Buying a Bersa 380 for my Daughter (Buyer Beware)

[gglass]

I am looking to buy the most affordable small handgun for my daughter. She really likes the Bersa 380 and I have not read enough bad reviews to avoid the purchase.

Like any handgun I purchase, I first look into the used market to find a deal... This is where the wheels fall off the train on this purchase. I am seeing used Bersa 380's anywhere from "same as new" to "more than new" prices. I have no problem buying an in-demand, used firearm for at or near cost. (I could even pay more if I thought that the weapon might be a collector.)

To add insult to injury on buying a used Bersa is their lame 1st buyer warranty. The warranty of a Bersa firearm does not follow the weapon to next buyer! Here is the exact warranty statement:

Upon the expiration of the one-year Warranty, and for as long as this BERSA firearm is owned by the original purchaser, BERSA S.A. offers to service and repair any defects or malfunction in this BERSA firearm excluding the finish, grips, sights or magazine, without charge. Requests for service should be submitted in writing together with proof of purchase and the firearm (insurance and shipment prepaid by the purchaser) to an authorized service center identified on the enclosed list. Return shipment and insurance shall be paid by BERSA provided the service is covered by this service contract.

This service contract is only extended to the original purchaser and shall be waived if the defect or malfunction was caused by neglect, abuse, careless handling, unauthorized ammunition, ordinary wear and tear, unreasonable use or failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance as set forth in the instruction manual.

Please complete and return the enclosed original purchaser registration card, found in you firearm's box, to assist us in providing this service to you. If you require assistance in connection with this service contract, please contact:

Eagle Imports, Inc.
1750 Brielle Ave., Unit B-1
Wanamassa, NJ 07712
732-493-0302

I suppose that I will buy my daughter her Bersa 380, but it will have to be new one. At around $250 - $275 that won't hurt too much. Midwest Gun Exchange has 5 in stock right now if anyone is interested.

The point of this thread is to inform others who have been looking into the USED Bersa market... Buyer Beware!