[matt711]

I owne at least one 1911 from each of the companies listed abover other than rock island. I have 1911s in .45, 9mm, 10mm, 38 Super, 9x23, and 22LR. I agree with most of the list other than Kimber and Para Ordnance. Every Kimber that I have owned was reliable, accurate, and had solid fit and finish. They are priced a little high IMO. My experience with Para ordnane has been less than stellar. Many custom 1911 gunsmiths won't work on a Para due to the feed ramp design.

It really depends on how much money you want to spend and what your intended use is. I am a big fan of Springfield Armory. The new Remington RO is a great pistol as is the new Ruger. The Taurus 1911 I owned was probably the best bang for the buck 1911 I have ever handled.

Some other brands to consider:
Double Star
Rock River
Ed Brown
If you can find a good used version from any of these builders you will be very happy.

I can't stress enough that a 1911 requires an added level of care by it's owner. As a single action pistol with a very short trigger pull it is not difficult to fire of a round unitentionally. I have seen it happen at the range more than once. Usually a new 1911 owner or an experienced owner that is careless. 1911s can become an addiction, my collection is way larger than I ever intended it to be. At this point I probably own over 20 of them and less than 2-3 other semi-auto pistols.

If your looking for a CCW then look hard at the Springfield Armory EMP in either 9mm or .40cal. If you want to get in cheap and see is the 1911 is for you then buy a 5" Taurus.