Don't pick a 1911 unless you are going to practice extensively. If you are looking for a home defense gun, you want something that is simple to use and intrinsically safer that a 1911. Chances are, you are going to be woken up from a deep sleep and you brain won't be fully functional. A 1911 is a pro's gun and design for someone with full control of his faculties. You have to disengage the safety and the trigger is relative light.
My suggestions would be a double action revolver, double action auto or something similar. In the case of a double action, there are no safeties to disengage, but the double action is heavy enough to resist an accidental discharge in the event you aren't thinking (half asleep) and put your finger on the trigger. A glock with a 8 pound NY trigger, a Kahr or most double action autos give the same effect.
Remember, you will almost certainly will not be ready, and probably not thinking clearly in the first few minutes when you wife/girlfriend wakes you in the middle of the night because she hears a noise. Pick you gun based on that criteria, not what is the ultimate 'shooter'.
I'd also seriously consider a weapon light. I have a SureFire on my G26. You get the bonus of being able to see, and blinding the other person.
My suggestions would be a double action revolver, double action auto or something similar. In the case of a double action, there are no safeties to disengage, but the double action is heavy enough to resist an accidental discharge in the event you aren't thinking (half asleep) and put your finger on the trigger. A glock with a 8 pound NY trigger, a Kahr or most double action autos give the same effect.
Remember, you will almost certainly will not be ready, and probably not thinking clearly in the first few minutes when you wife/girlfriend wakes you in the middle of the night because she hears a noise. Pick you gun based on that criteria, not what is the ultimate 'shooter'.
I'd also seriously consider a weapon light. I have a SureFire on my G26. You get the bonus of being able to see, and blinding the other person.