Zombieslayer said:
"A good 1911 is the way to go, imo. If you can afford it, the Dan Wesson Vbob is a really nice carry gun. I've heard it called a poor man's Ed Brown, but poor men really can't afford a $1500 pistol, either. Springfield makes a good, affordable 1911..."
+1 If not a VBOB, then a nice, gently used model of its predecessor the Dan Wesson CBOB (Classic/commander Bobtail). Both of these use a generous helping of Ed Brown parts, including the bob'd mainspring housing. They are "bob'd" versions of the venerable 4" (4.1-4.2") Commander style, a great all around 1911 length compromise that sacrifices little in accuracy/shootability to the standard 5", while being more carryable (in this case aided by the bob'd mainspring housing/backstrap feature as well).
The new Kimber Pro Carry is this configuration as well though I note they don't credit EB MSH parts (which they may or may not use?)
Dan Wesson also has introduced a cheaper ($)--versus the VBOB-- alloy framed commander bob'd (and non-bob'd) model This is also available coated like the "black" VBOB variant. The model name escapes me.
Unless I've missed something I've found it odd that Springfield has basically ignored this very popular and useful commander market. I'd be all over a Loaded Springfield Commander. Before folks respond au contraire re officer and such models, I'm talking a bona fide steel 4.1-4.2" full-grip-size commander.