Big O are you living in Bothell Now? if yes, zip over to DJ's loan and sport and check out his selection. Personally I'd go with a .45 primarily due to ammo costs alone. I've shot both the XD's and XDM's etc and can point guns on the 1911 platform way better for my shooting style, so 1911 is my preference. before you pull the trigger I'd suggest going to Wades or somewhere similar and renting both types to see what you prefer to shoot.

if you get a new gun you'll want to put 5-800 rounds through it to break it in, and that alone is pretty spendy with 10mm!

After testing out a lot of different types of weapons, I carry a Kimber Crimson Carry in 4in, .45 caliber, in the woods... urban or rural.