[dgludwig]

A Smith Model 4506, or one of its many variants, comes to mind when I consider what constitutes a durable, well-made, affordable .45 auto pistol.

To the question of whether SIG and/or HK pistols are over-priced, though I currently own an HK USP 40 and three SIGs and would never part with any of them; yeah, I think that they are a mite pricey for what you get. I mean, when I compare the fine finish and workmanship of these pistols with, say, a Beretta Model 92, I fail to see a significant difference in quality. Certainly not hundreds of retail dollars difference. I certainly agree with the notion that you get what you pay for, but sometimes you can pay more for what you get.