Suggestions

[supersonic]

HANDS DOWN: if you want the ultimate in firepower in the smallest package, a .40" diameter bullet, and you are willing to (or already do) handload - the Glock 29 10mm just can't be beat. It fits in the palm of your hand/pocket/ perfect for DEEP concealment; outpowers a .357 Magnum ; muzzle flip/recoil is very controllable with just a normal amount of practice. This is why it has been given the name "pocket pitbull." Here's mine (go down to post #79 and it's the 3rd one down from there)::http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...t=68800&page=8
It's with me at ALL times!!!!!

[AngelDecoys]

Not sure why everyone rips on the S&W Sigma - have one in 9mm and one in .40 and have been happy with their performance.

I would recommend the Glock 27 if you are looking at something that you want to carry. I've also used a Taurus PT140 and liked it.

If you don't mind something a little bigger, look at the Springfield XDs.

Naw, you're right. I shouldn't bag on the sigma. I don't care for it, but have several friends who love it. Springfield XD is not a bad gun. I've only got a few hundred rounds through mine thus far. Shoots well. Being a lefty, its ambidextrous mag release is a plus.

Try a few out and get one that feels right. A bunch out there under $600

[supersonic]

I love S&W's but stay AWAY from the sigmas!!!!

DEFINITELY heed this warning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EDIT: I had a Sigma, and the trigger pull is VERY heavy (12 lbs.) and the "feel" of the pull itself resembles pulling back hard on a plastic stick, and then, without warning & when the tension is at the max threshold, the plastic stick breaks. Groups @ 25 yds are all over the place. When I sold it & got my first Glock, it was like going from a Ford Pinto that needs a MAJOR valve job, to a brand new RUF Twin Turbo Porsche. Keep in mind that Sigs are amazing, too. But that's apples & oranges. YMMV.

[Paratus et Vigilans]

M&P .40 w/ Dan Burwell trigger job

+1 on that, love my S&W M&P .40, even without the fancy trigger job!

P.S. Still enjoying your 92FS INOX, Richard!

[AJD]

Well, most here have given some great suggestions so far. I'll give a little of my input for a .40 caliber autoloader in the $600 range.

Glock- Glocks have a great reputation for durability and reliability and are simple. The trigger while mushy and not too smooth does have a very quick reset for follow up shots. Still some don't like the grip angle.

XD- Have earned a very good rep for reliability since they've been out. Another striker fire weapon like the glock but with a different grip angle and slimmer grip. They also have few bells and whistles glocks don't have like a grip safety, a cocking indicator on the back of the slide and IMO, a very good loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide that is easily seen or felt.

S&W M&P- Another striker fired weapon, and the new kid on the block. People rave about the feel of the pistol because of the grip angle and natural pointability. Just about everyone I know who has fired one, including myself is impressed. Nice shooter. Only slight downfall is that it is new and there are a few bugs here and there that people have had with them. For example the mag dropping free during firing is the most common.

CZ75 .40- Great pistol, IMO. It's an all steel gun different from the polymer striker fired guns above. CZ75 9mm is one of the most popular handguns outside of the U.S. and one of the most copied designs in handgun history. CZs have a rep for great reliability and accuracy. It is heavier and a little longer than the polymer guns. Also it's a DA autoloader which some prefer over the trigger pull of the stiker fired guns.

Berreta PX4- A polymer gun that is a DA auto like the CZ. From what I've heard they have a great rep for accuracy out of the box. When I fired the 9MM version I was impressed with the trigger pull in single action. Nice gun!

Those are the pistols I have experience/shot that are in the price range you are looking at. Again, each is different and has its advantages and disadvantages and features. ANY of them would be great choice. Which ever one fits your hands the best and the pistol that has the features you will desire will be up to you. Everyones opinion is different and there are some great suggestions in this thread. Good luck!