Swoop,
Since you were thinking about a 1911, I'd suggest you talk to your dealers about the possibility of a 1911 in 9mm. They are out there, but the "masses" don't buy them so they aren't stocked a lot.
I'm forcing myself to get better with my M&P9 and XD9 (lots of use and practice). My problem is that I just plain like the feel of the 1911, 2011 and P16 (Para), and the "plastic" fits the hand different. However, for certain games I need a different tool and need to be able to use it.
I would have a 1911 in 9mm right now if I had more of a reason for it than the M&P.