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I know some will say it's not a "real" 1911, but I love my Springfield EMP in 9mm. Smaller grip circumference in a gun designed around the 9mm cartridge but with the tried/true design of a 1911. It fits my hand great, it's easy to carry, and it drives nails. I did have to polish the ramp just a bit to get it to feed reliably, but it's flawless now.

I also have a Springfield lightweight champion length Operator (has a rail) that is a great shooter out of the box in .45. It's digested every type of ammo that I've throw at it without a single failure (knock on wood). I keep a light on it and it serves as my bedside gun, but pull the light off, and it carries great in a quality rig.

When carrying a pistol with the weight of a 1911, you really need a quality belt and a well-designed holster. I've picked up a couple of belts from A&G Gun Leather, and I never knew the difference a true gun belt could make until I tried them out. I'll never go back to anything less in construction when I'm carrying.

--neb