Ruger Forum

JonMark · October 26th, 2012, 10:58 PM

Well I finally purchased my very first handgun (two at the same time) and I'm really looking forward to breaking into the gun world. I don't have much shooting experience (none at all with handguns), but when I was about 13 I went duck hunting a few times with a 20 gauge shotgun. That's about the last time I fired a gun (I'm 27 now) and I'm eager to finally get into something I've had a lot of interest in for a while.

I've tried to do some research (with my limited gun knowledge) on my first purchases, so this is what I ended up getting ... Ruger SR9C, and a Bersa Thunder 380 ... Why this combination? Hell if I know. I love the SR9C, I did a lot of research before purchasing it and couldn't come across any bad/horrible reviews on the gun. I'm a smaller guy, so when I start to conceal carry I want to be able to hide a gun well (hence the Bersa 380).

I did look into the LC9 and the LCP .. The LCP was just too small for me, and I didn't like all the negative reviews on the LC9. Since I was already getting the SR9C as my 9mm, I figured I'd go with the Bersa for me 380.

What actually led me to the Bersa was my interest in the Walther PPK .. And sitting next to it in the display case was this Bersa at $250 less than the PPK - I quickly got out my phone and did some researching on the Bersa vs. PPK and surprisingly a lot of people favored the Bersa over the PPK. So that's how I ended up with these two pistols.

What sucks now is I'm itching to shoot them and haven't had the chance to. It's crazy living in a town in Texas that only has one firing range, and it's expensive as hell. So I'm trying to figure out what options I may have. Either way, it's great to have these two firearms, and I'm pretty pumped about them. Sorry for the novel post, but I as you can tell I'm kind of excited, lol.

101snubbie · October 27th, 2012, 12:06 AM

Both good guns. I love my SR9c and my dad loves his Thunder 380. Two good buys. Now go shoot em'!

RAC55 · October 27th, 2012, 12:16 AM

Heck, you should be itching all over...I've been shooting for almost 40 years, and I still itch all over when I buy a new piece for my collection. I don't have a Bersa 380, but I've heard a lot of good reports on the forums about them. I have a Sig P230 in .380 that I frequently carry and I like shooting that cartridge as it's easy and controllable. I have several Ruger handguns, both revolver and auto. They have never done me wrong. I think you made 2 good choices there. Have fun and welcome to the forum!

Shoot To Thrill · October 27th, 2012, 12:16 AM

I too was considering the Bersa Thunder 380, but since I could only afford one gun, I went with the SR9. Happy shooting!

James6591 · October 27th, 2012, 12:20 AM

SR9 is a good choice, congratulations.
Don't know enough about the Bersa to form an opinion.

mk34techrep · October 27th, 2012, 02:37 AM

Congrats on your purchase...Greetings and Welcome from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, "The Tar Heel State."

Waveform · October 27th, 2012, 02:40 AM

Welcome to the forum and to world of gun ownership. It can get pretty addictive so watch out! Looks like you're off to a great start. Enjoy your new pistols and be safe.

Amishman44 · October 27th, 2012, 02:53 AM

Congradulations on your purchase...and welcome to RF.net!

I've owned a few Bersa Thunder .380's over the years...and my favorite one was the all nickel one I bought when I was living in Indy! Sadly, I traded it...for a PPK/S...and didn't like the Walther as much. It was a great shooter and accurate!

LAGun · October 27th, 2012, 03:40 AM

I just got a Bersa Thunder for my wife and a work buddy has one for his carry piece.We took it to the range and not a single hiccup.The work buddy has not had a problem either...

3482jl · October 27th, 2012, 03:47 AM

Welcome to the exciting world of handguns. And congrats on your first purchases. I received my first handgun 45 years ago as a X-mas gift from my dad; A Colt Frontier Scout .22 LR SA.

And welcome to this great forum from North Dakota, where we're preparing for summer

RetiredSeabee · October 27th, 2012, 04:35 AM

I have a SR9c love it, you are going to enjoy shooting it. I have a PPK on my short list of guns to buy. Saving up they are pricey. But I have read good things about the Bersa enjoy it.

Geoff · October 27th, 2012, 05:30 PM

Welcome from California's High Desert and to the Forum.

ChrisLCR · October 27th, 2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonMark

Well I finally purchased my very first handgun (two at the same time)

Why only get one gun when you can get two?

Quote:

I don't have much shooting experience (none at all with handguns), but when I was about 13 I went duck hunting a few times with a 20 gauge shotgun. That's about the last time I fired a gun (I'm 27 now) and I'm eager to finally get into something I've had a lot of interest in for a while.

That's pretty much my story, although It's been a longer period in between gun experience for me.

Quote:

so this is what I ended up getting ... Ruger SR9C, and a Bersa Thunder 380 ... Why this combination? Hell if I know.

Hell if we care, as long as you got something!

Quote:

I did look into the LC9 and the LCP .. The LCP was just too small for me, and I didn't like all the negative reviews on the LC9. Since I was already getting the SR9C as my 9mm, I figured I'd go with the Bersa for me 380.

Just got an LCP. Ditto on the LC9. I'm not liking the reviews on that one nor the quality I saw first hand.

Quote:

What sucks now is I'm itching to shoot them and haven't had the chance to. It's crazy living in a town in Texas that only has one firing range, and it's expensive as hell. So I'm trying to figure out what options I may have. Either way, it's great to have these two firearms, and I'm pretty pumped about them. Sorry for the novel post, but I as you can tell I'm kind of excited, lol.

You live in the biggest, and one of the most gun friendly states in the union. I'm sure you can hook up with someone in your area that has or knows of an outdoor range somewhere.

Good luck with your purchases!

K57 · October 27th, 2012, 05:43 PM

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Texan! You made a good decision on both pistols. I don't own either but I like what I've heard about the SR9c. The Bersa has had a good rep for a long time and they're priced right to boot. I don't shoot .380 but wouldn't hesitate to get the Bersa if I did.