Best first semi auto model.

[el Godfather]

Dear THR,
This is very interesting. I was just wondering which firearms company made the best first semi auto model in your opinion. It will be really nice if you can discuss first hand experiences.

2 conditions: the company must be at least 25 years old, and still in business of making guns.

Thanks.

 

[Claude Clay]

my Walther Model 4 turnes 100 this year. still goes to the range
model 1's were in 1908 and earlier stuff by him was 1886ish.

is this the direction of your question?

 

[el Godfather]

Yes it is. If that was the first Walther semiauto made.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Borchardt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borchardt_C-93
One of the first, MAUSER, and the basis of both the C95 and toggle lock of the luger

Then I could put forward one of the Mannlichter Pistol or an early Styer.