I carry either a sig 938, or a Para elite carry 3 inch 1911 45. Both in FFR owb holsters. I carry the sig all the time concealed with nothing more than T-shirt. If you want 1911 style check out the 938 or 238 both are good guns.

I loved and missed my Colt Defender very much. I had several thousand rounds through it and nary a malfunction.

I've had bad luck with the kimbers. YMMV

I had a sig 938 for a while and it was great!

Do you like that Para? I've been thinking about one.

Love the Para! Have been very impressed with it. Had a Colt defender for a while and IMO, the Para is more accurate, and better fit and finish. Got mine when they were running the 100$ rebate. Got a deal from my usual gun shop, plus with rebate I paid about 600 for it. The elite carry uses the same magazines as the the old slim hawg.

Whatever you are comfortable with is my thought. Any caliber as if you ever have to use it more than likely it will be up close. Have 45 acp's Springfield XPS 3.3, Colt Officer's, 9mm Glock 26, Colt mustang Stainless 380 ACP Plus 11 and a Smith Wesson 38 Special Stainless 636 and don't forget your boot guns in 32 ACP's have a couple Seecamp's that are the coolest semi auto's I have ever seen. So Tiny you can put them in your shirt pocket.
The only Kimber I ever had was Had a CDP 11 that wouldn't run a mag though without jamming. Sent it back twice and never did get it to run reliable with any and all ammo i tried. Tried several kinds and brands. Guess it was a lemon. They took it back on a exchange.

I carry an XDs in .45 ACP, riding in an FFR holster. I had Matt ("East") make the holster to ride on a belt, but I didn't want to have to unthread my belt to get the holster on. He has these hooks that slide between the pants and belt and hook over the top. Rides great, draws great, barely notice it, and no one else does either with an untucked shirt. .