All excellent points and all well taken. I think it comes down to the fact that I need/want to have two different guns.
I like the Bersa and don't want to sell. I just need to be mare patient about the ammo and shoot it now and then.
I still plan to save up for a full or mid size 9mm. I thought I'd get more pressure/support/opinions to hurry it along in that direction, and I may have listened, but I'm glad to get the feed I did.
BTW, I bought the ammo they had at Gander by the way, so thanks for that tip as well...
I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestion as always...
The size and weight of the gun is a significant factor in the recoil equation (as are some design features). Your going from a subcompact to a full-size and changing calibers at the same time makes a direct comparison difficult. Obviously, all things being equal, the 9mm will kick more (on both ends), both objectively and subjectively. Subjectively, personally, I don't detect a significant difference between 9mm/.40S&W/.45acp in the full size guns although I do perceive differences in the recoil impulse. Some may be described as "snappier" or more of a "push." But nothing that would make me choose one over the other. You might find this handgun recoil table helpful:What about shooting a 9mm handgun compared to a 380? I know the handguns will vary in their shooting and recoil based on their style and manufacturer, but is there a general answer such as the 9mm is more similar to the 380 or more like the 40 cal?
I don't anticipate.380 ammo production being ramped up significantly in the future to be anywhere near what 9 mm production is like. Both cartridges are over 100 years old. It would take a cataclysmic event to change the production of either relative to the other significantly.Does anyone expect that production for this (i.e. .380 acp) will ever be ramped up to catch up with demand or will the standard 9mm production always take precedence?[/quote
The 380 round is the exact same bullet as the 9mm . . .
Actually, common 380acp loads use 90 to 102 gr. bullets whereas 9 mm loads generally use 115 to 147 gr. bullets. Hence, not the same. The respective hollowpoints are also designed for different velocity envelopes.
Same caliber yes (within about 1/1000"), but that's about it.
The 9mm has a 19 mm case, hence the designation 9x19 mm
The .380 has an 18 mm case, hence the designation 9x18 mm.
Keep the Bersa, then buy it's big brother the 9mm UC Pro.
OR, wait for the Bersa Polymer framed 9mm coming out next year.
I LOVE my Bersa 9mm, and am a better shot with it than with the 380. Seems to me that the 9mm has less recoil, perhaps the weight of the gun...
Just my opinion, but I believe that the 9mm and 380 even in ball configuration will get the job done, although they would not be my first choice for self-defense they do have a street record in the multi-millions if you know what I mean.
I really do not reccomend ball ammo, especialy in a 9mm. With higher muzzle velocities, there is a good chance of overpenetration.