Hi Chris: these are fairly rugged and reliable field pistols. They are designed after the Beretta 9mm - the older one with the single stack magazine that was in use long before the double action double stack 92s came out. They are another one of those 9mms not too many folk know about but if priced right theya re a good value for the $. As I recall, it is a single action single stack 9mm. It looks like an older Beretta (whatever the Model # was), and they are designed for military use.
It should be better than just a nightstand gun but as with many folks, I too keep the inexpensive one in the nightstand just in case I ever have to use it the Police won't walk away with one of my better ones. HTH. Mikey.