don't get me wrong, 1911's are great guns, 100 + years of service and all those 1911 fanatics can't be wrong. excelent reliability/accuracy and possibly the best triggers, sure wouldn't mind a gold cup. BUT for self defense you have a trigger safety to remember and a grip safety that may not work if your hand grip is weak from injury (shot) or forced to go lefty. you really need to be well trained and practiced with them if you plan on trusting your life with one. just my prefference but all I want to have to do is draw, point and squeeze. (no safety for me)
Personally I would get a SIG P 229 in 40 or a P 228 in 9mm, or a Glock 23 in 40 or a 19 in 9mm! 600 would be plenty of money for a good used SIG or a new Glock! Probably would have money left over for a good concealed carry holster too! Excellent medium framed concealed carry guns, good range guns, good house guns, all have 10 to 17 round mags, and you won't be throwing your money away if ever forced to get rid of them!
i like the beretta px4 in .45 and also the springfield xd m in .45
