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View Full Version : Recommendations for Concealable Semi-Automatic


DallasCop2566
09-26-2008, 07:34 AM
I retired from the Dallas Police Department and through my entire career I carried a revolver. After retirement I decided to join the modern world and purchase, qualify with and carry a semi-automatic.

Several retired officers suggested a Bersa Thunder .380. Less expensive than many, very reliable, not pretty, but a good all around weapon. I purchased one and this past Saturday used it to renew my CCL.

It fired without any problems, I found it to be very accurate and a great small weapon, but one problem has arisen, my very large hands. I used a two hand grip and now there is a very large blister type wound on the top of my left thumb from where the slide rubbed.

I tried changing grips, but I guess by habit returned to the most stable and comfortable grip, allowing the slide to rub on my left thumb.

I have the largest grips available on the weapon, but I am afraid my large hands need a larger frame weapon with a longer grip area.

I am not dedicated to the .380 caliber, found that 9mm ammunition is less expensive and much more available.

Anybody have any recommendations for a concealable semi-automatic, .380 or 9mm, with
a grip size that would allow a large handed person to comfortably fire the weapon.

I tried the Bersa 9mm Ultra Compact and found the exact same problem, the grip height is too small and again the slide rubbed against my left thumb.

For smaller hand persons, especially women, the Bersa .380 Thunder is a great weapon. I fired 250 rounds, all Remington UMC 95 grain full metal jacket without one miss feed, fail to eject or fail to fire. As stated before, accurate and reliable weapon.

Give me some recommendations-------

Rentiers
09-26-2008, 08:44 AM
It sounds like your "2-handed grip" is leaving your left thumb wrapped over the base of your right thumb, (sounds like you are a right handed shooter). I hear this problem from some of my students. (I teach CWP)

This is a common problem, but it will probably NOT be solved by simply choosing a different semi-automatic. Simply put, that is the wrong place to rest your left thumb if you plan on using a semi-auto. I'm betting that either your grip must change (move your thumb forward & to the left of the slide, (near the Bersa's safety/decocking lever), or use the "cup & saucer" method, keeping your left hand cupped under the magazine well, supporting your shooting hand.

If you just can't make changes to your grip, you probably need to stick with a revolver. No matter what you do, the slide of a semi-auto will probably continue to cut into your left thumb. Good luck with it.

Bill

Bill of Rights
09-26-2008, 01:52 PM
That's what I thought, too, when I read this. Everything I've ever seen has shown that while a revolver can be gripped in that position, left thumb over right (presuming right handed shooter), an autoloader slide will come back over the top of the top of that left thumb every time.

This article has some photos, if it's easier to see it than have it explained, as Bill Rentiers did (and did well, I'll add)

http://www.handgunsmag.com/tactics_training/grip_0925/

Blessings,
B

DallasCop2566
09-26-2008, 03:33 PM
I took Bill's advice and tried the left hand cup grip. I had to work hard to keep in mind the new grip as each time I went to the ready position, I found myself gripping the semi-automatic as a revolver.

I am sure after several more trips to the range I will become more comfortable with the new grip and the Old Dog will automatically grip as suggested as a habit.

Thanks Bill, I guess it it hard to convert a cave man to these modern ways---------

Dogman
09-28-2008, 04:13 AM
Also do a lot of dry fire practice if you can with a Bersa or use snap caps, keeping your grip in mind at all times until you pick up your gun and don't even think about your grip. From one old dog to another, we can be retrained.

Rentiers
09-28-2008, 05:22 PM
Glad I could help out DallasCop. It may take some practice, but you will be able to change your grip and eventually be comfortable with the new grip & pistol. It just takes burning the new way into your muscle memory.

Bill

pioneer461
10-07-2008, 12:31 PM
"I am not dedicated to the .380 caliber, found that 9mm ammunition is less expensive and much more available."
:welcome:
Dallas Cop,
Congratulations on retirement, and welcome to the forum. I'd recommend two things, first if you have a choice between .380 and 9mm, go with the Nine. I'm assuming you still have contacts on the department. Get ahold of your firearms trainers and have them give you a quick course. I'm sure an instructor can be found if you buy the beer and pizza.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/police.png