Check out my 1911 thread. 

Bacially, I've always wanted one since I have an interest in WW2.  But then realized why buy a OG 1911 and not a more modern one. My 1911 is my 2nd pistol.  I wanted to have basic fundamentals first and spend money on ammo and training before buying another handgun.  So once I felt I was at that point, I jumped in.

I wanted a 1911 that looks tacticool.  So your Dan Wesson or other silver type with wood grips was not an option.  The SIG Scorpion was the #1 contender due to price and tacticool factor until I saw the M45A1.  I wanted a 45ACP so 2011's were not an option either.  Springfield Range Officer was a 2nd option as it looks tacticool too.  My budget was $1500 and the Scorpion was well under that.  Then due to COVID pricing, things went up.  Luckily, so did my income.  So I spent $2700 on my M45A1 via Gunbroker since Colt ceased production on it.

I'm not a big fan of 1911/2011s.

I'll check out your 1911 thread.  Thanks!

More specifically a semi-auto "full size" handgun.  No mouse guns.

These are the features I desire in the handgun:

Reliability
Good front and rear sights
Longevity (meaning I want a work horse, not a princess)

I originally considered P-320 and Glocks 17 and 19

I'm a novice to semi-autos  so I really don't know much about what's out there and would appreciate input, advice, and experiences from the members here.

Most likely than not the gun will be used as a range toy and for recreational shooting. 

Thanks in advance!

wow, only now you're getting started with semi-auto pistols?  kinda late, eh?  The 1911's been around since, well, 1911.  but, better late than never!

This is what you want  :

That is now what I want. 

That’s what you want only if you intend to invest maybe another grand into it to make it run like you would expect. If you’re eyeing a prodigy I would say invest a little more and get a staccato cause those run out of the box like a dream.

What's the problem with the Prodigy?

Found a few problems.
https://www.thearmorylife.com/forum/threads/prodigy-issues.12603/

What's the problem with the Prodigy?

There’s actually quite a few issues with the prodigy that are all over the internet. Check out YouTube as well. Mostly lite strikes, failure to feed failure to extract. I also saw one post saying the slide was machined wrong causing it to lock up on the frame. Again I have nothing against Springfield but I would rather invest a few hundred more and get a superior gun. They can all be solved but will take additional investment into the pistol. I think the smarter buy would be a staccato P but to each their own.

Check out my 1911 thread. 

Bacially, I've always wanted one since I have an interest in WW2.  But then realized why buy a OG 1911 and not a more modern one. My 1911 is my 2nd pistol.  I wanted to have basic fundamentals first and spend money on ammo and training before buying another handgun.  So once I felt I was at that point, I jumped in.

I wanted a 1911 that looks tacticool.  So your Dan Wesson or other silver type with wood grips was not an option.  The SIG Scorpion was the #1 contender due to price and tacticool factor until I saw the M45A1.  I wanted a 45ACP so 2011's were not an option either.  Springfield Range Officer was a 2nd option as it looks tacticool too.  My budget was $1500 and the Scorpion was well under that.  Then due to COVID pricing, things went up.  Luckily, so did my income.  So I spent $2700 on my M45A1 via Gunbroker since Colt ceased production on it.

Yes, I saw those other problems now
Seems like they need to get those problems worked out

I have 3 Springfield 1911's that run flawlessly but they were already in production for many years by the time I got them
Maybe like a first year production car might have some recalls on some parts

If you’re looking for a “range toy” then the CZs are fun and relatively easy to shoot.  I got the Shadow 2 Orange and personally I’m much more accurate with that vs my Sigs.  I also think my 1911s are on par with the CZs as far as my accuracy.  Hopefully Koko head opens up sometime in 2023 and we start shooting again.

If you’re looking for a “range toy” then the CZs are fun and relatively easy to shoot.  I got the Shadow 2 Orange and personally I’m much more accurate with that vs my Sigs.  I also think my 1911s are on par with the CZs as far as my accuracy.  Hopefully Koko head opens up sometime in 2023 and we start shooting again.