John--I picked up one of those Israeli hybrid Mk. IIIs back in 2000 for the ridiculous price of $289.95 with three magazines, an IWB holster and mag pouch. Mine is a 245NTXXXX which checks out to 1996--with forged frame minus ridges. Mine had the old original left side small safety, plastic grips, dovetailed sights and enameled finish. It had some dings and scratches, but all superficial. In all major respects it was in excellent shape with what I would say were very few rounds through it. Must have been issued to a management type who rarely hit the streets and probably qualified once a year with it.
I fitted up a C&S safety, installed a lanyard loop (I like 'em) and removed the magazine safety. Quite a job, that...and put on a set of Spegel delrins. It makes one classy, reliable pistol. I don't shoot it as well as the 1911s (my doing, I'm sure) but it's the best of the 9s and functions with anything. Very high on the cool factor.
I keep thinking about fitting up a set of night sights but haven't gotten to it yet.
My son is flying in Afghanistan; they stuck him with an M9 instead of something with some class and ergonomics like a BHP. You'd think that they'd listen to us experts by now...