Congratulations Dougsboy on the purchase..I think that you made a very good choice..Here is an excerpt quoting the website :The Best 9mm Pistol under $510" stating the writer's opinion on the Stoegr Cougar:
Again this is quoting the reference,
13. Stoeger Cougar 8000: Haggle Price $360-$390
Beretta replaced the Cougar with the PX4, and moved Cougar production to Turkey. The Cougar 8000 was too good to let die. With lower production cost, You can now get a Cougar for half the price! Allow about 300 rounds for the trigger to smooth out. The accuracy is amazing with the short 3.62" barrel. We are talking 2" groups from a rest at 25 yards! Accuracy is better than many full size pistols. This gun is so tight! The rotating barrel design and great trigger are the reason the Stoeger Cougar 8000 shoots so good. This proven design feeds all types of 9mm ammo just fine. The recoil feels like a .380 ACP. The magazine for this gun holds 15 rounds. Great pistol bargain for concealed carry or duty use.
If you like to read the whole list, here is the web link:
http://www.best9mm.com/