Sorry I’m late to the party.
I’m going to ask: why would you not consider a Glock? I mean, if there’s a good reason, cool. If not, you’re probably ruling out your best choice.
I carry a G20 or a G27 daily. That being said, I’ll throw in that Tennessee is NOT a concealed carry state. They are a CARRY state i.e. I can put my G20 on my hip and go to the store.
Lisa has a PT-145, and it’s a jewel. We have a few thousand rounds through it, and, AS LONG AS I KEEP THE PINS IN THE FRAME, it shoots fine.
I wouldn’t even consider a 1911 for multiple reasons. They’re heavy, carry fewer rounds than other comparable weapons, and they require too much skill to trust yourself with. The way I look at it is this: when you have to start justifying the shortcomings of a weapon OR you have to start explaining that the shortcomings aren’t REALLY a shortcoming . . . really then you need to pick a new tool you can trust your life with. There’s really nothing about a Glock you have to justify or defend (other than looks). Pretty much, it’s perfect IF it fits your hand okay . . . and I hear the new ones address that issue well. Same thing goes for Lisa’s PT-145. There isn’t ANYTHING about the gun I have to justify.
On my 1911 (and I have an UBER-NICE Wilson that I adore), I have to justify weight, only 9 rounds, single action, and carrying c&l . . . or not. Oh, it shoots WONDERFULLY, and it feels like sin, BUT when I compare the time I have to carry and take care of it with the times I actually have had to shoot someone, it’s not worth the trouble . . . especially when I don’t HAVE to go through that trouble.
My suggestion is that you go to a range and shoot everything they have. Pick the one you like to practice with and, more importantly, will live comfortably with you. A gun should live around you. You shouldn’t have to live around your carry piece.
As for price, WHO CARES? You’ve already decided that your life is worth protecting enough to the point to where you not only are going to carry a firearm, BUT you’re going to be carrying this firearm around in public around women and children (AND ME!) with the intention of shooting someone to save the life of you or another person . . . and if you screw up, you can be sued for thousands and thousands and thousands . . . and you worry about whether your gun costs $300 or $700. MEH! I’ve had to grab a gun when I thought my son and I were in danger, and honestly, suddenly paying extra for the Glock . . . with the night sights . . . and the extended grip . . . oh, and the great ammo . . . AH, AND THE COOL MATCH BARREL . . . was bloody brilliant. That extra $200 or $300 was nothing.
Just my thoughts.