I've got a couple of Smith....39-2, 5906 and some plastic ones as well.

Back before I could afford a real HiPower, I had two FEG's, one a BHP clone and the other the copy with the S&W innards, but still in SA only.

I sold them both to finance the real thing and get it restored.

But I always liked the FEGs...the ones I had functioned just fine.

I'vp been toying with the idea of an FEG P9R, which moves the safety/decocker up to the slide and from what I can tell completely mimics my 39-2. (And with a fine 39-2 sI ee no reason to get the FEG.)

Does anyone have any experience with both these guns? Is there any substantive difference, except for the fact that the Smith is simply a better pistol. I'd rather get something completely different than the FEG (Daewoo?) than simply have two of essentially the same pistol in the safe.

There are so many choices out there, new and used, in affordable 9mm
semi autos that you can surely find something to buy. The Taurus G2
Millennium seems to be a good gun for the money. It seems to me
that if funds are somewhat limited that the best bang for the money
is in modestly priced current production guns with a good reputation
and a good warranty.

I don't have experience with that model of FEG, I do have the Hipower clone (and a 39-2).
Sounds like you are looking at "real steel" guns; might help to decide if aluminum alloy frames are fine too... that would open the door for other brands.
Biggest issue with the FEG is that they're out of production, and parts are scarce... and they don't match other guns for that (the HP clone does take standard HP parts, but the S&W type doesn't take any S&W parts from what I know). Might be a fine gun, but i'd look elsewhere for comparable prices.
If ok with alloy frames: I hear that the Daewoo is a fine pistol, but they've climbed in price. Lionheart is now selling them for over $700 new, so what was a sub-$300 used pistol is now pushing $500 when I see them.
You might want to look into the Zastava CZ 99 and variants, current production is called EZ9 I believe. Used CZ 99's online for under $300. It bears a pretty strong resemblance to the Sig pistols, and most reports seem to indicate it's a good shooter. If/when a savvy importer markets them for higher ala Lionheart w/ the Daewoo, the prices may jump on these too.

Thanks guys, comments much appreciated.

You're right about the vast selection out there and that the FEG parts are difficult to find....and your logic's got me deleting the FEG from my saved gunbroker bookmark.

I've got a couple of Sigs and love 'em and have an Astra A100 which is essentially a P6 in Inox. Think I'll keep looking....probably going to sell a Star Super B and 30PK and maybe one more and go BIG for either a Colt Gov't Compeition or Springfield Range Officer Operator.

I'm kinda changing my strategy and instead of having a whole bunch of really good guns I'm focusing on having a few really, really very very good guns (but still keeping purchase price under $900.

Again, thanks for the insight.