re: buying a 9mm

I absolutely love my Springfield Armory XDm 9mm. I'd recommend trying a Glock 17 as well. Personally, I'm not too fond of the full-size Rugers, or any model Beretta that doesn't start with a 92 or 96.

ETA: I didn't read the whole thread, but if you want to CC, I've heard great things about the LC9. I haven't shot it, but I've held one, and for a small gun, you don't feel like you're "swallowing" the gun when you hold it.