Bersa Thunder 380 Holster

Created by the Bersa Corporation in 1995, the Bersa Thunder .380 was built for the CCW marketplace, concealment, and basic self-defense use. It’s part of the Bersa Thunder line, which also consists of the following pistol models:

• Thunder 22
• BP380CC
• BP9CC (the “CC” designation stands for concealed carry)
• TPR9C
• TPR9
• TPR380

Designed using a classic blowback blueprint, the Thunder .380 provides above-average accuracy. Even though the pistol is relatively light, it still has enough weight to keep the recoil very manageable. The standard style comes with a 7-round magazine, so the round count is 7+1. However, Bersa also offers extended mags that carry 9 or 10 rounds.

The Thunder comes standard with a considerable number of user-friendly features, such as:

• A modest beavertail in the grip that shields your hand from slide bite
• Manual safety/decocker
• A magazine disconnect safety

Even though the .380 is thought to be an acceptable self-defense caliber, Bersa chose to use this caliber on the Thunder as many nations have limitations on the size of the round that a civilian can own. Therefore, to make the Thunder available in those nations, the .380 was selected as the caliber of choice.

Even though the Thunder has a significant following, it is not without detractors. Some individuals complain that the Thunder has a small grip, so they have issues getting a firm handle on the pistol. This grip issue seems to be most prevalent with folks with large hands. In these instances, a magazine extension or Pearce grip extension might help.

The Thunder .380 makes a practical choice for both CCW and home defense. It’s light enough to carry for an extended period of time and has sufficient firepower to address most self-defense matters. It’s also very reasonably priced at a sub $350 price point.

The Bersa Thunder’s great trigger pull for a double-action pistol is one major plus. Having owned and fired well-known and considerably more expensive double-action handguns; the Thunder has one of the better factory trigger pulls I’ve ever experienced. It’s surprisingly smooth and consistent throughout the entire pull, breaking nicely around the three pound mark.

However, don’t take my word for it. Test fire one, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at this handgun in this price range. Both Glock and Sig could take a few pointers from Bersa on trigger designs.

Bersa 380 Holster Models

As the Thunder .380 is a well-known handgun, gun holsters for it are relatively simple to locate. Several individuals on various handgun discussion boards believe that the Bersa Thunder will also fit a gun holster for the Walther PPK or PPKS, but that isn’t the case. While similar in frame size, the Walther PPK has different dimensions.

IWB holsters (also called inside the waistband holsters) are the most popular holster style for the Thunder 380. In addition, inside the waistband holsters are the most popular concealed carry and concealment styles.

IWB holster models mount to the belt using several methods, but the most common attachment method is via a metal clip. The IWB style is also very versatile as it can be worn at several locations around the inside of the waist.

OWB is an acronym for outside the waistband and refers to gun holsters worn outside the waist versus models worn inside the waist.

OWB holsters are also called several other names, including:

• Belt holster
• OTP Holster (Short for Outside the Pants holster)
• Belt Scabbard Holster

Belt holster models tend to be reasonably comfortable but more challenging to conceal than inside the waistband gun holsters.

Some common features that you may see on OWB holsters include the following:

Body shield

Also called a sweat shield or sweat guard, a bodyshield is a portion of the holster designed to ride between the holster and the body to keep the sharp edges of the firearm from coming into contact with the body.

Thumb break

Also called a retention strap or thumb strap, a thumb break is a leather strap designed to go over some part of the handgun or revolver for additional retention. Most retention straps use a snap system or hood system that has to be deactivated in order to draw the firearm.

My favorite OWB or leather belt holsters for the Bersa Thunder 380 are these models:

FAQS

Here are some commonly asked questions that I see asked about Bersa 380 holster options:

What size pocket holster for Bersa Thunder 380?

It sounds like the question is asking about a one size fits all type of pocket holster, not one specifically made to fit the Thunder 380.

Before answering the question, I’d like to mention that I find the Bersa Thunder just a bit on the large side for pocket carry. Unless you’re built like Paul Bunyan, I’d say that the Bersa Thunder is too large for front pocket carry in blue jeans or khakis. I also feel that the pistol is too large for back pocket carry in either of those pant styles.

However, if you are interested, any of the pocket holster models displayed above will work for the Thunder 380.

Where can I find a holster for a Bersa 380 Thunder?

Any of the leather gun holster models that are shown above are offered in a version made specifically to fit the Bersa Thunder 380. If you prefer a Kydex holster, then there are several Kydex holster options available online.

What is the best holster for a Bersa Thunder 380?

Identifying the “best” of anything has always made me feel a bit uncomfortable because labeling an item, person, or service as the “best” is based on opinions, experience, and personal preferences.

As such, the “best Bersa Thunder 380 holster” for me may not even remotely work for you. That being said, I do like several of the Don Hume or MTR Custom holster models shown above.