My very biased vote is for any Kimber Ultra.
Like this? My plain jane UCII
If you want non 1911 style, look at the HK USP compact, or an XD. I worry about reliabilty of 1911's smaller than comander
The local Academy has the Glock 36 and Xd currently instock. I have heard of reliability issues with 1911 platforms having less than commander length barrels, but my Springfield Ultra-Compact has been as reliable as any 5" model I have seen and only has a 3 1/2" barrel. The Kimber I had before that was a piece of junk. Very unreliable. I guess it just depends on the brand and individual pistol.
My HK USPc 45 is my everyday carry.I completed my CHL class today and was looking for some suggestions on a compact 45 - my Gold Cup is to heavy to carry but I like a 45 over 9MM