I have been impressed again and again by what an excellent first pistol my Browning Buckmark 6" standard has been since I received it as a gift on my 17th birthday, 11 years ago. I've been taking it out lately because it's too hot to bother shagging brass in the grass.
The Buckmark is EXTREMELY accurate, reliable, and all the controls are in the same place as in any 1911-style pistol. The sights are micro-adjustable, but very sturdy, and, while visible, are not at all ungainly. The triggers on these pistols are universally excellent, out of the box.
With such a setup, one can practice or teach pistolcraft easily, and hone valuable pistol skills cheaply. It's very, VERY good on the ego to spend an afternoon with the Buckmark, because you find yourself hitting everything you take aim at. Excellent pack pistol, with carbine accuracy. I've taught several to shoot with them.
All for a pistol that goes for well under $300 new.
[This message has been edited by Long Path (edited August 11, 1999).]