So true. I bought the 26 when they first became available at our local "cop shop" down in South FL in 1995 or so.
Traded in my S&W 36, (a move I regret in hindsight), toward the purchase.
I thought it would really only be useful as a backup with more firepower than the revolver offered but the truth is that I often shot better qualification scores with the 26 than I did with my 19 which I had purchased in 1989.
They are two firearms that have proven themselves worthy in every respect and I'd be hard pressed to find another I'd feel more confident with going into the field.