If not an XD, Taurus makes a REAL nice 1911-A1. For about $500 bucks, which is cheap.
Yep, I’ve seen the taurus. Love the feel of the 1911. I’m new to firearms and have not yet fired a 45. I think I will do so today at the range.
Rock Island (Armscorp from the Philippines) makes a 1911 that gets rave reviews and goes for under 400 bucks. Centerfire Systems on the internet always carries them. I'm going to try one just to see how it does. I have a friend who bought one for the same reason and he was very impressed.
I have an overlooked (pretty much) handgun, the Walther P-99. Ive carried mine off and on for about 3 years and since I collected numerous expensive mags, have started carrying it.
I just noticed that IMI(Israeli Military Industries) has just started offering a new Baby Eagle, which looks just like a P-99. Might want to take a look at it.