Smith Vs Bersa

[JoeJ615]

been looking around for a 9mm semi auto and found 2 locally that fit my criteria and are in my price range, and i have ZERO experience with either gun but havent found anyone with anything bad to say really about either one so im asking you guys :D ... im looking at either a S&W 5903 or a stainless Bersa Thunder 9 pro and hoping to find some opinions or people with experience with either or both ... any info is appreciated 

[dralarms]

Bersa is a fine firearm, however I'd go smith every time over bersa.

[JoeJ615]

yeah i've never owned a smith or a bersa .. of course always heard of smith and instantly relate the name to quality but from what i can gather like you said the bersa is a good gun as well and it has a slight capacity advantage over the 5903 (17vs15) and a 4-1/4" barrel vs smith's 4" otherwise the features are roughly the same being DA/SA with decock ... argh im torn lol

[peejman]

Bersa is a fine firearm, however I'd go smith every time over bersa.

 

 

What he said.  If the Bersa functions, it's perfectly fine.  The Smith will be a much nicer piece overall.

[maroonandwhite]

Smith for sure. Their 3rd gen guns are GREAT guns. I hate that I ever got rid of mine. Built like tanks and would eat whatever I fed it.

[JoeJ615]

ok last minute change up .. any opinion changes if we throw the Ruger P95DC in the mix? lol 

[dralarms]

Still the smith. Rugers feel like a 2 by 4 to me.

[peejman]

I've got a Ruger P series and a Smith.  Again, the Smith is nicer but the Ruger works just fine and cost a whole lot less.  I'd put the Ruger ahead of the Bersa. 

 

If your intention is to carry it, all 3 are quite heavy. 

[Caster]

Smith all the way.  If I were not invested so in Glock, I'd be carrying a 3913 right now.  If I ever find one when I have the cash, I'll still buy it and carry it.  I miss the older generation of Smith autos.  THey were kinda heavy but they were WELL built.  

[UncleJak]

S&W. I have personally messed with all 3 and there is no comparison.

[tnhawk]

Smith and Ruger have given me good service and I would probably pick them first.  However I know serveral people who have had good service from Bersa.  I'd choose the one which felt best in my hand.

[maroonandwhite]

The only Ruger that has ever felt good in my hand was a revolver or the MKII/III. YMMV

[RichardR]

I'd also take the 5903, without hesitation.

Looking forward to reading your range report!

[hipower]

Smith fan. So I'd go with the 5903. but I'll almost agree with Caster. Live the 3913, but love the 4013 TSW. Would really like to find another in 9 that was reasonably priced.

[enfield]

Joining the chorus - Smith & Wesson.  I've owned both Smith and Bersa semi-autos and, while both were functional and safe, the Smith was a much better made firearm.

[JoeJ615]

wow i kinda expected smith to be the favorite but not unanimously so lol 

[Guest Frightful1]

Well to add the voice of reason to the mix.  I have owned and fired both.  I currently have several Bersas, and they have all been bullet proof.  I have over 7000 rounds thru my 22lr, and more than 5000 thru my Thunder 45 with varing amounts thru the others.  While the fit and finish of the Smith is superior to that of the Bersa, functionality renders the two firearms nearly equal.  Overall reliability has been something different.   I have had only one problem with the Bersas, a safety lever on the 22 that broke after I dropped it.  They replaced it for free.  The Smiths (owned by a shooting buddy) I am familiar with however, M&P 9mm and M&P40, have both been back to the factory at least twice for jamming problems.  Customer service from Smith was very good, about 9 days door to door for all repairs.  Bersa was nearly 3 weeks due to having to order a part from Argentina.  Personally I like the "feel" of the Bersa better, but that is just me.  I fell in love with a Ruger 44mag Alaskan and and so may need to thin the herd somewhat.  The Bersas will be the last to go.   JMHO

Edited January 18, 2013 by Frightful1

[diablo982]

I'm going to also give props to the Bersa. I collect old Smith revolvers so I am definitely a fan, but my wife's Bersa has been flawless. Pick up the two (or three) and see how they feel in your hand. Don't rule out the Bersa because its not a Smith. While the S&W may have a better finish, they are both quality firearms.

[Ranger305]

Can't compare to the Smith or the Ruger, but I like my Bersa 9UC, very pleasant shooter.  I would buy it again given the choice. Is this one new or used? The 9UC only comes in black or a nickel like finish they call Duotone now.  I think some of the earlier ones could be had in stainless, but that stopped at least a couple years ago.  If this one is true stainless, it may not be the latest greatest. I believe Bersa's warranty only covers the original owner. 

[gun sane]

I've owned a predecessor to the S&W 5900 series, the Model 469.  I liked it and used it as a carry for about a year.  Then I heard about the Bersa Thunder 9 UC and bought one second hand at a gun show.  The 469 is now just a memory while the UC 9 belongs to the wife and it's her favorite.  I've also owned the Bersa 9 HC and the new BP9CC.  Both of them are solid winners in my book.  I'd trust my life with either of them.  Not that I'm a Bersaholic.  I'd love to take the Shield out for a spin, but I can't find one, even if I could afford it.  I've found that reliability and personal ergonomics trump cosmetics and name brand recognition when it comes to using the pistol for its primary purpose.  Heck, even Goldilocks quit looking after she found the one that suited her best.

[musicman]

I'm going to jump on the Smith bandwagon. I love just about every handgun they make, and have/had some from every family they produce. M&P is my current fav, but those 3rd gen autos are awesome. I only sold mine due to financial hardship, and will get more again in the future.

Yea, find what fits you best, yea, price can be a factor, yea, both can be just as reliable. But seriously... the dude in the Hyundai Genesis will always be envious when the dude in the 911 drives by.

[craglawnmanor]

 I previously owned a Ruger P94 9mm, and still currently own a S&W 5903 (former Atlanta Police trade-in) and a Bersa Firestorm Ultra Compact 9mm.

 

I sold the Ruger because it was the least favorite of the 3 for me. I don't have a true preference between the 5903 & the Firestorm UC, because I view them as totally different handguns (5903 is much larger than the Bersa Firestorm Ultra Compact).

But, since I've found both a S&W 3913 and a CS9 within the last couple years, neither the 5903 nor the UC are shot or carried these days.

 

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm a fan of the 3rd generation S&W's, but I'm really a fan of the more compact 3rd gens. Never had an issue with them, they like all ammo. :)

[JoeJ615]

well from all this, im thinking i might be picking up the S&W tomorrow as it seems to be the favorite by far and is actually about $40 cheaper than the Bersa thunder 9 pro ... that is of course unless i just dont like the way the 5903 feels in hand and like the bersa much better .. but i've held a 5906 and liked it, and from what i understand the 5903 is the same gun but much lighter with an aluminum frame

[JoeJ615]

well i went to my LGS and a couple pawn shops and ended up going to pick up the 5903 only to find out it was sold yesterday ... but i found a stainless Taurus PT92 used with 2 17rd mags for $429 OTD so im a happy camper :D