A 9mm handgun less than an inch wide with 8+1 capacity.  This has become nearly the norm for those looking for an easily concealed handgun for carry in hot weather or when utmost discretion is required.  It’s easy to think of the 2015 Glock 43, the S&W Shield after its initial recall 2013, but with a much quieter release in 2012 came the Bersa BP9CC.  Offering often under-appreciated features such as a visible and tactile loaded chamber indicator and ambidextrous magazine release the BP9CC fills even large hands comfortably and yet maintains a very slim profile.

Much like the tango dance of Bersa’s native Argentina the BP9CC is a blend of both simple movements and advanced techniques that isn’t too intimidating for the beginner yet offers a lot for the more experienced.  This handgun’s offerings nearly break down evenly:

 

 

For the Beginner

For the Connoisseur
slide-serrations
Easy to handle slide serrations
mag-release
Ambidextrous Magazine Release
slim-profile
Slim Profile and Loaded Chamber Indicator
guide-rod
Dual-Coil Flat-Coil Spring on a Steel Guide Rod
mag-release
Tactile Memory Rest for Trigger Finger
feed-ramp
Lengthy Feed Ramp
lock
Key Lock renders the gun inoperable
steel-insert
Internals are Secured by a Steel Chassis

Combined it makes for a handgun offering advanced features usually only found in much more expensive models that welcome both the new shooter and can grow with the user’s skills through years of reliable operation and without leaving the owner wanting of aftermarket improvements.  Perhaps part of why we don’t hear much about the Bersa BP9CC is that it hasn’t demanded the aftermarket attention that others in the single-stack 9mm lineup have.  Once you have the handgun all you need is a holster.

Photo courtesy of gunsholstersandgear.com
Photo courtesy of gunsholstersandgear.com

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the handgun is the trigger.  Initial pull is a bit long and squishy as is good for a defensive gun, and yet the reset is incredibly short and crisp permitting follow-up shots nearly instantaneously.  Plenty of trigger time to know the first shot needs to be taken, and immediate follow-ups if another shot is needed.

All in all the Bersa BP9CC is an impressive blend of what both new shooters and experienced seek in a slim defensive handgun.  See Erika and Graham give their impressions after shooting in the video below.  Be sure to watch their reset shots at the end: