The Thunder 380 is a part of the Thunder line pistols offered by Bersa, along with the Thunder 32, Thunder 22, Thunder 22-6, Thunder 380 Deluxe, Thunder 380 Combat, Thunder 9, Mini Thunder 9, Mini Thunder 40, and Mini Thunder 45. Due to its compact size and rounded trigger guard, it is ideal for concealed carry and relatively simple to maintain. The Thunder 380's lightweight aluminum alloy frame makes it easy to carry while maintaining enough weight to help minimize recoil. All fingers can fit inside the additional area of grip that is built into the magazines. Accuracy is improved by the blowback, fixed-barrel design. The extended rearward tang over the grips on the frame efficiently prevents hammer-bite or slide-bite on the shooter's hand. The Thunder 380 has a variety of built-in safety features, including an incorporated key-operated trigger lock, a slide-mounted manual safety and decocker, a magazine disconnect safety, a prolonged double-action initial trigger pull, and an inertial firing pin. Additionally, some models have an automatic firing pin block.