I've got 2 XD's one in 9mm and the other in .45 ACP, both have been great. You can get the XD .45 for less than$500 on gunbroker. It's alot of gun for the money and alot less expensive than the Kimber's without a tremendous sacrifice in quality. Another nice feature the xd's and glock's have over the cz97 or GI Issue 1911 is the accessory rail. I recently cashed in my basspro points on a streamlight tlr-1, it doesn't effect the balance/handling of the pistol at all and throws a blinding beam of led light could give a split second's advantage in a SHTF homedefense scenario.

I also had a S&W Sigma 9mm for a while, in my opinion it is not in the same class as the XD. It felt fine in the hand, but the trigger was terribly heavy. If you choose to go the Sigmaroute make sure you dry fire it or rent one at a range before you buy, I think you'll see what I mean.

For more handgun specific info check out www.thefiringline.com and for xd specific info check out www.xdtalk.com