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I need to throw another vote in for a .45 1911 clone. I would strongly suggest you look at the Rock Island Armory 1911s made by Armscor. You can find most of their models for under $500 shipped. Some die hard (read: snobby) 1911 owners think that if you pay less than $1000 for a 1911 , it's a piece of junk. If you do some quick reading, you'll find out that Rock Island Armory 1911s are blowing that theory out of the water, with a big ol' 45 caliber splash! The vast majority of RIA owners have 100% reliable, extremely accurate guns. The ones that don't, have a lifetime warranty at their disposal. You can't beat that!
I own quite a few different handguns, but so far they've all been modern, polymer-framed semi-autos. I had been drooling over the 1911 for some time...but I just wasn't sure about it. I finally picked up RIA's tactical model in matte nickel, and I think it's the best $500 I've ever spent! I still love my plastic guns, but there's something classic, beautiful, and powerful about a 1911. Nothing shoots quite like them, either.
If the 1911 just doesn't interest you, I would also consider a wheel gun. I haven't purchased one myself, yet, but I think that's just another toy that every man should have at least one of lol.
Glocks are great, modern firearms, but there's something to say about handgun designs that have literally been around for centuries. Designs that are still accurate, reliable, and practical.
You could go real old school and buy a nice flint lock! Or better yet, build your own!