1911

[S&W645]

And Brownells will sell you just about anything you need to upgrade whichever one you get.

[6shootercarry]

Colt... You'll not need lots of upgrades...

[Rocketgeezer]

Whatever make pistol you decide on, just stay clear of the 3in barrel models, very problematic, no matter who makes them,......this is said with a voice of some expensive experiance

[rifleshooter474]

Shot my new Colt Mod.80 .45 today not a single problem,love the way this 1911 shoots and handles. For me it's Colt.

[6shootercarry]

Shot my new Colt Mod.80 .45 today not a single problem,love the way this 1911 shoots and handles. For me it's Colt.

I have a stainless Colt Officer's ACP, made in the early 90's... Love it... Swapped out the duck tail grip safety for a beaver tail. It's a bit snappy with the 3.5" barrel, but accurate. 50yds punching 11x17 sheets of paper.. Wilson Combat and Chip McCormick mags make it run like a champ... She does not like truncated cone ammo however. No surprise there...

[rifleshooter474]

I would recommend Springfield Armory 1911s. Their GI models are pretty basic. I think the sweet spot in the line up is the Range Officer. I've seen up to $200 below the $879 MSRP.

That would be my choice in a basic 1911.