Bersa Thunder 32
| Industry | Firearms manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Argentina |
| Products | Firearms, including the Bersa Thunder 32 pistol |
The Bersa Thunder 32 is a compact and lightweight semi-automatic pistol chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge, manufactured by the Argentine company Bersa, S.A.
History
As a member of Bersa's Thunder series, the Thunder 32 was offered alongside models such as the Thunder 22, Thunder 22–6, Thunder 380, Thunder 9, Mini Thunder 9, Mini Thunder 40, and Mini Thunder 45.
Although production ceased in June 2012, spare parts continue to be supplied through Bersa/Eagle Imports, with many components compatible across the compact Thunder pistols.
Intended market
Designed primarily for civilian use, the Thunder 32 was especially aimed at the concealed carry market, with a specific version tailored for discreet carry purposes.
Design
The design of the Thunder 32 incorporates features found in the Thunder 380, Thunder 22, and the Walther PPK. Its aluminum alloy frame offers a lightweight solution while providing enough weight to help control recoil from the .32 ACP round.
Operating on a blowback mechanism, the pistol requires a relatively stiff recoil spring, which may make slide manipulation somewhat difficult. The magazines are designed with an extended grip area to ensure full finger coverage for enhanced comfort.
This fixed-barrel blowback system contributes to improved reliability and precision by allowing cartridges to feed directly from magazine to chamber in a straight line. Additionally, an extended rear tang on the frame safeguards the shooter’s thumb web from potential hammer or slide pinch injuries.
Safety mechanisms include a manual safety/decocker mounted on the slide that blocks hammer movement, a magazine disconnect preventing discharge without a magazine inserted, an initial long double-action trigger pull, an inertial firing pin, and on certain models, an integrated key-operated trigger lock along with an automatic firing pin block.
The pistol also features adjustable rear sights for windage correction.
Variants
A lighter variant known as the Concealed Carry model (32CC) is offered. Additionally, Firestorm SGS in New Jersey markets versions labeled 'Firestorm 380,' 'Firestorm 32,' and 'Firestorm 22,' which are assembled using components produced by Bersa.