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The Bersa BP380CC you see here just arrived. It’s been in my possession for about 24 hours. I haven’t fired it. I haven’t carried it. And it’s Bersa’s first polymer frame pistol in .380 (MSRP $430).

I don’t like to speculate, but I think I’m going to like it.

DSC_0565Bersa has other calibers based on this frame but today I’m only talking about the .380 version. Here are the intriguing specs that first piqued my interest: Full grip, 8+1 capacity, .94” width, 21.5 oz. weight, handy features. It’s a basic DAO pistol meant for concealed carry, yes, but executed differently than other guns.

I think I can already hear the good questions you have; maybe you can anticipate mine as well. Just for fun, let’s speculate and try to come up with some answers.

DSC_0568Q. Why a longer, full grip stock on a concealed carry gun?

A. More hand wrapped around a stock usually means better purchase and therefore more confident shooting, as you know. But it’s also more to try to conceal. That’s why there are a bazillion micro, two-finger grip guns out there today. But hiding stocks isn’t as difficult as we think sometimes, right? So, I’m going to guess that the more controlled shooting experience will trump the alleged difficulty in concealing a longer stock.

DSC_0566Q. Why a .380 over a 9mm, when both are 8+1?

A. Yep, given the option, most days I’d say make mine a nine. But hey, some people like shooting .380. And some people like shooting .380 more than shooting 9mm. And modern .380 self defense ammo is pretty good. Maybe Bersa wanted to offer more choices for you, the end user.

DSC_0564Q. This gun’s specs include .94 inches in width, 21.5 oz. in weight, 6.35 inches in length, and 4.8 inches in height. Wouldn’t it be better if it were smaller or lighter?

A. Well, I guess so, if better means smaller and lighter. But maybe, just maybe, a more mid-sized carry gun like this appeals to shooters who want or need the relatively greater size and mass to enhance their shooting experience.

DSC_0567Q. What else on this gun seems pretty thoughtful?

A. I’m glad you asked. The trigger sports a very wide face and feels very smooth; the ambidextrous magazine release is a nice touch; and you can see a chambered round using the chamber view cutout (although you should always do a more thorough check). Plus there’s a picatinny rail and you’ve got some options for swapping out the standard sights. The front sight will take a Sig Sauer #8 sight, the rear sight a Glock sight.

Any other questions?

I’m guessing that the Bersa BP380 will fire reliably, accurately, and exude a fit and finish and feel that will rival other guns. Moreover, I think it will carry very well.

But that’s just speculation on my part.

Off to the range!

— Mark Kakkuri

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