wmshay6, Bersas are very popular here in Argentina, mainly because of the price. You can get most Bersa models for around $350 while most imported guns start at $900 (a Glock 17 costs $1000). Another thing they've got going for them is the lifetime warranty, you can take the gun to the factory and have it fixed right then and there if you've got any problems, while getting a part for an imported gun could take months since the importers don't stock spares.
Quality is OK considering the price. I know people who'v had them for years without any problems, but I also know quite a few Bersa owners that had to take their guns back to the factory. Mainly for small repairs, things like front sights comming loose and stuff like that. They supply weapons to a lot of our police forces and there haven't been too many complaints (I'm sure they'd prefer a Sig, but we can only afford Bersas).
Rumor has it that the guns shipped out the US are a notch above the ones sold on the local market when it comes to fit, finish and QC. The factory manager is a friend and customer of mine, he has asured me this is not true, but people who've handled both types of Bersas say the ones you guys get are better than the ones sold here.
Besides the price, their top notch warranty and customer service are what keeps them in business in my country. If they handle things in the same way in the US, I'd say go for it.
