I can't see Stoeger keeping up the Cougar's quality to the level Beretta had it, IMO. I've shot the Beretta Cougar's & didn't like the thicker slide required by the rotary bbl lock-up, the result of which was a way too front-heavy pistol.
Many owners love theirs, the Beretta quality ensures that it'll work. But Beretta sold this line for a reason, IMO & that's because it was a slow seller for them.
I would take the same $$$ & buy a used 92FS before I would buy a NIB Cougar, IMO.
My .o2