By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2023
BERSA HISTORY
Bersa was founded in 1958 by Italian immigrants Benso Bonadimani, Ercole Montini, and Savino Caselli, with the name created from the letters of the first names of the founders.
All three founders were mechanical engineers and Montini previously worked for Beretta.
In 1959 the first .22 long rifle pistol was commercialized by Bersa. The pistol was named the Modelo 60 and was based on a Beretta design. Bersa continued to grow with its production of several models in larger calibers.
30 years later Bersa introduced their first full-size combat pistol, the Model 90 chambered in 9mm.
In 1994 Bersa introduced the “Thunder” line of handguns, and in 1999 Bersa won the competition to supply the Argentinian military with their new sidearm, the Bersa Thunder 9.
BERSA TODAY
Today, Bersa is one of the largest privately held corporations in Argentina, and now has a new production facility in Kennesaw, Georgia.
“During the past two years, Bersa has quietly been reinventing itself as a brand.” Rafael Del Valle, National Director of Sales for Bersa, announced. “The Bersa brand is one of the most popular handguns for concealed carry, and for many first-time handgun owners. We realized that the Bersa brand was a perfect launching pad for a series of AR rifles and pistols featuring the same performance expectations and affordability but in the popular AR format. The exceptional news is that our new AR-style rifles are made in America in Bersa’s new facility in Georgia.”
THE RECEIVER
The upper and lower receivers are produced from 7075 Aluminum type III hard coat anodized. The BAR9 features a Mission First Tactical pistol grip, and a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting sights, lights, and lasers.
THE BARREL
The 8-inch barrel has a 1-in-10 twist rate and is constructed from 4150 chrome moly vanadium with a KAW Valley XL Slim 9mm compensator.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Direct Blowback
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 30 Round Bersa OEM Magazine
Sights: Full Length Picatinny Rail
Barrel Length: 8 Inches
Overall Length: 26 Inches, 29 Inches with buffer tube extended
Weight: 5 pounds, 12 Ounces
MSRP: $879.99
URL: www.bersa.com
THE VERDICT
The BAR9 9mm makes for a good home defense gun and features an affordable price. It’s all American made and being produced in Bersa’s new Kennesaw, Georgia state-of-the-art facility.
Check one out at your Bersa dealer.
That’s all for now, folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counterstrategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Off Grid, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International. Contact him at [email protected].