good luck finding .45 ammo to run through the rental

I think you will be happy with any glock you choose, unless you choose the G36 (its kind of the red headed step child of glock, somthing isnt right with that ugly kiddo).

Choose the size you want, which sounds like you have done. Then compare the glock models to the springer XD models and decide from there which you think is mathmatically better for your application. Make sure to at least hold a springfield and a glock, thier grip angles are very different and alot of people are very partial to one or the other due to this.

caliber. Age old argument. My only recomendation is to buy the caliber you can shoot well, and afford to shoot often.

I would steer clear from smith and wessons M&P line, and Taurus. Your on the right track with glock. Its one ugly ass gun, but it runs most of the time.

Or you could be a real man and buy a 1911.