I have to admit, I love the 1911 style handguns. But there are numerous other guns out there that are just as reliable as the old Colt 1911a1. Ruger, Smith, Glock, Sig, H&K are a few. I for one have a Kimber 1911 style pistol that would not be on my hip if it wasn't 100% reliable. Reliability should be tested prior to anyone carrying a firearm for protection.
and shoot military hardball ammo in it!
I disagree with that statement if the gun is used for anything other than target practice. There are plenty of semi-autos out there that will handle loads other than full metal jacket or "hardball" ammo. Jacketed round nose bullets do not mushroom. They punch a .45" hole thru it's target unless it hits bone, and keeps on going until it runs out of energy.
A good semi-auto will handle hollowpoints without a problem and those are what should be used for any defensive purposes. Especially home defense. FMJ ammo will penetrate walls and people easily and are a liability issue if they hit someone they aren't intended for. Hollowpoints reduce that risk considerably.