Congrats!! When I first started carrying I had about $800+ worth of custom work done on my Springfield GI Champion (cmdr size). I carried it for awhile but then switched to a G19. I like the fact that there's no external safety and it will go bang everytime I pull the trigger (1911's are extremely reliable too). I don't care if it gets sweaty and scratched etc, whereas my 1911's are pretty much safe queens now (I'm sorry guys but it's true). I still take 'em out to the range, but there was just something about carrying an expensive gun that steered me to a $400 Glock. You also sacrifice some size, but I think it's something I can live with. I like the higher capacity mags and I actually carry full size G17 mags in my G19. This also freed me up from carrying 2 additional 1911 Wilson mags. I do miss the feel of the 1911 trigger and I do actually shoot a little bit better with my Springer. Hence another expensive holster to the box-o-holsters (Milt Sparks VM 2 and no I don't wanna sell it).
I also agree with a previous post on the SA XD. If your looking for a Glock-like pistol with a slight 1911 feel you might like an XD. The grip angle is similar to the 1911 and they even have the grip safety. As to your mentioning after market guide rods etc, my experience has been less than stellar. I purchased a tungsten guide rod and I liked the additional weight on the muzzle, but I was having feed problems like crazy (I wasn't limp wristing it either). Not sure why or if I need a gunsmith to fit something, but I basically gave up on it after a short while. I think the only thing I might change on my Glock(s) would be some of the extended controls like the mag release and slide lock. Other than that, my Glocks pretty much stay stock. I inherited a couple (17 ported and 17L), won a G26 in a drawing, bought the G19 from a co-worker and finally a G21.
Hope you enjoy your new piece and if you figure out anything on the guide rods please post your findings.
-Rug
