About the Handgun:
Manufactured from 1986 to 1988, this double-action (SA/DA) version of the Model 383 abandoned the trigger safety in favor of a magazine disconnect safety. This was in order to accommodate a M1911-style mag-catch location, which is exactly the spot that the trigger safety previously was.
This model also included a slide mounted decocking lever.
About the Manufacturer:
This Argentina company was founded in the mid 1950s by three Italian immigrants, all who were mechanical engineers. At first they just made parts under contract for another now defunct Argentina arms manufacturer. In 1959 they began making their own pistols and in 1960 they established their trademark name - Bersa. Their pistols today are known worldwide for both their reliability and economy.
About the Cartridge:
Designed by John Browning and introduced by Fabrique Nationale of Belgium, this cartridge has achieved world-wide acceptance and has even been adopted as the standard pistol cartridge by several governments. One reason for the round's success is that it is the largest practical cartridge that can be easily adapted to small automatic pocket pistols. Ballistics fall far short of even the 9mm Luger, but still prove adequate for most self-defense situations. The round has established quite a niche position in this role, often being chosen over more traditional small calibers such as the .25 and .32 Autos.
