Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I knew this was the right place to ask. So far, the Dozier Spearpoint is my top choice. The Ice Storm was a strong contender but I have some concerns regarding the lock on it.
Also, just to clarify, I'm an American (Texas cowboy Ex-Marine) living in Finland.

I prefer to buy American, but origin is only one of many considerations. Thanks to the WWW, I can still buy American even while living in Europe when that is the deciding factor.
Also, Also

Bumping up my budget for my brother would certainly open up more (better?) choices, but then I have to bump the budget for my sister, my dad, my mother, my neices & nephews, the in-laws aaaahhhh where does it stop?!

Next thing I know, I'm eating Ramen noodles everyday and living under the bridge. (Which is VERY cold over here) LOL
Again, Thanks to everyone for your advice. This is a super forum and it is the forumites that makes it so.