It probably doesn't make much sense to you since your not the one in need, right? What makes a lot of sense to other people doesn't necessarily make sense to you and vice-versa.

I asked for suggestions, not opinion and judgement on how I may or may not handle a firearm.

And I came to this forum to seek just that in the hopes that members here would not be as snobbish and arrogant as you are.

Given, you might know a lot more than I do with regards to firearms but you don't really have to go breathing down my neck an forcing me to do something I CAN'T just yet. Shooting is not exactly rocket science . It doesn't mean that just coz you know a lot, doesn't mean you shoot better than everyone else.

Would've been nice to see more constructive replies unlike you're "oh, i know better than all of you" posts. Jeez, man. How simple is it to focus on the question and not your uncalled for opinion and lectures?

Since you are planning training,ignore 1/2 these posts.I would like to know your location though,you said "country" so I'm seeing that as not the US.

Anyway,for a serious fighting sidearm look at HKs or Glocks.I carry a 1911 but I wouldn't recommend one now for a few reasons.

I personally don't like Glocks for a few reasons but that's beside the point,what pertains to your requirements is "lack of a safety".Glocks have a few safeties,but the one you're looking for was put in the trigger for some dumb reason.Glock invented this device as far as I know ,and everybody jumped on the new fad,why I just don't understand.Anyway,if you did like one it would serve you well.These were designned as a military sidearm that didn't quite cut it to dethrone anyone,so LE and civilian sales were targeted heavily and it paid off.

Since capacity matters,I'd leave the 1911 and grab my USP because it's laid out similar to a 1911,and they are damn near indestructable.The USP is a bit large but the P30 and P2000 are a little more streamlined.I've shot only a P7 in 9 so I can't tell you about those personally,but I love my 45.Magazines are expensive compared to quite a few others,but that's still in your pricerange easily.

HK isn't like a normal gun company,they are a military and LE contractor that happens to sell to the public.They don't see a niche market happening and design something quick to make money,ain't gonna happen.Their guns are built to live in combat,and alot of nations trust their lives to them and have for a long time.For being innovative with weapons design,I'd put them right with J.M.Browning and Sam Colt to name a few.All just my opinion though.

I am a Beretta guy at heart, but since you have a few different "wants" in a firearm, I really like the H&K P30...nice firearm.....

@ rex and berretabone:

Finally, some replies definitely worth reading. I'd rather not disclose my exact location as I don't really want to affect tourism in any way, big or small. I resid in a beautiful country it's just the criminals and gov't destroying it. And no, it's not in the USA.

I've recently held and shot (finally) my friend's 9mm Springfield Armory XDM.

I totally love it! It feels much, much better in the hands than the Sig P250 does and comes with a whole load of things. His XDM came with a speed loader, a holster, a lock of some sort, a magazine holster, two mags and the gun, of course. Plus the recoil is surprisingly very manageable. I mean, I wouldn't know what to compare it to but I seem to be able to handle the recoil comfortably. The gun just works! I think I'm pretty much sold...

So I went to the gun shop earlier, they have the XDM and selling them at $1,350. Is that a good price or should I hunt for cheaper ones?

Start the hunt.....they are going for $500-550 here......

Hahaha,I'll just stay here for vacation until you get the scum under control.

The XD line is pretty popular,the Smith M&P is probably a little more popular here outside of Glock but they are all good.Another gun that really is gaining attention is Wather's PPQ,everyone seems to love it.

The price is hard to say,it's very high compared to here but we have no import taxes on those.Really the only way to tell is compare prices where you are between available dealers.Here they go in the $500 area and the only extras your buddy got should be the mag loader and holsters.We complain about the price rise over the last decade,I feel for you guys if that's an average price.

Since you like the XD so well,I'd say shop around for the best price and pick it up,you have protection and a gun for your training courses.Later on you can trade off if you find something you like better,but aren't stuck in the same situation as now.Good luck man,we aren't quite as bad as you but will be if people don't wake the hell up.Keep that family safe.

The bulk of what I'll be paying is probably import tax... I'll most probably wait for a gun show to spring up somewhere in the area before I make my purchase.

Guess I will be taking a few lessons while waiting. Thanks fo the suggestions.