I have had three Bersa’s and would not mind buying another one. However, all of mine had serious problems with the slide hold open system.
The metal in the slide is just too soft and rapidly wears (try two mags on a new gun) causing the gun to fail to hold open when empty as they should.
It is an absolute joke reading the reasons why this happens. These reasons range from “The guns were designed this way (really)”, to “I am not operating the gun properly”.
I agree that they are low cost, however, I have in my collection about 6 Walther PP and PPKs, 4 Sig 230 and 232s, a number of FEGs (including an absolutely gorgeous SMC .380 with an alloy frame that I only paid $250 for) and even a second generation Sccy that has never malfunctioned. My last attempt to make a Bersa work (a Bersa Thunder CC) cost me $300 initial purchase, two trips back into for repair (costs on my dime) for a total of over $400. My last used Sig 230 SL, cost me less than that. Most of my Walthers and Sigs cost me about $400 each (if you look hard enough).
I can not use a Bersa at a Police range since the hold open system never works as required when the range is “Cold” (slide locked back and magazine out).
Sorry about the rant, but it is hard to keep quite when someone starts to praise a Bersa.
Just some thoughts,
Trooper Joe