i can't wait to get back this town is cool for the first day and that's it.
Springfield or Para IMO
I work in a gun shop. We send more Taurus and Para 1911s in for repair than any other brand. Kimber QC has been down for about the last year as more problems are obvious on their pistols and more are returned for warranty work Springfield has an ocassional stinker also but they are the fastest and most efficient at correcting them.
I would suggest you look at the Springfield, Kimber, SIG, and S&W 1911s and take the one that has the most personal appeal and price you like. FWIW, the Commander length is easier to tote around as a CCW gun and the Govt Model is easier to shoot accurately. Officers Model size guns often have reliability issues and are harder to shoot well.
I agree that Les Baer would be a step up. But I disagree about $1300 for a production gun. i.e. I ride a GSX-R 1000 or (for those of you that don't ride) a crotch rocket. I have 7 helmets even though I only have one head. Now some of my friends think I'm nuts for paying an average of about $500 for each when I can easily get one for $100 - $200 that does the job just as good. But I like them, if anything just the paint or the name. Like my girlfriend and purses. She'll spend $1500 on a purse just because it's name brand. Wow after reading this. It's really not that good of an example. But I figured this would give someone another view. But I'm pretty sure I screwed that up.
You can disagree all you like. You're just not understanding what I'm saying. Trust me..... I've got some 1911s north of $1300
$1300 for a Kimber i.e..... production gun.... no bueno.
$1400 for a Les Baer...... semi-custom 1911.... bueno.
This comes from owning SEVERAL 1911s in the past. Basically, you're overpaying for the others at the price level.
Now spending $1500 on a purse?
Maybe the purse came with a Les Baer inside?