MikeM wrote:I have applied for my CHL and and hope to receive it soon. I am debating between carrying a Glock 36 or a Bersa Thunder 380. Big difference in every respect but would appreciate some seasoned advice. If I should consider something else, please comment as well.
Thanks,
Welcome to the Forum, Mike.
As I see it, the decision here is much more about personal preferences and commitment than it is about hardware selection. Here's where I suggest you start:
Ask yourself:
1. What do I expect to accomplish by carrying a gun?
2. If I find myself in a deadly force situation, what effect do I expect it to have on my attacker(s)?
3. Is my level of commitment to a lifestyle that involves preparation for defense against deadly threats great enough that I am willing to spend money on quality gear, adapt my clothing to fully conceal a firearm that remains readily accessible, and tote the extra bulk and weight of a gun around all or most of the time?
Be honest with yourself. Giving yourself answers you don't really believe in will lead you into poor choices that will cost you significant amounts of money to buy and sell guns that don't work out for you, or result in expensive hardware that sits untouched in a drawer or safe.
With those answers in mind, here's a quick and dirty comparison of the two options you named:
The Glock 36 is the better way to go if you are committed to protecting yourself and your loved ones with a firearm that is not magic but has a pretty good chance of making an immediate dissuasive impression on an attacker. That being said, going this route will require adjustments to your style of dress, tolerance of a minor degree of discomfort due to the size and weight of the loaded gun, and the commitment to work to achieve solid proficiency with a powerful cartridge in a lightweight firearm.
If you're going to carry a gun just for the sake of carrying, to have a deadly threat intimidation option that you're not planning on firing, or to see for yourself just how little immediate impact .380 rounds have on a determined attacker if you should be unlucky enough to have to use it, the Bersa is the way to go. It's cheaper, lighter, and easier to shoot. It's also a good choice if your goal is to be just marginally better prepared than going with no firearm at all and comfort is much more important to you than utility.
There are many other choices out there as well. Many folks like the .38 revolver because it falls just about smack dab between the two options you mentioned.
If you plan on carrying it only when you think you might need it, it doesn't matter which gun you buy because it's almost certain that trouble will find you when you least expect it and you won't have the gun with you at the time.
Trying guns before you buy them is a great way to see how they match up with your preferences, to discover the little kinks that may or may not make big differences to you, and can save you from buyer's remorse. Friends who own the guns you're considering will usually let you try them out if you bring the ammo, and you can rent almost anything you're considering at some of the larger gun ranges.
Welcome to the forum and the world of CHL. 