Noticed this post and thought I'd mention Shooters Paradise burned down two days after you posted this...
Anyways, this Virginia Tech insanity has sparked my interest into getting a handgun (I'm sure all of you, as I, would have liked to be able to fight back in that situation.) I know the likelihood of using it in that situation is nil but I've always been intrigued by the hobby. Well, I'm definitely new to firearms but I was just searching through Smith and Wessuns website and
this pistol caught my eye. Not pimp platinum either
(Not completely familiar with concealed weapons laws so I'm not sure I'd be legally able or even want to carry this concealed). Definitely pricey but I don't mind paying for quality. If a S&W is good enough for A4's, then they must be doing something right.

Any thoughts?