Bersa M2XI, the 9mm double-stack Argentine pistol "Made in the USA"

The Bersa arms factory was founded in Argentina in the mid-1950s by three Italian emigrants, Benso Bonadimani, Ercole Montini and Savino Caselli. These three mechanical engineers had gained good experience in their home country (Montini had worked at Beretta). Initially, the fledgling company dealt in components for third parties and made parts for the Argentine Ballester Molina service pistol.

After an unsuccessful attempt to launch a military pistol on the market, Bersa, which had taken its name from the initials of the founders (B)enso, (Er)cole, and (Sa)vino, presented its first complete gun, the Modelo 60 semiauto rifle in .22 Long Rifle, which was a considerable commercial success. Planetary success, however, came at the end of the 1990s with the Thunder pistol in .380 ACP, a carry gun inspired by the Walther PPK and which became a great classic throughout South America and the USA.

Over the years, the Argentine manufacturer's lineup has expanded considerably and now includes sport shooting, service and concealed carry semi-automatic pistols, as well as AR-15 style rifle and PCCs. In 2022, following the example of other international manufacturers, Bersa opened a factory in Kennesaw, in the USA, where the pistol we present here is manufacured.

Bersa M2XI: the American Revolution

The "Made in USA" gun from the Argentine manufacturer marks a clear break with the past, also in terms of inspiration. If the Bersa pistols produced up to now were mainly inspired by Walther models (PPK and P88), the new 9mm M2XI is also solidly American in its design, with a 2011-type composite double-stack frame and a stainless steel slide of clear Colt 1911 derivation. Magazine capacity can be either 18 or 23 rounds, plus one in the chamber. The 5-inch (127 mm) long barrel is also made of 416 stainless steel and is of the Ultra Match type with button rifling; this not insignificant detail suggests above-average "out of the box" accuracy. The trigger is single-action, with a lightened hammer whose release is controlled by a skeletonized flat-faced trigger. Trigger pul weight is expected to be around one kilogram. The grip frame is made of polymer, with an aluminum magwell and extended beavertail, which allows a higher grip. The manual safety is ambidextrous, while the grip safety is a Wilson type. A Picatinny accessory rail in the usual position on the dust cover completes the frame.

The front cocking serrations go all the way through the slide, which allow a glimpse of the steel barrel. In addition to offering a solid grip for manipulation, they lighten the slide slightly. Inside is a single recoil spring with full-size spring guide assembly. The Bersa M2XI is available in two finishes: brused stainless steel or matte black nitride.

The Bersa M2XI comes as standard with dovetailed rear and front sights (the latter with a tritium luminescent dot) and a slide cut for red dot direct mounting. Footprint is compatible with Holosun K-series sights and allows for co-witnessing. The dovetail cut allows for the mounting of an infinite number of aftermarket sight sets.

Bersa M2XI technical specifications and price