.

I just noticed this thread. Perhaps a bit late to reply but what the hell. I like to work a problem backwards starting with the end result.

If you are an accomplished handgunner, I don't believe it makes much difference what you end up with.
You will shoot well with whatever gun or ammo you can hang on to. That is the goal.
If you have tons of money, it  doesn't matter either.
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If you are NOT a skillful pistol shooter, then you need to practice more. After all, what good is the gun if you are not proficient in its use?
In order to practice more, you have to either make or buy ammo. If you have tons of money, the point is moot.
If you don't have tons of money you need to find economical practice ammo. So what is the lowest cost 45 ammo? Lead bullet reloads.
Some of the pistols you are interested in have polygonal rifled barrels. There is controversy over the use of cheap lead bullet reloads in such barrels.
I'm not going to debate that issue because there is just not enough meaningful information about that topic.

If you are able  to make or buy cheap lead bullet reloads, then you can afford to practice much more for the same amount of money.
More practice is better and more fun too. More practice helps to achieve proficiency. When you are proficient, you have arrived at your goal.

I believe the HK and Glocks have polygonal barrels. Not too sure about the others. Of course 1911 pattern guns have conventional rifling. There are aftermaket barrels for glocks that have conventional rifling, but I don't recall anybody here that has experience with that. Perhaps there is another list member that knows about this.
Personally, I would love to own an HK or Glock but the stigma of lead bullets in such barrels make me queasy.

Another factor is sights. Look for a gun that has easily adjustable sights. I know in defensive applications it doesn't matter much, but honestly it's not much fun going to the pistol range and shooting at 25 yards and watching your shots going way off to one side. (and you can't fix it!)

I'm tempted to make personal recommendations, but I've said enough already. I'll name specific guns if you really want my opinion.

I might be selling my glock 30sf if anyone's interested
excellent condition

Trijicon HD night sights (+ stock)
ghost ultimate trigger connector (+ stock)
3 standard mags + 1 short
comes with box and original accessories

awesome gun to shoot. Want to sell to fund rifle addiction

I haven't posted it in classified cuz I haven't set a price yet.

I own an XDM45 and I love it dearly.  I got it at a time that springfield was giving away 2 extra free mags and an extra mag holder (not including the 3 that came with the gun) as well.  It comes with a nice case, a basic cleaning kit, speedloader, a basic paddle holster and 3 mags with a holder.  A really good value when you add all the little extras in.

I've heard of roll pin issues with some guns after fired more than 4-5k times.  I picked up a few of those and should be set for a long time.

While the Sig P220 isnt polymer framer, its aluminum and a lot lighter and (and has a better feel in the grip) that your average all metal constructed guns. Just something to consider

I definitely want to get a 1911 at some point but I'd rather have my first pistol chambered in 45 be a polymer framed one.  Anyone have any recommendations?
Polymer 45's I can think of off the top of my head.
HK 45/45c
M&P 45/45c
Ruger P345
Glock 30/36

An HK 45 is at the top of my list but the price of HK pistols is somewhat hard to come to terms with when many other options can be had for a lot less.

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It has been 7 months since you posed this question to the forum. Have you decided yet?

Personally, if funds for a gun AND ammo were not a concern, I would go with an HK. They are so well made.
If I were on a budget, I would go with an XD.

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It has been 7 months since you posed this question to the forum. Have you decided yet?

Personally, if funds for a gun AND ammo were not a concern, I would go with an HK. They are so well made.
If I were on a budget, I would go with an XD.

Well I decided to put off the purchase of my next pistol so I could get my SLR101, jic. I figured that any sort of future ban would most likely target "assault" rifles. So, getting rifles while I can makes more sense.
While I do plan on getting an HK45 or HK45c, I think I'll get a Glock 30 or 30sf first, maybe a birthday present to myself.

I might be selling my glock 30sf if anyone's interested
excellent condition

Trijicon HD night sights (+ stock)
ghost ultimate trigger connector (+ stock)
3 standard mags + 1 short
comes with box and original accessories

awesome gun to shoot. Want to sell to fund rifle addiction

I haven't posted it in classified cuz I haven't set a price yet.

Still have it?

Time to revive my dead thread for a little update. Since posting this I have purchased a 1911 and it was definitely a wise acquisition  Also, I have a Glock 30S on the way. Seems like I kinda went with both of my glock prospects since the 30S is a 30sf/36 hybrid. I'll post up some pics upon it's arrival. 

I loved my XDM9 but had to sell it before I moved to California due to what I've learned prior that it was illegal there
So when moving back home to Hawaii I bought myself a XDM45.  I enjoy shooting it   

I got the Glock 21 Gen 4 and im glad i got it.

It's finally home.

Nice.  My next pistol will be HK45.

Nice.  My next pistol will be HK45.

Good Choice. I almost caved and went with the HK since Buds just had some, but my wallet is thankful I chose the block.