In self-defense scenarios there are 2 main areas to explore. Stopping Power Capacity I recommend stopping power over capacity. You want to put the attacker down as fast as possible, this can be achieved through either caliber or projectile. For caliber I recommend .45 ACP https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.45_ACP and for projectile I recommend the RIP rounds http://www.ammunitionsupplycompany.com/mobile/product.aspx?ProductCode=g2rip%2D45acp&404;http://www.ammunitionsupplycompany.com:80/G2-RIP-45-ACP-Ammo-p/g2rip-45acp.htm= Now on to the gun. There are an absolute s*it ton of .45's out there, though I recommend either: Kimber http://www.kimberamerica.com H&K http://hk-usa.com The guns that these companies make are extremely well made and are a top choice for military/police forces. Kimber probably makes one of the best (if not the best) 1911's out there. Shot quite a few and they are extremely accurate out of the box, downside is that they are expensive (it's worth it though), but you usually want the best when it comes down to life or death. Haven't really had my hands on too many H&K handguns though but really anything they make are top notch. H&K: I recommend the USP Compact or the HK45 Compact. USP would be the go to for me, lighter and shorter than the HK45. http://hk-usa.com/hk-models/usp-compact/ Kimber: I recommend the Compct CDP 2 http://www.kimberamerica.com/compact-cdp-ii-a?___SID=U Regardless of what I think though, your preferences will always be different than anyone else's, so go out and hold a few, maybe even shoot some to get a good idea. #rant over