Re: Duty pistol, could use some advice
Here's my advice. Since you are just starting out, Prioritize.
Find out what pistol/calibers your department will allow you to use. Some are very limited, others less so. Until you know this, don't even start looking
Budget. Realize that a duty pistol is a system, just like an LR rifle system. You will need duty holsters, off-duty holsters, night sights, lights, 2 sets of magazines, pouches etc to go with it. As an officer, I recommend having 2 of the same gun, but wait til after the academy to buy another. If you pick a 'sexy' gun like an HK, plan on paying double or triple for magazines, and having to special order (and wait for)things like duty holsters and night sights.
For a long time, I was one of the 'anti-glock' gun snobs, (I carried an HK USP 45 for years). I got tired of not being able to find or afford HK 45 mags, ($75 each! if you could find 'em)I converted to a G35 because Glocks work, they always work, and you can always find mags, sights, holsters, and everything else you need. As a company, they bend over backwards to support the LE market, and give a nice LE discount. Once you're an officer, you will really appreciate that.
My recommendation is a Glock 35 (.40) long slide. In high stress SHTF situations, the extra sight radius really helps accuracy, and the extra length is not really noticeable. If your dept says no to the long one, a G22 full size is a great choice too. Pack a G27 as a back-up/off duty which can use the same mags and ammo. I love my HKs, and I still shoot IDPA with 'em, but my G35 is just better for a duty tool, IMO.
I would also say do not choose a 1911 as your first duty pistol. As a new officer, you should simplify your life as much as possible. If you have to have a 1911, wait a year or two until you get the job figured out before you transition.
Just my .02