Bersa
Bersa grips
Bersa was founded in 1958 in Ramos Mejía, near Buenos Aires, Argentina, by three Italian immigrant mechanical engineers: Benso Bonadimani, Ercole Montini, and Savino Caselli. The company name derives from the first syllables of their first names: Berso (Benso), Ercole, Savino
Initially producing parts for other manufacturers and inspired by designs from Beretta, Mauser, and Walther, Bersa launched its first pistol in 1959: the Modelo 60 (.22 LR), a modified Beretta-style design that sold exceptionally well and evolved into the Modelo 62
In 1960, the Bersa brand was officially adopted. Early growth focused on affordable, reliable handguns for the Argentine market amid post-WWII demand
The breakthrough came with the Thunder series in the mid-1990s, especially the iconic Bersa Thunder 380 (designed 1995, produced since), a lightweight .380 ACP blowback pistol renowned for value, concealability, and dependability—becoming a top concealed carry choice worldwide
Today, Bersa exports globally, with U.S. manufacturing starting in 2022 (Kennesaw, GA partnership with Talon Distributing) for new models like AR-15-style rifles and 1911 variants, blending Argentine heritage with modern expansion
