I have a few SIGs and they are great guns (239 SAS with DAK trigger system). My current favorite is the Springfield XD. Nice little gun, with a lot of safety features, and its pretty affordable. I carry the XD subcompact in 9mm in a COMP-TAC holster. Check out COMP-TAC, the holster has interchangeable bodies so you can use it for different guns. Pretty slick.
I got my FFL back in 1995 or 1996 and the price of guns has gone thru the roof since then. Ammo is crazy expensive as well. I see plenty of $600+ guns for sale, and that is dealer cost!
You should consider joing a gun rights organization as well. Doesn't have to be the NRA, there is also Gun owners of America, etc. NRA offers some pretty good firearm safety training.