Damn.....with all of you guys' great suggestions, my research got larger and longer!

That's ok.  Range is closed.  Gives me time to make that difficult decision.

Or two.

Or three.....

1.5K budget be damned......

A Glock is your Toyota Tacoma of handguns. Reliable. Lots of parts. Easy to work on. Goes 'bang' when you press the gas. No frills, unless you want them.

19/2011's are always popular if you want to spend money. Sig's I can't endorse, just like Barretta because of high parallax. That's just my preference or lack thereof.

I recommended a Glock 17 to my dad because he's not experienced with guns, and I mention this because you said you're not experienced with semi-autos. There's really nothing complex to manipulate with a Glock so you can develop a focus on safety and aim, whereas with a 19/2011 you'll have to worry about the manual safety, hammer position, and possibly carrying with one in the chamber alongside all those things. If you have larger hands, a G17 or at least a permutation of a Glock with a G17 full-size lower would be my recommendation. Once you've got the whole inserting/dropping the mag, racking/releasing the slide, you've got the baseline for any semi-auto, and from there, you'd just have to worry about manual safety's and hammers in guns that have them.

GLOCK 19 TRUMP THREADED BARREL 9MM PISTOL, BURNT BRONZE - PI19502T

DETAILS

Manufacturer: Glock
Product Line: Compact
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 4.01"
Weight: 30.1 oz
Capacity: 15+1
Magazines Included: 2
Finish: Flat Dark Earth

FEATURES

Glock's G19 standard compact pistol is versatile due to its reduced dimensions when compared with the standard-sized option. The 9mm G19 has found worldwide acclaim with both private and public security agencies. In addition to its use as a conventional service pistol, it is ideal for concealed carry or a backup weapon.

$749.99

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This is what you want 

I was looking into Staccatos recently.  Made the mistake of shooting a Staccato XC (top of the line model) with RDS.  Damn that is an impressive gun, with an impressive price tag.  Got me looking into the rest of the Staccato line as well.  A shooting buddy brought a C model to the range a while back, but I never shot it.  Doing more research on 2011s, including Prodigy and others like Bul Armory seems like they get mixed reviews on some basic things like magazines.  There are a few videos out there on some common "cautions" with 2011s, including some similar feedback/cautions with 1911s.  I am still interested in a Staccato, but focusing on gearing up for a pistol class next spring.  So maybe after that. 

.

I remember when I took the Handgun safety certification course that one needs to get a handgun.  The instructor had a whole bunch of different handguns and one of them was a 9mm 1911 but I forgot what brand gun it was.

I liked shooting it.  It wasn't as snappy as the others, but to be fair some of the others were more compact pistols, I know one of them was the G43 but don't know what configuration.

Too bad the range is closed.  Would love to try your pistols.

Yup.  Many handgun courses offer variety of pistols to try.  To me, that's a valuable facet of that forced Hawaii requirement. 

Any time you're ready, let me know. 

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!
 

Ruger.
or M1911A1
I'm a cheap bastard.
 

1911

If you're looking for one workhorse gun that will last you a while, then a striker fired 9mm is what you want.  Glock 17 or Sig 320 are the most popular, and will be overall cheaper with the cost of the gun, plus accessories like magazines and used holsters are plentiful at cheaper prices than other brands.  There are guns that are slightly better like HKs and Walthers, but they will cost you more in exchange.

A mid-size gun like a Glock 19 would allow you to CCW the same gun with a minimal loss in accuracy and capacity.  As Flapp pointed out, you should get a slide cut for optics as they are a game changer in handguns.  Get the cut even if you don't plan on using optics now as eventually you will.

1911's and Deagles are nice, but they have a specific purpose and tradeoffs.  1911s can be very accurate, but the tradeoff is speed, reliability, and cost.  Good if you want to enter precision shooting competitions.  Deagles are good guns in higher magnum calibers, but I don't see the point in standard calibers unless you have bear sized hands.  I would consider these as your 3rd or 4th guns to purchase, after you get a 22lr and CCW gun.

Allocate your money to ammo and training instead of getting an expensive gun and accessories.

If you're looking for one workhorse gun that will last you a while, then a striker fired 9mm is what you want.  Glock 17 or Sig 320 are the most popular, and will be overall cheaper with the cost of the gun, plus accessories like magazines and used holsters are plentiful at cheaper prices than other brands.  There are guns that are slightly better like HKs and Walthers, but they will cost you more in exchange.

A mid-size gun like a Glock 19 would allow you to CCW the same gun with a minimal loss in accuracy and capacity.  As Flapp pointed out, you should get a slide cut for optics as they are a game changer in handguns.  Get the cut even if you don't plan on using optics now as eventually you will.

