Have you looked at a 9mm 1911? It won't carry as many rounds but it will shoot. You will have 8-10 rounds and almost all 1911 companies make 9mm. I have a lite weight commander in 9mm that is a good all day carry gun. You can find them around $500 to way over $5000.
I would recommend the CZ-75 full size. If you can, find a CZ-75 SP-01 since the frame has the rail, and it is a nicer finished gun with an aluminum frame on the bottom.
interesting, never would have guessed people preferred the cz over the 226, well i might have to look harder into that as well as the 9mm 1911. im also willing to go 45 if i can find a good 1911 that isnt going to cost an arm a leg and my firstborn.
I have only owned one handgun, so I don't have a lot of experience. I have a Ruger SR9 and it has functioned flawlessly so far. Over 500 rounds with zero malfunctions. Slim grip but still holds 17 rounds.