the small calibers.

I call attention to the smallest member of the Bersa family of .380's, introduced in 2006. Although the magazine capacity is a generous eight rounds in a single column, the makers have managed to make the butt feel even shorter than their standard pistol, added machined grasping grooves to the front strap and recontoured the two-piece, wrap around plastic grip that provides a good grip while still remaining small and snag free, no easy matter. I find this the most ergonomic .380 out there at the moment regarding grip feel. It is that good, though I wish they�d recontour the recurved trigger guard.

Specifications

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Length: 6.0�
• Width:� 1.07�
• Height:� 4.54�
• Weight: 16.4 oz. without magazine; 18.2 oz. with magazine
• Magazine Capacity: Eight rounds
• Finishes: Blue or Matte Nickel
• Safeties: Manual safety/decocker; magazine interruption; firing pin; internal frame with key
• MSRP:� $340

The Walther-like fixed barrel provides all the accuracy the little .380 round is capable of, though this pistol�s sights have been reduced in size compared to Bersa�s other offerings. This makes the sights hard to acquire and maintain. I would have preferred the company�s standard sights.

This PPK-size pistol provided no surprises at the range, groups running under three inches, hand held, at 20 feet with hardball ammunition. While some might want 25-yard groups, I think that this range is far more likely in the defensive circumstances envisioned by both the makers and users of a .380 pistol. Accuracy is sufficient for the intended use.

At a street price of under $300, Bersa�s newest offering is slick, flat, reliable and reasonably priced, particularly considering its traditional construction. I�d consider it a good back-up gun for the money.

Note: A full length review of the Bersa Thunder .380 can be found on the Product Reveiws page.