Timothy, I would start with these Compacts and they are not in any particular order : budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/78867/metroarms+aca45dt+1911+american+classic+amigo+7%2b1+45acp+35%22 ------------- budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/716006950/api+ria+1911a1+csp+45acp+5+7 ------------- budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/104530/taurus+191101comalt+1911+commander+%2aexclusive%2a+45+acp+single+42+8%2b1+walnut+gr

Timothy - as someone who has been shooting and working on 1911s for over 40 years, I would sincerely recommend either the Springfield EMP, or the Dan Wesson ECO. Either will give you a dependable self-defense firearm. The Springfield will be functional and will work. the Dan Wesson will be about two steps above the Springfield, in pretty much every way. Yes, the Dan Wesson is more expensive. But, you know the old adage - Buy once .. cry once" I have actually found the Dan Wesson Valor V-Bob, or the Guardian, to be pretty much the ideal 1911 carry pistol. The round butt makes the commander size pistols carry and conceal like an officer size pistol. Yes .. I'm very partial to Dan Wessons! :-)

Oh and the Sigs are nice as well but I still prefer the Springfields.

I love my Kimbers in Full size but don't care for the Compact models. I would look more into the Springfields. Check out their website and see which is best for you. Here's a few great options as well. budsgunshop.com/catalog/search.php?q=1911+EMP&type=