I understand the ACTS PROVE idea, and yes it *should* be ok to look down, and if your nervous then maybe its not safe and unloaded. But to teach people in a safety course to look down is just bad juju, will I do it with my own gun someday? Maybe but I'm more likely to grab a cleaning rod, mirror or light before wanting to do that still.
To keep on topic, I did pick up a 1911 22lr I haven't taken delivery yet or held the exact one I bought but when I walked in the store the 1911 was the first thing I held (dealer's choice, I was asking about Rugers & Browning 22s but none were in the case) but everything I held after didn't have the same feel for balance and natural grip.
The Ruger & Browning both had longer barrels and one had a rail so balance and weight would be much different but the 1911 I held just felt good. I know everyone says go in and feel the gun in hand but I can't believe that I just kept going, nope nope, I like this one more.
I also held a 45 1911, other than feeling heavier it didn't really give up much from the 22. Still felt comfortable just that I was holding more weight.
This could all change and I'll b!tch whine and moan when I start shooting but for now, I don't feel like I made the wrong choice. I'm glad I started considering the 1911 when I did. I may have ended up a glock owner

No that's a joke, I think I held a glock, I'm not even sure it could've been some other polymer gun but I don't think it was a 22 so it was just to compare not a true consideration for purchase.
I'm a happy boy, I can't wait to take ownership and shoot.