I've owned and carried my Starvel-finished M-43 for about 16 years. It's cycled with 100% reliability using every type of factory 9x19 ammo that I've put in its magazine. Can't ask for much more, function-wise.
Lacking a Ransom rest and the proper insert, I don't really have any definitive data on its accuracy. From a bench and sandbags the best I've been able to do is 5-shot groups averaging around 2" at 20 yds. I've been quite satisfied with that. FWIW, the fixed sights that came on mine were regulated for 124 gr. loads, as are the Meprolite tritiums I replaced them with. 115 gr. loads group about 2-3" low at 20 yds for me.
At a little over 30 oz. empty, it is a good deal heavier than many of the newer subcompact 9mm pistol designs we now have. At the time I bought it though it was about the smallest standard production 9x19 available. It also was the only one which offered an ambidextrous thumb safety as standard equipment and, being a southpaw, that was a large selling point to me.
Perhaps it's just that I've become so accustomed to it, but carried in its Milt Sparks 'Summer Special' IWB rig the weight isn't an issue for me. It's quite comfortable and very discrete even under light summer clothing. Truthfully, I never really considered carrying it my pants pocket, although I have done so in coats and jackets on occasion. The loaded weight is very closely comparable to an all-steel, .38 Spl. J-frame revolver, it carries 60% more comparably powerful ammo aboard and is at least as easily concealed - pocket holster or no.
For me that heftiness is actually rather comforting. It's helped make the little pistol very easy to learn to shoot well and quickly with, which does inspire confidence. At least it does for me. Having a control layout duplicating the 1911 also was/is also a plus IMO.
I've never needed a part, other than springs for routine replacement and extra magazines. Both are readily available and moderately priced.
It might not be the current state-of-the-art, but it's still a fine CCW/SD weapon IMO.
