BDA, thanks for the reply. Thinking back, I've actually fired the Sig 220 and a colt 1911 that was a service weapon of a marine buddy of mine. I really liked the Sig, didn't like the 1911 as much, though I only fired one clip out of the 1911. I also fired a .38 S&W revolver, but I'm only looking at semi-autos.
The local range doesn't offer handguns to rent. I'm in charlottesville, VA--anyone know of a place close to hear that rents them? Closest I found was 2 1/2 hours away (in Chantilly).
I'm going to be taking an introductory handgun safety/basics course in two weeks, so I'm hoping that I might be able to try a few varieties from other students, the instructor, etc. Problem is I won't have my own gun for that course; I'll be borrowing my friend's Sig 220 (this isn't a problem, is it?).
Otherwise I'm going to do what you suggest--going to the gun stores in the area and trying a few out for feel.
Some people have said that you can only tell if you'll like a particular handgun if you fire it a few times, so I was a little concerned that unless I fired a half dozen varieties before purchasing, I was making a hasty buy. Not sure about your thoughts on that, but I am definitely planning on trying out (with live fire or at least holding for "feel") as many as I can before I buy.
Thanks again.