[Gard]

The other day I was at a gun shop looking for a Bersa Thunder 22. Apparently they are few and far between, with most shops only ordering the 380 versions.
I was shown a Taurus PT 22, that was visually very appealing with a stainless body and Rosewood grips at a nominal price of about $250.

Returning home I went on line to see what others said about the gun. The consensus is that it is not as accurate as other guns of its size, and has feed issues depending on the selected ammunition. It is somewhat similar to the Beretta with the tip up barrel, and this apparently is the reason for its innaccuracy. When it is compared to the fixed barrel of the Bersa, the shot groupings are almost double the size at 25-50 feet.

The Taurus has a life time warranty as does the Bersa. The shop owner mention that he has returned several Taurus weapons for various repairs, and all were returned in excellent working order.

I have never shot either gun, nor have I handled a Bersa. I have read encouraging reports about the Bersa, and am wondering if the Taurus would be a worthy substitute? The difference in price is not changing my mind from the Bersa, it's the inavaibility of obtainig one. I want a gun that will offer a life time of enjoyable usage. The more accurate and reliabile the better.

Thanks all Gard

[NGIB]

For an accurate & reliable .22 pistol - get a Ruger or a Buckmark. The PT 22 is a tiny "toy" and I'm not even sure what niche it was designed to fill...

[JonM]

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f66/bersa-day-plus-sig-p220-39349/

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f21/bersa-thunder-22-a-39173/

check those two threads for my in depth opinion of the bersa thunder 22. its my favorite 22 pistol. ive got 1500 rounds thru it now with the only problems being an occasional severely under powered bulk pack cartridge which likely wouldnt have cycled a gun that didnt have a recoil spring. in generelly it will cycle everything i stick in it. its not picky at all. it even feeds empty fired cases.

i highly recomend the thunder 22. its worth the wait in ordering one. i like it better than my ruger mk2 target gun. the ruger is very ammo picky.

ive also got a walther manhurin made ppks in 22lr and the bersa while not as pretty is a better functioning gun than the walther.

[Jay]

I just bought a Bersa .22 for my wife. She carries a Walther PPKs .380, and the Bersa is virtually a mirror image of the Walther. She can build muscle memory much cheaper with the Bersa, and it's controls are virtually identical in function, and location. Win-win...

[Gard]

Originally Posted by NGIB

For an accurate & reliable .22 pistol - get a Ruger or a Buckmark. The PT 22 is a tiny "toy" and I'm not even sure what niche it was designed to fill...

I have three accurate and reliable 22 pistols, a Ruger, High Standard and Sterling. I'm specifically looking for a small "pocket pistol" that my daughter can learn with, and develop her familiarity with hand guns.

After reading your replies, I've pretty much eliminated the Taurus PT 22. I'm still looking at the Bersa and considering the Beretta 21a. The Beretta is the same cost as many pocket sized 380s. If this pistol weren't intended as a starter, I would choose one of the larger calibers.

Thank you for your replies, I appreciate your insight. Gard

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Gard

I have three accurate and reliable 22 pistols, a Ruger, High Standard and Sterling. I'm specifically looking for a small "pocket pistol" that my daughter can learn with, and develop her familiarity with hand guns.

After reading your replies, I've pretty much eliminated the Taurus PT 22. I'm still looking at the Bersa and considering the Beretta 21a. The Beretta is the same cost as many pocket sized 380s. If this pistol weren't intended as a starter, I would choose one of the larger calibers.

Thank you for your replies, I appreciate your insight. Gard

A .22 is a wise starting point. After the basics are learned, THEN progress to larger calibers. Many new-to-shooting folks are seriously put off by someone starting them out shooting a larger caliber. Kinda like shoes, the first pair you had likely didn't have cleats/spikes on 'em.

Rugers, Buckmarks, and S%W's are all fine .22 handguns. I have some of each, but they're at a higher price point.

[danf_fl]

My wife has 2 PPK/s.
One in .22lr, and one in .380ACP.

The .22 is one of the most accurate, fun to shoot, easy to take of handguns we have.
The fixed barrel is a plus in the accuracy area. The Bersa is the one I would pick between the two choices.

[group17]

Originally Posted by Gard

I have three accurate and reliable 22 pistols, a Ruger, High Standard and Sterling. I'm specifically looking for a small "pocket pistol" that my daughter can learn with, and develop her familiarity with hand guns.

After reading your replies, I've pretty much eliminated the Taurus PT 22. I'm still looking at the Bersa and considering the Beretta 21a. The Beretta is the same cost as many pocket sized 380s. If this pistol weren't intended as a starter, I would choose one of the larger calibers.

Thank you for your replies, I appreciate your insight. Gard

Pocket sized 22 she can learn on a Phoenix HP 22a. for $150. Very reliable and eats bulk 22 just fine.You can also get a 5 inch barrel for it to make it more accurate. If you have the money the Bersa can't be beat.

SSAA - Official Australian Shooter Reviews - .22LR target pistols

[Gard]

Since I'm looking for a "keeper" gun that's accurate and reliable, the Firestorm Bersa Thunder 22 seems to be the best 22 pocket gun for my needs. The many pleased current owners, have convinced me that my first impressions were correct. Now if I can find a local dealer to order one.

Thanks all for your insight, and taking the time to post some helpful information. Gard

[mesinge2]

I have no experience with the 22 Bersa but the 380 ones are pretty good.

However, the PT-22 is junk. I rarely make an outright bold statement but it is junk. My
GF had one and it always had at least two jams per magazine. We sent it for repair.

Then weapon came back and the little rubber whatever part in the front of the slide tore
off and the weapon would not work. Back to Taurus it went.

Third time the tip-up barrel would not stay locked and kept opening after being fired.
Finally, when it came back the fourth time it was traded toward a SIG mosquito (best decision ever).