Desert Eagles are fun
Alex, you can get a Springfield Armory 1911A1 GI .45 for around the 550 mark, that's a pretty good deal. I'm probably gonna pick up either a SA GI .45 or Mil-Spec. Also if you're considering a .223 you could also look into an AR-15 platform. I personally don't have much experience with mini-14s but I know a lot of people don't like them, but then again a lot of people don't like ARs so take that FWIW. I like the versatility and styling of the AR myself that's why I bult my M4gery. Whatever you plan on buying tho, do your research, and shop around for price. Never rush a purchase, I did that and wound up paying about 200 dollars too much for my USP Tactical. I took my time, researched, and made good decisions and saved about 400-500 dolars building my M4 than if I had bought it.
We need to set up an NJFBOA Range Meet!