The 1911/.45 is my second choice. It'll never jam if you're using quality rounds, and you can practically clear a forest with one. But I like a gun with a cylinder, and no "safety."
For some (quite possibly perverse) reason, I just feel safer.
Home-protection-wise I'll opt for my .357 Mag Ruger Security Six loaded with hydra-shocks!
No remembering to slam the clip home or cock - pick it up, point it, and squeeze and the bad guy is OUT.
On the battlefield I'd want the best quality, most reliable piece that's made, and I'd want it in .45 caliber - when I say "best quality" I mean the most dependable and trouble-free.
No-one needs a weapon that's made so "tight" that a speck of dust renders it useless!