I think that a Norinco 1911 or CZ model that they produce would be a good choice for a first pistol.
They aren't precision shooters, but very reliable, solid quality, and best of all extremely inexpensive.
Worth a look if you're interested.
Or, if you can find something used, you can get something nice.
Every firearms company these days seems to make a 1911 model, so there is an endless choice of them, many of which are extremely good quality. But, you can easily spend a grand for any of these.