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Just about any major name 1911 will work as a home defense weapon. If the intent is home defense only, then weight isn’t really that big an issue since you won’t be carrying it on your hip for several hours. As others have stated, the extra weight of a full size, all steel 1911 cuts down on perceived recoil.

I would spring for night sights, especially since it’s a home defense weapon kept by your bed…most likely if you use it, it will be during the night.

If you’re going to go the 1911 route, I would just stick with the 45 ACP. The 1911 system comes in many calibers (9mm, 10mm, and 38 Super come to mind), but I’m biased. For a home defensive weapon in a 1911 frame, I would stick with 45 ACP.

Now if this will also be a carry weapon, then for someone starting out I think a full sized, all steel 1911 may not be an optimal choice. Some folks find the weight to be a distraction after a few hours of carry. If it’s going to do double duty, add a few bucks to the price and go for a lighter weapon. Again, my bias will show, but I think Kimber has the best light weight carry weapons…