See if you can get your hands on a Llama III-A .380, Especial .380, or Micromax .380. These are older pistols made in Spain that are very much like a micro or mini 1911. I had a III-A for many years and it was a sweet shooting little pistol. You could probably find one for anything from less than $300 to around $600 (complete, excellent condition, box, and paperwork). Llama also made a small 1911 type 9mm. For something newer, SIG SAUER has the P238 (.380 micro-compact)and P938 (9mm micro-compact). These are 1911 based pistols. Beretta has their new 80X Cheetah which is SAO with a frame mounted safety and has provision for mounting a red dot. It is worth looking into as well. Beretta also has their new 30X Tomcat .32ACP. It does have a threaded barrel and a manual safety. There is even accommodation for mounting a red dot should you so choose.
If it was not for the steel frame request, the Browning 1911-380 Black Label would have been a really good choice. Its frame is a composite with metal reinforcement. You may want to look at them anyway.
"A Bad Day At The Range Is Better Than A Great Day Working"
USMC Force Recon 1978-1984
US Air Force Res. 1995-2004 (Air Transportation)
M16/AR15 shooter since 1978, gun collector and AR builder since 2004
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