i wouldnt call a gun utterly safe when it doesnt even have a true manual safety.
XD's are extremely simple. If you don't hold the grip safety and make a deliberate pull on the trigger, it's not going to fire. You can throw it, slam it, toss it, and it's not going to fire unless BOTH of those conditions are met.
In fact, the number one complaint about the XD's safety features, is that the grip safety is occasionally too hard to engage. All it takes is a soft grip, or being slightly out of alignment, for it not to fire.
What do you guys think of the SW99. I should be able to get that at right about $500 or so right?
Both the Walther P99 and the SW99 can fine weapons. However, there have been some issues with gritty triggers. Make sure you dry fire a number of times prior to purchase, to make sure it's got a good trigger.
It's not quite as accurate as I would like, but I love the ergonomics and the H&K style magazine release. Recoil tends to be a bit sharp though, at least in my opinion. I love the idea of swappable backstraps.
I am also looking at a S&W Sigma Series.
A lot of people like them. I, personally, won't touch one unless my life depends on it, and I have absolutely no other weapon available to me. My not so humble opinion is listed here:
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159189
Sigma's seem to be like Glocks. You're either going to absolutely adore it, or detest it utterly.
I found a good deal on a Ruger P95DC that I'm planning to use the funds for.
Ruger's are a good consideration as well. They're fatter than a bloody Beretta 92 and ugly as sin. But you can quite literally drive a jeep over it, on gravel, pick up the weapon, and fire it safely. It has an ambidextrous safety/decocker (depending on model) and an ambidextrous magazine release.
Some people don't like Ruger though, because of some of their gun control policies.
There is also a new Beretta coming out. The PX4 Storm.
I haven't heard anything about it yet, other than what's posted on their website. It looks kind of cool though. I'm hoping they'll get the new website up soon so we can see a little information on it.