[orangello]

I'm planning to get a smaller pistol for carry. I haven't gotten my permit yet, but am not sure i will be needing one (MS = legal to carry in car w/o permit). I will also be looking for a pistol my sister can test drive as a potential replacement for her purse/dash titan .25 (gag).

I have wanted a CZ-82 for some time, but i'm not 100% as to why. I have heard they can be a lil heavy for pocket carry. I have read that the Makarov PM is basically a simpler predecessor to the CZ-82 with a bit easier take down but few other differences. I have read good things about the Bersa pistols in .380, but i don't know too much about the differences between those models. It is my understanding that Bersa has a single stack and a double stack model and an odd-looking model made just for carry.

I'm not looking for appreciation in value or collectability. I am just looking for the most dependable pocket pistol in the .380 range and with a metal frame. I am not considering a polymer pocket pistol at this point. "Bank for the buck"-type quality is probably the biggest factor in the decision. I will also be cruising the pawn shops for alternatives.

I am still looking for a well-priced CZ52, but that wouldn't be my choice for pocket carry.

Any suggestions re: penny-pincher pocket pistols, preferably in .380?

Thanks

Suggestions on where to purchase are also welcome. I do know a transfer-friendly local little gun shop.

[NGIB]

Gello, I've had a couple of metal framed .380s including the Bersa, an NAA Guardian, a Sig P238, and Walther PPK & PPK/S. I still own the PPK and the Sig P238. The Bersa is a good reliable gun and the only real drawback is that mags are pricey. It's hard to call the Sig P238 a "budget" gun - but you get what you pay for. My old blued Walther is just so high on the cool scale...

[CA357]

I've had a Bersa Thunder 380 and I thought it was a great pistol. I've also had two CZ82's and they are excellent pistols, but they are definitely heavy for pocket carry. Of the two, the Bersa would be the better one for a pocket pistol.

I like the 9x18 Mak round for more oomph and Buffalo Bore makes an FMJ and a hollow point, both in +P.

The CZ grip is wider as well, but it will hold 12 + 1.

[JonM]

I second the bersa. I've got the single and double stack versions. My wife loves the single. Its a smooth shooting very reliable pistol. I didn't go with the cz82 because I couldn't determine if it had a decock or not.

For such a light pistol the bersa shoots like it weighs twice as much.

[Squirrel_Slayer]

I think the Bersa is great once you polish the feed ramp with a Dremel tool and swap out the grips. The plastic panels feel a little chintsy. But it's an accurate, dependable little pistol. I don't have any experience with the other two for comparison unfortunately.

[NGIB]

Originally Posted by Squirrel_Slayer

I think the Bersa is great once you polish the feed ramp with a Dremel tool and swap out the grips. The plastic panels feel a little chintsy. But it's an accurate, dependable little pistol. I don't have any experience with the other two for comparison unfortunately.

* Gibbs Head Slap *

For using the word Dremel in a gun post...

[JonM]

My thunder plus came with wrap around rubber grips, they feel like hogues. I would put the plastic panels on the regular thunder in the same quality level as the ones you find on sigs. They aren't any cheaper ghan any other injection molded grip panels.

[HOSSFLY]

"Bank for the buck"-type = Makarov IMO
It can be had in 380 but why would you want one when the 9x18 is more potent & about half the price

[HOSSFLY]

"Bank for the buck"-type = Makarov IMO
It can be had in 380 but why would you want one when the 9x18 is more potent & about half the price

[Squirrel_Slayer]

Originally Posted by NGIB

* Gibbs Head Slap *

For using the word Dremel in a gun post...

Ah come on, variable speed, you can set the to about 100 RPM and with a cotton round tip, covered in jewelers rouge. Would I do that on a 1000.00+ 1911, no. Would I do that carefully on a 300.00 Bersa Thunder .380, yes. Done it before, came out perfect. Just have to use caution as with any other action when it comes to modifying your own firearm.