Actaully, I've been doing some reading and I was talking to a buddy who is experienced. He suggested instead of buying 1 or 2 "cheaper" semis, save up the funds and make a purchase that is worth while.
I am really liking what I have read (and watched on youtube) about the Taurus 24/7 G2 longslides. Nice looking, accurate, smooth, etc.
To each his own, but here are some things to consider:
Buying cheapo pistols USUALLY means headaches.
I love 1911s but they can be a little maintenance intensive.
If you buy 2 cheap .45s, plus a thousand rounds of ammo, you will have two el cheapo guns and a few trips worth of shooting. When that ammo is done, it will cost a lot to replace, plus you will still be saving up for your first quality pistol.
If you spend the same money on 1 Glock 17 or M&P9, and 9mm ammo, you will have a world-class combat pistol and more ammo. Then, when that ammo is done, you will not have to save up for your first quality pistol, because you already have one. You can spend the entire amount on 9mm ammo, which is relatively cheap.
One of my favourite guns is a Norinco 1911 that has been tuned a bit. But I generally do not recommend the 1911 as a good first pistol, and I would NEVER recommend the 1911 as a good first pistol for a guy with a tight budget. Are you prepared to start looking at the extractor after 3000 rounds to see if it needs to be replaced? What about the recoil springs? What about trigger parts? If it is your primary, 3000 rounds can go fast. I dragged my favourite out to about 6000 rounds between maintenance...but it was starting to get pretty finicky and really needed servicing. And 1911 service is not for morons...
The hi-point...well, suit yourself. I would not personally consider one as a serious pistol.
