:: Bersa Talk ::

I have my CCW but do not want to carry pistol that requires special clothing. I want to be able to carry with a pocket holster, such as the Uncle Mikes #4. I like the Bersa pistols because they offer a decocking safety and DA/SA action. I am considering the 380 or the 380CC. The 380CC is hard to find and not a very good range gun according to some postings I have read. Can I carry a standard 380 in a pocket holster, or should I wait for a 380CC?

The difference between the .380 and the .380cc is more than just size. The .380cc rear end is chopped down and rounded on all the corners to have less of a chance to snag on something. I love the .380cc but Its not the best Pistol to carry in your pocket unless you wear baggy clothes and its still just 2 heavy IMO. But with a good IWB holster is where the .380cc really shines.

The CC is smaller over all and thinner . Every body has their limit on pocket weight. I have no trouble with  24 or 25 oz in my pants Of course I only wear jeans.  I also started packing when lite weight pistols didn't really exist.

I find the CC to be a good pocket pistol  If will fit in your pocket with a holster. He again Pockets are not all equal.

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Bersa Thunder,
PPK/S,
1990 Colt Mustang,
380 Kel Tec
380's Rule

"Just say "Lay A Way"

"WWJBD" What Would James Bond Do?

"Hokey religions and plastic glocks are no match for a good 1911 at your side, kid."

I found a cheap IWB holster at my local range on sale for $7, and I use it all of the time for my 380CC.  It is very comforatable.  I probably would not carry in my pocket because I think it would be too heavy.  If I need deep conceal I use a Smartcarry holster which some people don't like to use or I carry a Glock G36 in a Renegade ankle holster.  I would guess that the 380 would also be ideal for IWB.  If you are going to take it to the range all of the time you might want the 380 but if you need it for backup or deep conceal, I would get the CC.  I take other pistols to the range, like my T9HC, the most accurate pistol I own.

Thanks. From the responses so far it seems that the 380cc is about the limit, in terms of size, for a pocket pistol. Some recommend an IWB holster, but I can't see how this could be comfortable. I assume you must wear a loose shirt, untucked, in order to use one. Is that right? I wear jeans most of the time with shirt tucked in.

Now your talking holsters. Check out the holster forum. I've been going there for a couple days looking for a tuckable IWB. Lots of good suggestions there.

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Unrepentant American

I am a big advocate for pocket carry.  I routinely carry the following with a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster:

Kel-Tec P3AT

Beretta Tomcat

Kahr PM9

Bersa 380CC

I would consider the Bersa 380CC to be the largest gun one could effectively carry as a pocket pistol (unless you are using cargo pants or some other special attire).

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Taurus M410
Ruger SP101
Ruger LCP
Kahr PM9
Bersa 380 CC
Beretta Tomcat
Kel-Tec P3AT

To easly answer your question the CC is better.  Kind of goes along with the name. I also like the DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster.

RC

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What size Nemisis do you use? Or are they all the same?

I don't think you were asking me, but I think mine is the compact auto size. I think it is well made, but it is open at the bottom and it just seems a little stiff and bulky. 

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Specs

I have some true "pocket pistols" that I carry in the summer months when excessive colthing is unreasonable,  an FIE Titan 25 and a Jennings J22.  The Jennings is NOT a 1 up carry gun but it has less chance of snagging coming out of clothes.  The FIE can be carried chambered but has some snagging points.  Plusses - I have a means of self defense.  Minuses - not a lot of FPE stopping power. 

My BT380 (not CC) rested comfortably in a deep concealment chest holster this Spring and will return in the Fall.  It's size and weight would never make it a true pocket pistol for me. 

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Bersa Thunder 380 Matte
Ruger P85
Dan Wesson 357
Beretta 87
Ruger Bear Cat
Jimenez JA-380 and other SNS's

I bought my Bersa .380 CC about a month ago and, since then, have tried 7 different pocket and IWB holsters (OK....so I've got OCD!).

I really like the de Santis "Nemesis" pocket holster. For regular slacks (like Dockers or such) with full sized pockets, it's a comfortable fit and is undetectable. It also provides a smooth, quick, draw.

But, ultimately, it comes down to what I'm wearing. In summer, here in Florida, I wear shorts and t-shirts a lot. The pocket holster just doesn't do as well with this type of outfit.

My current choice of IWB is the Blackhawk Nylon model. It's coated with neoprene on the outside so it doesn't rub or chafe your body, and the neoprene is sweat-resistant (unlike leather).

The inside is a 'grippy' sort of nylon that keeps the gun in place at all times, yet the draw is soooooo smooth and quick. Sounds contradictory, I know, but you'll see what I mean if you try it!

I understand your hesitancy about an IWB holster and comfortability. Several of the ones I've tried were simply annoying. The Blackhawk, however, is very comfortable and, after a few days of carry, you hardly notice it. I wear it in what's called the "appendix" carry and the gun is invisible, even with only a thin white t-shirt over it. Finally...it's really inexpensive ($12 - $20)!

Hope this helps....

Mike Harvey                    

I too have a .380CC and though it can be pocket carried it's pushing the envelope, IMHO, unless you wear baggy or cargo pants, which I don't. I use a UBG Nassar for IWB or a NRA slide holster for OWB, depending on clothing. I find both very comfortable.

I have a 380 STD and a 380CC the cc is much better for IWB carry. The CC is shorter because the beaver tail or part in the back under the slide does not stick out as far. That is enough of a change not to poke me in the ribs or the side. The thinner is because of a few pieces sticking out on the sides were shaved, the bulk or body of the gun is about the same. Kind of like taking the door handles off a car it maybe narrower but not because of a drastic change.

Now after carrying for a few months and not paranoid anymore and the lump has gone away I have tried to carry the 380 STD in a high noon holster and a holster by UBG. It still is not compfortable and pokes me in the side. I use the same holsters with the CC with no problems.

If I wanted to pocket carry I would by something smaller, such as a Keltec P3AT or something like that. You are not looking for a range gun you are looking for an up close and personal I need to defend myself gun. The gun needs to work reliable the few times you go to the range to test it and the one time you need to defend yourself. Guy charges you with a knife you are not going to shoot him at 50 yards. You are most likely going to shoot him at 10 feet or closer.

Buy a second gun if you want to shoot a few thousand range rounds such as a Bersa 9mm the rounds are cheaper and that gun has a longer barrel and will be more accurate.

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Bersa 380 Black and Gold
Bubinga Wood Grips from
http://www.marschalgrips.com/

brasswind:

What size Nemisis do you use? Or are they all the same?

I tried the Nemisis for the Walther PPK because I thought the dimensions were very similar to the 380 CC.   It was too tight and I returned it.   If you are looking for a Nemesis for the 380 CC,  just get the one labled for the Bersa Thunder .380.   It will work fine.

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Taurus M410
Ruger SP101
Ruger LCP
Kahr PM9
Bersa 380 CC
Beretta Tomcat
Kel-Tec P3AT