I've had a UC-45 for over 3 years. Since working the bugs out, it has been an outstanding performer, with no problems at all after approximately 1,000 rounds. Mine is an early model (built May '02) that had weak recoil springs, which caused FTF & FTE problems. It was a common problem with '04 and earlier UC-45's, but the recoil springs were improved (and a few other minor parts fine tuned as well) and the reports of problems have stopped. My suggestion; if you DO decide to get a Bersa 45, put 200-300 rounds through it after you've given it a good cleaning. If you haven't had a problem by then, you never will. FYI, while I personally prefer the UC-9 because it holds 13 rounds vs. 7 for the 45, both are VERY accurate out to 30 yds (sub 2" groups off-hand), easy to break down and clean, and are about the most user friendly pistols - especially for lefty's - you'll ever find. Bersa's U.S. importer, Eagle Imports, has also just announced that as of August 1st, they will include a spare magazine with all Bersa 9/40/45 pistols and will reduce the price of OEM magazines by around 15%-20%. I have a few pictures of my UC-45, along with my other Bersa's (I'm an admitted Bersa fan), posted in the photo area here.
Finally, unlike other posters, I won't start off by recommending you get something besides a Bersa. They are well made, affordable pistols that don't get the respect they deserve, much like Ruger in the 60's-70's or Taurus in the 80's. I'm not suggesting that you not try other weapons, and the ones already mentioned are fine pistols. However, I've seen too many people who were pistol "snobs" and would only buy certain brands "just because", the way some people will only drive a European car or high end import... not because it's a better car than a similar American model, but as a status symbol. I've heard the saying "you get what you pay for" thousands of times in my life and as a rule, it's usually true. OTOH, while much more rare, you sometimes get MORE than you pay for. That's how I feel when I buy a Bersa.
FWIW, I own dozens of handguns, from high-end 4 figure pistols to low tech single shot guns. I have owned guns since the 1960's, I bought my first pistol in the early 1970's and have owned them ever since. If I could only have one gun that I could take with me in ANY situation, count on it to work ALWAYS, and to hit what I was aiming at with ANY type of bullet I wanted to use, it would be a Bersa UC.
