I'm looking to buy a handgun - .40 cal auto. I also like the look of
the shorter barrel compact/conceal guns better (3-4" or so). I don't
want to spend $700+ on a gun. I'd like to stay in the $350-500 range.
The gun will be more for personal protection and occasional target
shooting. I do realize the longer the barrel, the better acuracy the
gun will typically have.

I've been looking at reviews at handgunreview.com, and there are some
bad reviews about every gun I'm considering. So - now I'm totally
confused.

First, a friend told me that Taurus makes a good gun. I've looked at
the Taurus Millenium 140BP, as well as the 24/7-40 series, then I read
more bad about the Taurus than any other I'm considering. Everything
from jams, to cracked frames and triggers.

Then, S&W:
SV40VE and SW99, SW40P

Beretta:
I thought Beretta was THE gun to buy, but there are a fair share of
complaints about them, too. I do believe overall they had the highest
average review.
I checked out the PX4 Storm.

Sigarms
P239

I have not gone and handled any of these guns at the shop. I plan on
going this weekend. I realize the reviews I read are all totally
subjective and must be taken at face value. Some are easily
identifiable as flames, that's why I started looking at OVERALL ratings.

Anyway, if you folks here can help out, and let me know if there is
any specific brand I should stay away from, or on the contrary,
seriously consider, it would be a great help. I'm also interested in
hearing your opinions if you own any of thess guns I've listed.

Also, what are the pros/cons of the compositepolymer frames? I guess I
have the mindset of not feeling comfortable with a gun made of a
fancy plastic - for the most part.

Thanks much in advance,

Rick