I thought long and hard about getting a surplus pistol, like the Makarov or the CZ52 but I decided I should make my first pistol a new one.

After careful deliberation I've decided upon the SA Mil-Spec 1911 .45
http://springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-ms.shtml

I should be able to get it this weekend.

"When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic."- Benjamin Franklin