Wow thanks for all the input guys. Definitely got me doing more research now lol.
I don't want to drop 2k on a pistol, but with that being said, I am not looking to buy the cheapest gun out there either. I would like to keep my price point around $800, or if I were indeed to get two I would want to keep it around a grand.
I was actually looking at a chrome 45 that Taurus makes, looks pretty nice and feels great in my hands.
I tried talking to a few of the gun freaks I work with about carry on weapons and most of them suggested 380's but the thing is, most of the guys I work with are short and skinny, would make sense for them to carry something smaller.
Also about the SKS comment. I love that freaking gun!!!! Bought one about 8 years ago, had to do some re finishing to it, modified the pin a bit and slide a bit for less jams or duds, and it has been a very fun rifle. Ended up giving it to a buddy to hold onto though because I have limited space in my apt currently.
Only other gun I have is a break action 20 gauge that my dad got for me when I was young. I don't use it.
Ok I know a lot of guys rag on the Hi-points and rightly so. But if your having so many problems send it back to get fixed. The warrenty is on of the best in the gun world.
Now on the a side point I don't own a Hipoint.
To answer you questions.
If your looking a 1911s 45. Rock Island Arms is a great company and there making 1911 GI start around $350. And go up. Great reviews on all the gun web sites. And just because it is cheaper then all the big names everyone thinks there crap. No they are not for the price. Plus if you ever want to a 1911 to build on it is a great base to start on. Taurus is not a bad name either.
Also in .45s Glocks are great guns to the Glock 21, 30 and 36 are great pistols 21 is the full size, 30 mid, 36 sub compact. Recoil could get you with the smaller sized Glocks.
Nother side note I'm a Glock Armorer so I'm kinda parshal to Glocks. Tho Glocks only cover 15% of the Pistols I own.
I also carry a Glock 19 IWB about 50% of the time, the other 50% is a Walther P99c 9MM. Smaller size and very powerful.
I've also bought a Glock 17 Gen. 4 from a guy of a AR15 forum for $450. Normal cost in Gun store $500 and up.
On Carry guns any gun will work (really!) I would not carry a HiPoint. Just don't want the idea that it may jam. But any gun can jam. (Remember gun maintance is top the number 1 reson a gun malfuntions).
Should you carry a .22, .380, 9mm, 357 sig, .40/10mm, .45, is up to you. And what you feel comfertable with. Most Gun Shops/Ranges have rental guns try out some that you like first. Spending $5-$8 to rent a gun is better to spend then $500 on a gun you like the way it looks but don't like the way it feels or shoots. Look at used guns too. I've gotten some great guns that were used.
MOST people buy a gun and shoot it at a range maybe 100 to 200 rounds at a time if not less. Most people even less cost of ammo is high. (Unless you reload.) Most guns and their barrels have a life of over 25,000 rounds. Before you have to even have they looked at and/or fixed. (Remember maintance is key) And a lot if not most gun shops will sell a warrenty on a used gun.