I was in the same market a couple of months back, but in 9mm. I was looking at Glocks and 1911s the hardest (among others). I ended up going with a Gen 4 G17 MOS and putting a Burris Fastfire II on it. You said this was for the range and so is my setup. Very fun to shoot, quick target acquisition and crazy accurate out at distance - all for < $900. BUT, if you are absolutely set on .45 then IMHO you have to go 1911.