I don't know which machine you're thinking of ~ there's a Babylock dealer in Fayetteville AR (I know 200+ miles from you) that has the Crown Jewel.
There is a Nolting dealer in Harrison AR (yep, still a hike) but if you're having doubts, maybe you could take a day & check them out .. at least, that's what I would do. That would give you a second opinion. It's hard to believe no one in Texarkana has any dealers .. go figure.:roll: :lol:
Another thought .. my LQS has longarms to rent .. maybe there's something like that closer than you think .. that would give you some *hands-on* experience before taking that plunge :D