Let's try this.

XD-series

Let's go down the list again with a Springfield Armory XD-40

COST: No more than $650 NIB at this time.
Less than $500 (in my area)

AVAILABILITY: Not much selection in pistols around here, so it's got to be something I can have my dealer order from the factory. I want a new pistol, as well.
No Problem

CARTRIDGE: No less than 9x19mm.
Take your pick of 357sig, 9mm or 40S&W

CAPACITY: The only single stack gun I really like is the 1911, so let's set the minimum capacity at 10+1. If its' a 9mm, then pre ban 15 round (or so) magazines must be available at a reasonable price.
Double Stack 10+1

SIZE: Prefer a full sized or semicompact at this time. No pocket rockets.
Try it...You'll like it!

READY TO GO?: The pistol must be ready to go out of the box. No accessories (other than magazines) needed, no modifying. Unfortunately, this leaves out all quality 1911s in my price range (ambi safety issue.)
Ready to Rock and Roll!

SIGHTS: Prefer 3-dot, fixed.
Got it

SAFETY: Prefer a manual safety, or at least a grip safety, or double action. Maybe it's due to inexperience, but the idea of carrying a gun with a light trigger and no safety (ala Glock) makes me a bit uncomfortable; have fears of the trigger snagging on something. I don't consider a little tab on the trigger to be a safety.
Grip safety, Striker Fired USA trigger system XD Specs

ACTION: Double Action/Single Action, Single Action Only, or Striker Fired. No double action only pistols.
Striker Fired

CONTROLS: The slide stop and the manual safety (if there is one) MUST be in a place where I can reach them with my firing hand, while maintaining a firm grip on the weapon. If the only safety is a decocker, then it's location isn't really important.
Depends on how large your hands and fingers are

ACCURACY: Must be able to hit a pie plate out to the effective range of the cartridge. Combat accuracy only. Not looking for a target pistol.
Combat accuracy and target accuracy. The lower slide placement also decreases the percieved recoil

If I were you I would at least take a look at the XD series. I love my XD-40 and it has replaced my Para 7.45 as my carry weapon.

Note: My second choices of the weapons mentioned here would be a tossup between the CZ's and the SA Mil-Spec with a ambi-safety addon.


My Toy Box
 
i agree with those voting for the Beretta 92(9mm) or 96(.40SW). they have the new Vertec models, easier to handle than standard 92 or 96 (much thinner grip), easy to find hi-cap mags(9mm=15), and my Beretta is totally flawless (92).

however the Ruger P89(9mm), P90(.45ACP), P944 (.40SW), P95(9mm), P97(.45SW) is a great gun for the money, you could get 2 for your price range. i have many sites on the web that will sell these for less than $300 NIB. the Rugers are also made in many diff. configs. (DAO, Decock, Man. Safe)

it's a hard decision, i like the SA Mil-Spec too, and it is quite affodable as well, i am looking into that one myself.

good luck.
 
in spite of all of the Ruger bashing that goes on here, I agree with the folks on the list that have mentioned the P89 series. I have a P89 (9mm) and the P90 (.45). They fit my little hands, but my great big hubbie can fire them as well. Reliable, well built and easy maintenance. I purchased both of mine used for $250 each, and pre-ban magazines for the P89 are usually under $30. Even the new price is very reasonable.
 
Note that the FEG P9M is not fully compatible with the Hi-Power. Most notably, it uses a different barrel. Not to be confused with the PJK-9HP, which AFAIK is a true clone, or very, very near so.
 
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