1911's and Deagles are nice, but they have a specific purpose and tradeoffs.  1911s can be very accurate, but the tradeoff is speed, reliability, and cost.  Good if you want to enter precision shooting competitions.  Deagles are good guns in higher magnum calibers, but I don't see the point in standard calibers unless you have bear sized hands.  I would consider these as your 3rd or 4th guns to purchase, after you get a 22lr and CCW gun.

Allocate your money to ammo and training instead of getting an expensive gun and accessories.

Good advice.  Thank you.  Durability and reliability is on my mind.  Competition, no.  Just want to have fun and pew pew boom boom all day long.

I was looking into Staccatos recently.  Made the mistake of shooting a Staccato XC (top of the line model) with RDS.  Damn that is an impressive gun, with an impressive price tag.  Got me looking into the rest of the Staccato line as well.  A shooting buddy brought a C model to the range a while back, but I never shot it.  Doing more research on 2011s, including Prodigy and others like Bul Armory seems like they get mixed reviews on some basic things like magazines.  There are a few videos out there on some common "cautions" with 2011s, including some similar feedback/cautions with 1911s.  I am still interested in a Staccato, but focusing on gearing up for a pistol class next spring.  So maybe after that.

Since I know your taste in guns, you should go with the Staccato line. Prodigy would be for pake people like me.  Which I was actually looking into pre range shut down.  You are correct about the mag issues.

Mrs. CMO still wants her Combat Master 2011 (not sand viper).

Good advice.  Thank you.  Durability and reliability is on my mind.  Competition, no.  Just want to have fun and pew pew boom boom all day long.

If you want a fun pew pew gun, I think a plain Jane G17 would get boring.  You would have to Gucci it out.  A p320 would be slightly cooler to shoot than a OEM G17 or G19.

What is your budget?

I've never shot one of these but the 22TCM looks like a fun round to shoot. Can also shoot 9mm
I've shot a different RIA 1911 a couple times briefly, so I can't really speak of their reliability. They are on the more affordable side of 1911's

If you want a fun pew pew gun, I think a plain Jane G17 would get boring.  You would have to Gucci it out.  A p320 would be slightly cooler to shoot than a OEM G17 or G19.

What is your budget?

I would be willing to spend up to 1.5K or so.  I wouldn't mind getting a couple of pistols, each within the $700-$900 range.

I would be willing to spend up to 1.5K or so.  I wouldn't mind getting a couple of pistols, each within the $700-$900 range.

What would be a fun pew pew is a P320 platform.  You can build one to your liking for a reasonable price.  They have a lot of various models and with HI's BS laws, you can have 1 FCU for various sizes.  So you can go from full size to compact (CCW) without having to go thru the buying a new gun process.  Plus you could Gucci this as well to your liking.

Another fun gun would be the 1911/2011 platform.  So many options, do what you feel you will have fun with.

What would be a fun pew pew is a P320 platform.  You can build one to your liking for a reasonable price.  They have a lot of various models and with HI's BS laws, you can have 1 FCU for various sizes.  So you can go from full size to compact (CCW) without having to go thru the buying a new gun process.  Plus you could Gucci this as well to your liking.

Another fun gun would be the 1911/2011 platform.  So many options, do what you feel you will have fun with.

So much great guns out there, glad all of you share valuable input so I don't have to worry too much, as all of you sharing experiences and information enables me to make a better choice.

I do like the P320 and it's modular configurations.  It sure looks like I'll possibly buy both a striker and a 1911 platform range gun.

Thanks for your input.

I've never shot one of these but the 22TCM looks like a fun round to shoot. Can also shoot 9mm
I've shot a different RIA 1911 a couple times briefly, so I can't really speak of their reliability. They are on the more affordable side of 1911's

Are these the "Filipino" guns?    Maybe I should get one.  I'm Pilipino. 

They certainly look durable and tough like tanks.

edited to add:  I've never heard of 22 TCM until now.  They look awesome!  Thanks for sharing this.

Are these the "Filipino" guns?    Maybe I should get one.  I'm Pilipino. 

They certainly look durable and tough like tanks.

edited to add:  I've never heard of 22 TCM until now.  They look awesome!  Thanks for sharing this.

Yes. They are the Filipino 1911's. They do make a lot of 1911's. It ain't no wilson combat or Nighthawk Custom, that's for sure. I cant vouch for their reliability bc I never owned one. But for your price range you could get this one and another pistol in the 700 range and still be in your budget. I would think the Springfield Operator or Prodogy are better guns

  It sure looks like I'll possibly buy both a striker and a 1911 platform range gun.

Thanks for your input.

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.

Since I know your taste in guns, you should go with the Staccato line. Prodigy would be for pake people like me.  Which I was actually looking into pre range shut down.  You are correct about the mag issues.

Mrs. CMO still wants her Combat Master 2011 (not sand viper).

Not going to lie, a Staccato XC is super tempting and I shot it really well (couple mags).  It's definitely a fun gun.  I'm not a big fan of 1911/2011s.