I realized that what I wanted was a DA/SA high capacity .45. I wanted a combat pistol that would get the job done. I knew if I bought a 1911 I'd be opening an entire can of worms, and an expensive can that I'm just not ready for yet. Between grips, lasers, and additional magazines, I think I would have been looking at the $1000 range, even with the reasonable price of the Ruger.
Long story long, I decided to go with the FNP-45 on this go around. I got it with the shooter's pack so it came with a nice case, a somewhat cheap Bladetech paddle holster, 3 14rd magazines, a training barrel, and two backstrap options. It is DA/SA capable, has a frame mounted safety and decocker. It can be carried cocked and locked like a 1911, but with DA capability, I see no real need for that personally. It has a stainless slide and bbl, and the stainless rails in the polymer frame can be replaced for extra life. I bought it at Cabela's so it was a little over priced at $699, but only by about $50, so I can live with it. You may want to check them out if you havent. These are large guns, that hold a lot of ammo, so you should definately try one on to see if it fits your hand. I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs. with medium sized hands, and it feels good to me. If you plan to open carry, it should work great. It is a tad big to conceal though.
I took it out on Sunday and put 120 rounds through it including 20 jhp's. It was very accurate and a pleasure to shoot. My only problem with it was that it kept tossing brass on my arm, chest, right past my head, and it even hit me in the face once. I checked the FN forum and apparently this is a common issue for the first 400 rounds or so, but after that it goes away. Last night I cycled the slide vigorously 200 times. It did feel noticibly smooter after that, so I'm inclined to think the break in time is accurate.