I know you are getting a ton of 1911 votes, but you really should do yourself a favor and get the XD.45 compact. The 1911 is a great and timeless design, and probably the most associated handgun with the .45acp. I still don't think it's a good first handgun though. They are generally more picky with JHP ammo and sometimes need some "tweaking" to make them run 100%. Especially if you are going to get a cheaper one, I think your $500 dollars should be spent elsewhere.
I've owned Glocks, XDs, a P99, a USPc, etc. In my opinion, the XD is the best overall polymer design and cannot be beat for the money. The XD .45 is an engineering marvel if you ask me. The compact gives you 10+1 rounds with the shorter magazine and a plentiful 13+1 rounds with the included extended magazine. This is all in a rather compact and amazingly comfortable package. The grip circumference is a tad larger than the 9mm and .40 models, but still a really good size. I find that almost anyone, large or small hands, likes the feel of the XD.45. I also love the consistent, SA-like trigger pull and the robust construction of this design. XDs are kind of heavy for a polymer pistol though. About the same weight as a lightweight (alloy-framed) commander 1911.
I looooove Glocks. One of my favorite guns that I own is the Glock 19. But the .45s, with the exception of the g36 "slimline" model, are chunky, poorly designed pistols IMO. There was no point in designing the slide or the grip so insanely fat on the 30 and 21. These are the models that give Glock the "brick" reputation. The smaller 9/.40/.357 guns are what Glock perfection is all about.
I'm just ranting here, but seriously for the money, get an XD. You won't be disappointed. Trust me.
If you want to pay more, H&K and Sig offer some very nice .45s. I personally like the H&K .45 Compact Tactical with the threaded barrel. Sweet gun. I wish I got this instead of the USP compact .40 I bought new in January.
I've owned Glocks, XDs, a P99, a USPc, etc. In my opinion, the XD is the best overall polymer design and cannot be beat for the money. The XD .45 is an engineering marvel if you ask me. The compact gives you 10+1 rounds with the shorter magazine and a plentiful 13+1 rounds with the included extended magazine. This is all in a rather compact and amazingly comfortable package. The grip circumference is a tad larger than the 9mm and .40 models, but still a really good size. I find that almost anyone, large or small hands, likes the feel of the XD.45. I also love the consistent, SA-like trigger pull and the robust construction of this design. XDs are kind of heavy for a polymer pistol though. About the same weight as a lightweight (alloy-framed) commander 1911.
I looooove Glocks. One of my favorite guns that I own is the Glock 19. But the .45s, with the exception of the g36 "slimline" model, are chunky, poorly designed pistols IMO. There was no point in designing the slide or the grip so insanely fat on the 30 and 21. These are the models that give Glock the "brick" reputation. The smaller 9/.40/.357 guns are what Glock perfection is all about.
I'm just ranting here, but seriously for the money, get an XD. You won't be disappointed. Trust me.
If you want to pay more, H&K and Sig offer some very nice .45s. I personally like the H&K .45 Compact Tactical with the threaded barrel. Sweet gun. I wish I got this instead of the USP compact .40 I bought new in January.