I just bought one, the first to hit a local store. I like it. I've shot the 9C and the Shield (rented at the range) and the trigger on this gun is a bit nicer than those. Especially the reset. The grip is more aggressive but not overly so for me at least. As for the holes, not sure what they are for but they do expose the extended frame. Indecently this is my first hand gun. Was hours away from getting the original 9 when I saw the release on the web. The old version is going away eventually. Range report to come.