Just what is an "assault weapon"?

Especially compelling is the bit that starts around 7:30, when he changes the stock on a .223 rifle.

Firearms Bleg - Full-sized 9mm pistols

So, I have that happiest of conundrums. The wife knows I want a new pistol, and she only has one request. She wants it to be one that she can shoot too, so we can go to the range together.

This is my happy face.

She's not comfortable with the thought of shooting my S&W Model 28 hand cannon (yet), which I can certainly understand. It can seem a bit intimidating at first blush.

Say hello to my N-framed friend

I don't want to just get a .22LR pistol. I will at some point, but for now I want to get something that she's comfortable with, that she can operate and fire accurately, and that would be a serviceable self-defense weapon. Naturally, my thoughts turn to the first caliber of pistol other than .22LR that I learned to shoot, the venerable 9mm.

I have put together a short-list that I'm researching, and would love your feedback. These are all 9mm pistols, all full-framed instead of compact or sub-compact, currently in manufacture and frequently available used. I'm not hung up on metal versus polymer frame, striker-fired versus hammer-fired, or action type (SA/DA/SAO/DAO). I'm looking to spend under $600, preferably in $450 neighborhood if I can.

With all that being said, here's the list I've put together (EDITED to add the P226):

• Browning Hi-Power
• CZ-75
• Beretta PX4
• Beretta 92FS
• Smith & Wesson M&P
• Springfield XD/XD(m)
• Glock 17
• SIG Sauer P226

This will be used by myself as a range gun and occasional carry, and by the missus as a range gun and home defense. Any thoughts, insights, critiques or additions to the list would be greatly appreciated.