Like BBI I prefer a metal DA/SA firearm. Last summer after quite a bit of shopping around I bought a very gently used P229 (short overhang) on gunbroker for $700. It was 357sig not 9mm but also came with a mint 40 barrel and I tend to shoot 40 the most out of it. It shoots either caliber reliably including hollow points and even corbon powerballs. It is certainly reliable enough to carry but I don't, primarily because I standardized to just one of two carry weapons depending on situation. I would have to say the extra money spent on a sig is a rational investment.