:: Bersa Talk ::

I have about 400 rounds through my thunder 45uc and have been having the same problem since it was new.  Sometimes when shooting the slide will get stuck back between shots.  It acts like the magazine is empty but its not.  usually it only does this once or twice every 50 shots but yesterday it did it about 10 times in 50 shots.  Sometimes it will get stuck back if I have a full magazine and manually rack the slide.   I was thinking it could be the recoil spring because it feels very very weak.  Even when the gun does function correctly, the slide movement is really slow, definitely slower than any gun i've ever shot.  Would a stiffer spring fix my problem or is it something else? Thanks.

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Bersa Thunder 380 Duotone
Bersa Thunder 45 UC
Mosin-Nagant M44 Carbine
Yugoslavian SKS

No, if the spring was weak the slide would move faster when fired and have more recoil. If it is moving slow, something is wrong. I would advise sending it in to be gone through and repaired under warranty. Please let us know what you decide.

Thanks,

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C. Royce Honeycutt
Master Gunsmith
Master Firearms Instructor
Bersa Warranty Center

Just sent it UPS ground, should be there Thurday.  Thanks.
-Alex Cate

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Bersa Thunder 380 Duotone
Bersa Thunder 45 UC
Mosin-Nagant M44 Carbine
Yugoslavian SKS

I just purchased another MINI 45 Fire Storm this last weekend and have noticed almost the same issue.  I tested it out with 100 rounds last Sunday and the slide felt slow going back and forward, in fact it was kinda like a clunk back and then a clunk going forward and you could feel the movement of the slide transmitted into your hand.  I've practiced and fired with many weapons and I'm certain my grip is not a problem. I have never had this slow feeling movement with any other weapon I have fired. I'm hoping this is a break in issue, but I also suspect a stronger spring would possibly help. I also had about 5 rounds that stopped midway in chambering and one time the slide also stayed to the rear with rounds still in the magazine. I've cleaned it well and this next weekend I'll drop another 100 into it just to see what happens. In case the ammo may have been an issue so I'll be sure to use good ammo for the next test. Do you have any pointers that may fix this issue, if ammo is not the problem?  I really do not like the idea of sending it away unless I must.

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Bersa Ultra Compact 9mm
Taurus PT92 AF 9mm
Luger P08 9mm
Walther P1 9mm
Bersa Mini Thunder 45ACP
Cimarron Revolver 357magnum
Ruger Super Black Hawk 44magnum
Ruger Vaquero 45 Long Colt

There are several things that could be going on, but most would be a guess without seeing the pistol. Sorry, but the best bet if it does not get better is to send it in to us to check out.

Please let us know,

Thanks,

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C. Royce Honeycutt
Master Gunsmith
Master Firearms Instructor
Bersa Warranty Center

I want to put another 100 rounds through the weapon, to see if it still acts up or not.

If after this weekend it still seems strange, I will most likely send it to you.

Thanks

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Bersa Ultra Compact 9mm
Taurus PT92 AF 9mm
Luger P08 9mm
Walther P1 9mm
Bersa Mini Thunder 45ACP
Cimarron Revolver 357magnum
Ruger Super Black Hawk 44magnum
Ruger Vaquero 45 Long Colt

I put 100 rounds through it on Saturday and I had only 2 FTF.  The recoil of the slide also seemed to function a little better also.  Maybe after next weekend it will be fully broken in?  I do enjoy the Bersa Compact series, and will stick with the 9mm and 45 ACP for now. 

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Bersa Ultra Compact 9mm
Taurus PT92 AF 9mm
Luger P08 9mm
Walther P1 9mm
Bersa Mini Thunder 45ACP
Cimarron Revolver 357magnum
Ruger Super Black Hawk 44magnum
Ruger Vaquero 45 Long Colt

It looks like I will need to send this Mini Firestorm 45 in for a warranty service. Today out of 50 rounds it failled to feed 4 times and stayed open about 3 times. Also the slide movement was very slow and has made me doubt its abilities and function. Especially since I had my Bersa 9mm Ultra Compact with me and it ate 100 rounds perfectly. 

Afterwards during the cleaning I notice some flaws in the barrel metal at the feed ramp. I noted 2 very small defects in the ramp, as if the molten metal had some small bubbles in it when first poured.  I'm certain this has nothing to do with the feed and slide problem, but if the barrel lock failed it could be a disaster. 

Since the barrel has a matching serial number, I'm concerned if it can be replaced?

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Bersa Ultra Compact 9mm
Taurus PT92 AF 9mm
Luger P08 9mm
Walther P1 9mm
Bersa Mini Thunder 45ACP
Cimarron Revolver 357magnum
Ruger Super Black Hawk 44magnum
Ruger Vaquero 45 Long Colt

I'm not back yet, but checking in. Please send it to us, if the barrel or block need replaced we can do that without a problem. Please let us know what you decide.

Thanks,

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C. Royce Honeycutt
Master Gunsmith
Master Firearms Instructor
Bersa Warranty Center