[Jeff Higgins]

I would never let the sights any pistol comes with be a deciding factor in my purchase. Sights are cheap and easily replaced.

I have one Kimber, an older Ultra Carry. Thousands of rounds through it with nary a hiccup. I've had two very basic full sized Springfields, both parkerized standard 1911A1 pistols, that likewise functioned without issue for thousands of rounds. Gave one to my younger son on his 21st birthday, used the other in part trade to my brother for his Python. They have both been shooting them for over ten years without issue.

I bought one of the first Rugers, an often overlooked brand in the 1911 world. Again, thousands of rounds without any trouble at all. Sold it to my oldest son about ten years ago, who continues to shoot it with no complaints. It might be worth checking them out.

My other current 1911 is a Colt Competition Series, a full sized pistol with many of the bells and whistles. Again, never a problem of any kind.

What I'm getting at is that you can buy a 1911 from any one of a number of reputable manufacturers with complete confidence. Even Kimber. Buy one you like, thoroughly break it in, and never look back. There are plenty of them out there that fit your budget. Don't let the "keyboard marksmen" of the internet dissuade you. To paraphrase Elmer Keith in one of his many jabs at Jack O'Connor, most "shoot better with their typewriters than with their pistols".