First impression from the options you presented and the information given I thought you should go with M&P .40, that was until I saw that your "stockpile" of ammo was only 1K. (One weekend class.) That changes things, still using your initial post parameters I say M&P 9mm. If you are looking at this style of handgun though, as others have suggested, a Glock is an excellent choice. If you have some sort of bias against it I understand some peoples unwillingness to change their minds, you don't know what you don't know. If this style of handgun is an interest of yours I would suggest getting the Glock first because you will end up with one sooner or later and be pissed at yourself for wasting money on the others. Don't say I didn't warn you.