My 45's: M&P Shield, XD Mod 2 Subcompact, Ruger SR45, Norinco 1911, Llama, Taurus PT 24/7 Pro, PT945 and the Taurus PT145 Mil Pro. A 45 that I always wanted is the Bersa Ultra Compact UC45, also thinking about adding a M&P 2.0 Compact. Sure wish there was a SR45C.
So, what do I suggest?
(1) Polymer, striker fired: Ruger SR45 (totally reliable but only with the Galloway springs and rods, great feel in-hand, crisp trigger 4 1/2 lb pull with short reset, single stack 10+1) which can be had for $250 (affordable) when available from Sportsman's Warehouse.
(2) Hammer fired DA/SA: Taurus PT945, single stack 8+1, alloy frame, similar engineering as their PT92/Beretta-9 but with closed slide, decocker. The PT945 is an 'under the RADAR' gun because it's a Taurus. It's my go-to 45 with the SR45 a close second.