Bersa Model 90

Bersa S.A. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1989

Also known as: Bersa 90, Bersa Series 90

Overview

The Bersa Model 90 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced in 1989 by the Argentine manufacturer Bersa. It was the company's first full-size combat handgun, departing from its earlier blowback .22 and .380 designs in favor of a locked-breech, short-recoil Browning-type mechanism suited to the more powerful 9mm cartridge. The Model 90 used a traditional double-action/single-action trigger with a frame-mounted ambidextrous safety and a 13-round double-stack magazine. In 1994 the entire Bersa pistol range was rebranded under the Thunder name, and the Model 90 was reworked with a relocated fire-control group, match barrel, improved sights and ergonomics, and increased capacity, evolving into the Bersa Thunder 9 that continues in South American police and military service.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	850 g (30.0 oz)
Overall Length	200 mm (7.87")
Barrel Length	108 mm (4.25")
Height	140 mm (5.51")
Width	38 mm (1.50")
Action Type	Short Recoil
Firing Mechanism	Double Action Single Action
Trigger Type	Da Sa
Magazine Capacity	13 rounds
Magazine Type	Detachable Box
Muzzle Velocity	360 m/s (1181 fps)
Muzzle Energy	481 J (355 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	50 m (55 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Number of Grooves	6
Frame Material	Aluminum Alloy
Slide Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Finish	Blued

Calibers

9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm

Features

Firing modes: Semi Automatic
Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Decocker, Firing Pin Block
Features: Ambidextrous Safety, Double Stack Magazine, Fixed Sights, Alloy Frame

Production

Production years: 1989-1994

Produced until the 1994 rebranding of the Bersa line as the Thunder series.

Origin

Country of origin: Argentina

Designer: Bersa S.A.

Discontinued: 1994

Notes

Bersa's first full-size 9mm; the direct predecessor of the Thunder 9 line. Renamed and redesigned as the Thunder 9 in 1994.

Background

Bersa built its reputation on compact blowback pistols, but the Model 90 marked its leap into the full-size service-pistol market. Its locked-breech 9mm action laid the groundwork for the long-running Thunder 9, which became one of Argentina's most widely issued domestic handguns.