Thanks everyone for the responses re: my query a few posts above.

I did look at the sig, and it does seem pretty sturdy, but is above the price range we are looking to spend.

And I am familiar with the tendency for compact 1911s to have issues, however is the Sig truly a 1911 mechanically? I notice that it doesn't have a grip safety, for starters, like a real 1911 would. If it just mimics the aesthetics of a 1911, the problems of the Sig shouldn't be attributed to it being a small 1911, as it isn't a small 1911.

But if it is....just sayin'.

My next window shopping day at the local fun store I intend to look at the S&W Shield. I've read lots of good things about it.