Good question, and I have had Paras, Kimbers, Buls (essentially Kimber), CZs, Witnesses, and Glocks. Let me see what I can tell you.
I like 1911s, so let me save that for last. The Witness and CZ aren't really hi-cap, but then what exactly does that mean? Over 10 rounds, then no they are not. Of course you could add some extended base pads, but until September that isn't legal and the mags would hang out a bit. The Witness .45 I had ran fine, fed well, handled well, but wasn't particularly accurate. The CZ-97 was all that AND accurate, but a bit big. If I did not love the 1911 so, I suppose I would own a 97. I would have to say the 97 was my second favorite model of pistol I ever owned in 45.
I had a Glock 21. I don't like Glocks, so it was doomed. It was a Glock, it was 45, it held 12 rounds. If you like Glocks and 45, you would like that. I never fired a Glock that was as accurate as the 97 I had, or any good 1911 I have owned, or my long gone 4506 for that matter.
I have owned a couple Para Ordnance 1911s. The first was pretty unimpressive, but it was a first-generation conversion. That was definately not the high point of Para's efforts. My Para LTD 16/40 is very, very nice. Not a 45, but I would assume that the 14/45 would be the same. It is accurate, reliable, and has a nice set of features. I would own another if I were so inclined. As a 1911 fan, I don't feel the need for hi-cap but now and then I get the urge to send mrore than 8 rounds down range without reloading. Generally it goes away after I take my medications.
I had a Bul M-5. I wanted a Kimber Polymer, and knew the Bul was the same gun at the time but was much cheaper. It ran great, had a hell of a trigger, fit my hand better than the Para (read thinner), and was well put together. Bul says they hand assemble them, and I believe it based on that gun. I sold it when I got a Polymer Pro Carry cheaper, and with CCW on the way in Missouri that was more useful. I have neglected the Pro Carry, so I cannot comment on its performance yet.
Recently I took in a Kimber BP10 full size. It was cheap and came with a hi-cap, so my intent was to strip the mag off for my Pro Carry and resell it. Then I shot it. It is not for sale. Damn accurate, reliable, and feels great. They slimmed the frame more on the BP series. It needs a trigger job, but is so accurate I think I will hang onto it. I replaced the front sight with a fiber blade. I am not sure what role it fits in my collection, but for $500 it was well worth it. I am thinking it may be a carry gun now and then, when my obsession with 10mm isn't in total control.
My suggestion after all this is that you look at hi-cap 1911s. If you like that platform at all, to me it gives you some neat options. The mags are pricey but come September that may change. 10 rounders are cheap, and with the 97 you won't have any more rounds. The hi-cap 1911s are a bit handier in dimensions than the 97. Glocks....well I won't go there. My friends that have them and I just agree to disagree.
GR
PS: H&K....well I need to try one. They sure fit my hand well. Come September and cheaper mags, I may just have to pick one up...
