If you are looking for a solid, reliable, .45ACP on a budget it would be hard to go wrong with a Ruger. (There are a number of really good .45's on the market, but few that are less expensive or more reliable than Ruger's!)
I'll second this notion. I own both 1911-A1 type pistols and a Ruger P-97.
IMO the P-97 may be the way to go for you.
I'm looking for a good home defence semi-auto pistol. I want a .45 or .45 auto caliber pistol. I don't want a real expensive one, but I want one that will hold up well.
It definitely meets your criteria!
