[jjmitchell60]

You are opening up a pandoras (sp) with that question!!!! You will get all sorts of opinions from the only gun in 45 to own is a 1911 (IMHO my choice being I own several) to a Glock is the only true pistol ever made, to Sig is best to a thousand other opinions.
Here is some fo the best advice I can give you as a dealer.
Go to a gun shop with a WIDE range of makes and models in stock. Feel each one, handle them, ask questions, think long and hard on wheather you need 6-8 rounds like in a 1911 or as many as 15 as in S&W M&P, Glocks, or Springfield XDs. Concider weight of the firearm AND it's weight loaded fully with ammo. Concider if you plan on carrying it concealed some day so size can be a factor.
Bottom line is find the pistol that fits YOU not the pistol that fits public opinion. ONLY you know what you want it for, how you will or may use it, and your price range. A shop with a wide range of makes and models in stock should have knowledgeable personal there to help you in finding what you want and need according to your wants and needs.

Now my 2 cents is buy a good 1911 and you will never regret it so there is opinion 1. A good Kimber, colt, or other higher end make but that is what I prefer. I carry a kimber CDP II as my defense gun. Then again they are over $1000 as to price.

Hope this helps.