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Beginning in the 1970s, we saw the steady rise of “Wonder Nine” pistols—high-capacity 9mm handguns with a double-action first shot. They combined the Walther P38’s DA trigger with the Browning Hi-Power’s double-column magazine. The Beretta 92, SIG P226, and CZ 75 defined the category, but a number of affordable, serviceable pistols also appeared. One of the better ones came from Argentina: the Bersa Thunder Pro.
The original Thunder Pro was a full-size, DA/SA 9mm with a 15-round magazine and a slide-mounted decocker. It wasn’t a flashy pistol, but it ran reliably and earned a solid reputation with many shooters. Bersa now offers the TPR—Thunder Pro Redesigned—a pistol that keeps the original system while improving several details.
Thunder Pro Redesigned
The full-size TPR is roughly the same size as a Beretta 92, and Bersa also makes a compact version with a shorter slide and frame. The TPR’s slide profile is similar to the SIG P226, while the frame resembles the Beretta pattern. The trigger system uses an external draw bar, pulling the hammer to the rear until it breaks against the sear. After the first double-action shot, the slide cocks the hammer for single-action operation.
DA/SA pistols aren’t as popular today, but they still offer advantages for home defense. The long first-shot pull gives an added measure of control when the pistol is kept ready, and the single-action mode provides a clean, precise break.
The safety lever also serves as a decocker. Unlike most designs, the TPR’s lever is pushed upward to safely lower the hammer. A positive firing pin block prevents forward movement unless the trigger is fully pressed. The upward motion of the decocker reduces the chance of accidentally activating it during firing. All major controls are ambidextrous. The pistol includes a light rail and comes with two 17-round magazines.
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm
- Capacity: 17 rounds (two magazines supplied)
- Action: DA/SA
- Weight: 31.0 oz
- Barrel Length: 4.25 in.
- Overall Length: 7.55 in.
- Height: 5.5 in.
- Width: 1.45 in.
- Price: Approx. $477 (street)
Detail Changes
The updated model includes SIG-pattern dovetailed sights, making replacements simple. XS Sights offers compatible sets. The grip frame and panels have been thinned, giving the pistol a better feel than the earlier Thunder Pro. The double-action trigger is smoother with less stacking than older versions. The single-action break measured just under five pounds on a Lyman digital scale. Reset is sharp, and the modest backlash is typical of this design.
My sample included electroless-nickel slide finishing. Overall fit and finish were good. Online prices averaged below $500, and I found a blued model locally for $375. The blued finish is a durable phosphate style commonly seen on well-used Bersas. While Bersa’s .380 pistols are more common, their 9mm line deserves attention.
Handling and Disassembly
The pistol handles well, with no sharp edges. The revised grip design is more comfortable than the older Thunder Pro. Disassembly is straightforward: remove the magazine, clear the chamber, rotate the takedown lever, drop the slide lock, and run the slide forward. The recoil spring and barrel lift out easily. The ramped barrel supports straight-line feeding, which proved reliable during testing.
Before firing, I cleaned and lubricated the pistol. This removes packing grease—especially from the trigger mechanism—and usually results in a smoother action.
Firing Tests
I fired a broad range of drills using Federal American Eagle 124-grain, Federal 147-grain Match, and several defensive loads. At 7 yards, the pistol produced center hits with a smooth DA pull. The transition to single-action wasn’t difficult. Double-taps and hammers were easy to control. At 31 ounces, the pistol is heavier than modern polymer guns, and this weight reduces recoil and muzzle rise.
Slow-fire shooting produced tight groups at 7 yards. At 15 yards, deliberate fire delivered accurate, well-centered shots. I also fired a box of Speer Gold Dot 124-grain +P. Some budget pistols struggle with the increased slide velocity of +P loads, but the TPR fed, fired, and ejected normally. Recoil wasn’t excessive.
From a 25-yard benchrest, I fired the following five-shot groups:
25-Yard Benchrest Groups
- CCI Blazer 115-gr FMJ: 3.0″
- Speer 147-gr Gold Dot: 2.5″
- Federal 124-gr HST: 2.7″
These results show good barrel lockup and consistent manufacturing.
Conclusion
The Bersa TPR is reliable, accurate, and affordable. For shooters who prefer or appreciate a DA/SA pistol, it’s a solid choice. It’s a full-size handgun with full-size weight, which is more of an advantage than a drawback in a home-defense role. At its price point, you get more than you pay for.
Ratings
Reliability: *****
Accuracy: ****½
Concealed Carry: ***
Affordability: *****
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