Thanx all for the responses. Please keep 'em coming.
I was researching the ATI and the RIA when I started thinking about what choices might actually be available. Glad I did, I completely forgot about the Colt models, and I never knew about the Sprinfield mini GI model.
Now for a few follow up questions
I've heard horror stories of Kimber's QC and CS, have they gotten any better? Or is it a headache I'd really just rather avoid? And some questions have been posted here and there about warranty issues without resolve. Do ya'll know if they (Kimber) have gotten better about that?
I've heard and read of some horror stories about the P.I. brands as well. Slides being cracked right out of the box, spring, extractor and or other problems with both ATI and RIA as well as the AC, American Classic, line. Magazine problems along with FTF and FTE from all three seem to be a more prevalent problem with these brands than any others. Is this really the case?
I know any manufacturer of firearms, or of anything for that fact, is likely to have a few bad apples here and there. And that almost all firearms need a break-in period. I just don't want to have the hassle of sending this off to the factory every ten days. Just looking for a good pistol right outta the box. I think we all want that.
Add on -
test drive? - Does that mini GI have a simple break down, meaning no tools and such?