Thanks! They are scarce in DFW too. I love my Sig. The trigger is awesome. Nothing like a single action. They are expensive with a few of the options. Academy sells one stripped down for $449. It is solid black with no night sights. Mine has night sights and had rosewood grips. I replaced the grips with black aluminum so they wouldn't get torn up. I wasn't happy dropping the cash on it but I am a firm believer in what Kat-man-do said.

Yup, I had a buddy as me how much my life is worth. I thought about it and quality firearms are CHEAP.

Update!!
Well, I feel like a kid again!! In a good way of course. I was invited by a good friend to go to the gun range on Saturday and shot my first pistol in over 20 years, or so? Had a blast!!!! Pun intended, LOL.

Went to the Bullet Trap in Plano, and actually it ended up being a foursome. So I got to shoot a total of 3 different guns.

First up was a S&W Sigma 40 cal. We put as a group 200 rounds through it. Lot's of fun, and turns out I'm a decent shot after all . Here's my best at 7 meters:




We added up scores at the end, I scored highest every time, (yes I'm bragging), but what the hey, I don't get to very often. I know this isn't great at 7 meters to most of you, but it was good enough in this group!! Woo Hoo!!

We also rented a S&W 9mm just to see the difference and put 50 rounds through it. Definately more accurate with that, and the ammo is cheaper to practice with . . . . . . . . . hmmmmmm.

A really nice guy in the stall next to us visited with us, gave us lot's of good info, and even let us shoot a round out of his older Colt 45 revolver (felt like small cannon). Very cool, and if you happen to be reading, thanks again man!

So all in all, great weekend and I think I have another sport I'm interested in. Definately want to get some added instruction, advice, and a lot of practice time before I kept anything in my car or boat, but who knew practice would be fun, right?

So, I got back to the house and have been window shopping online at every 9mm and 40 ever made, reading reviews, watching you tube video's, etc . . . . .

Couple of things "I think" I want.
1. 9 mm or 40, not anything bigger yet. I want cheap practice and control over kick.
2. a de-cocker
3. a safety
4. an external hammer (I didn't like that the S&W had a hidden firing pin. I want to be able to control more.)
5. single action/double action combo ( I didn't like the long trigger pull for every shot, I like the short pull better)
6. Within budget, under $500? Less would be better, but probably unrealistic.

What do you experts think of the FN Herstal brand?
They have a FNP-9: http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/model.asp?fid=FNF002&gid=FNG001&mid=FNM0047 and FNP-40: http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/model.asp?fid=FNF019&gid=FNG001&mid=FNM0056. Same frame, different bore, and at $500. I also like that they are 100% American Made (I really like that). They get a lot of positive reviews online and seem to be a little tamer due to a lower barrel? They also are one of the few I've found that meet all my requirements above. Any thoughts, advice, or FNH owners that have experience with the brand. Or even a good deal on a used one?
Thanks,
Jay

pm sent to tgravley aka stinkbait tom .

pm sent to PaulGrapevine too.

I know I am gonna step on some toes here, but there are much better guns than that Sigma and in the same price range.

Sigma's run around $350-400 new. I use to own one. The triggers are long and spongy. No one will work on them either.
That is great shooting at 7 yards with that gun. I have not seen many people that can overcome that horrid trigger and shoot that well with one.

If you have big hands a Beretta can be a good shooter.
They have a decent trigger on single action, the DA is kinda a long pull, but manageable.
You can find used ones in the $500 range. Find one and shoot it. Some people love them and some hate them. I am kind of in the middle. I have a couple dozen extra mags, I would hook you up with a couple if you pick up one of these.

Wow, thanks Fish Hauler, my parents and brother actually live in Waco. So hooking up would be easy. I'm there every couple of months, and might be there around New Years. I'll check out the Beretta too, they are nice looking. I've heard they are reliable too.

That's a lot of mags BTW, were you a dealer before?

I own one and had a bunch left over from my army days.

Are you wanting concealment or deep concealment. Check out chuck hawkes.com, lots of good handgun education. I prefer Kahr pm9, for a deep concealment weapon.

Not sure to be honest. Until I'm very proficient and have a CHL I'm probably going to go full size with a holster that would fit well or mount in a compartment that I could get to quickly. Practice and instruction with a good comfortable one probably. But again, not sure??