Sidearms & Scatterguns Spoils from the gun show

[CrazyHorse_mk14]

Been on the market for something “slightly lethal” since I traded my g19. You know for those days when the .45 is too lethal. So I picked up this little bersa Thunder .380

What’s the hides opinion on my very own less than lethal option. I’ve heard all kinds a bad about small calibers but never heard a bad word towards bersa as far as reliability.

Also, had to check out the Winchester’s !

 

[CrazyHorse_mk14]

First thing first, took this little spring out

And removed the gay mag safety

 

[Quarter Horse]

Like you, I have never read anything negative about the Bersa'a function, materials or construction. The arguments about cartridge lethalality have been around for as long as I have which is basically forever. The first data I read in the sixties was from govt. tests done just prior to WWI and the medium was domestic animal carcasses or possibly live animals. I don't precisely remember but I do remember that I wasn't terribly impressed because the projectiles were very unsophisticated and most if not all tests were for rifle cartridges.

Fast forward to the seventies. All the normal mediums were being used (wet newspaper, pine boards, etc.). Than two guys, Marshall and Sanow, started reporting the results of actual shootings and separated results by both cartridge and the actual bullet used. That was when I started carrying Glaser safety slugs in my BHP. The data and updated data is available https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alternate-look-handgun-stopping-power and http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_power_chart.htm If you choose the right ammo the .380 is effective.

 

[CrazyHorse_mk14]

Very interesting read! My first impressions are that it’s a great light carry weapon. I have about 75 rds through it and it has been flawless. Accuracy is exceptional as well, can split a card with it at 7 yards anyway.

I don’t necessarily buy into all the number crunching to measure effectiveness. By all measurements a black powder revolver shouldn’t be able to kill but it does. I think all handguns suck as far as “stopping power” goes.

Tools for the toolbox I suppose.. beats a sharp stick

 

[CrazyHorse_mk14]

Interesting data from that link, the .380 actually did great. There’s so many variables though and I don’t see how the .45 Didn’t perform as well. Much less comparing .380 to .357 for similar one shot stops.

Again I’m not counting on one shot with anything! But the .32 outclasses them all?

Something ain’t right! If the caliber don’t begin with 4 it’s not supposed to kill

Like the old seal said in regards to 9mm “if I put two in the heart and one in the head, they won’t know the difference “

 

[deersniper]

Interesting data from that link, the .380 actually did great. There’s so many variables though and I don’t see how the .45 Didn’t perform as well. Much less comparing .380 to .357 for similar one shot stops. View attachment 6897278

Again I’m not counting on one shot with anything! But the .32 outclasses them all?

Something ain’t right! If the caliber don’t begin with 4 it’s not supposed to kill

Like the old seal said in regards to 9mm “if I put two in the heart and one in the head, they won’t know the difference “

Yeah Ima go ahead and call bull shit on a chart that has 22 above 9 and 45

 

[Sniperwannabee]

Hmm chart proves 40 is better than the 9

 

[CrazyHorse_mk14]

Shotgun beats rifle!

So two people were shot with a .25 acp and one of them died instantly = 50% one shot stop.

Jim cirillo has some interesting takes on ballistics after studying the people he shot! NYPD used 38’s back then but his partner used gods gun. The book was “Tales from the stake out squad” I think..

Bullet holes bleed, shoot the bloody spot, bigger hole bleeds more, small holes are better than none.... kinda my philosophy.

As far as the bersa goes, hydrashoks punch car steel, it eats anything you put in it, so it’s starting to grow on me

 

[fdkay]

My usual CC piece is a CZ83.
Folks get all wound up about the "FBI protocol".
The FBI protocol is a good yardstick, but is geared towards the offensive as well as defensive use of a firearm.
The VAST majority of civilian defensive uses are short range, squared up to the target. 10" of penetration is plenty.
The FBI came up with their penetration numbers by considering the bullet passing through an arm, then across the width of the chest cavity.