So I stopped by some sporting goods stores today and held and took a look at a couple of guns. Most were .45 acp (which I think I'm sold on for caliber). And two .40.
First was the Walther PPS (.40) mentioned above. I was not fond of it. The handle was far too skinny for my hand. Next!
The 1911 Colt Defender (.45). It felt nice but I did not like the rubber grip. Next!
So on to the 1911 Colt New Agent (.45). This felt much better as it did not have a rubber grip. This gun is still in the running.
Next was the Sig Sauer 1911 Ultra Two Tone (.45). I REALLY like the feel of this gun in my hand and it didn't seem like it was as heavy as the other 1911's I had looked at.. This was probably my favorite gun that I went out and looked at today.
I also looked at the Kimber Ultra Carry II (.45). This for me was on the same level of comfort and lightness as the Sig. However the price tag kinda drove me away. Especially since Kimber only gives you the gun, a mag, and the case it comes in (and a lifetime warranty of course).
The 1911 Springfield Armory EMP (.40). This gun was also very nice but I'm pretty much sold on the .45.
The Glock 36 and XDs (both .45) were the last two guns I checked out (non-1911's
). The XDs was not comfortable without the pinky extension on the magazine. The handle was also a bit thin for my liking. And the glock 36 was nice but a bit thick in the barrel. I was also told the Glock 36 is known to be quite snappy. Basically you cant "limp wrist" it when firing it. I'd have to shoot this one on a range to get a better feel for it.
Conclusion. The Sig Sauer, Kimber, and Glock are the top 3 that I really liked the feel of in my hand.