(And no, I don't own one...)
I’m not trying to be that guy but how did Cabot not make this list? Maybe because it’s more of a custom shop and guns begin at over $5K and go into the hundreds of thousands. Nice work if you can get it.
I’m fond of my Para-Ordnance Big Hawg 45
4” Kimber Pro Carry II
I have a Remington R1 and love it. It’s very faithful to the original with just a few changes like a modern 3 dot sight and a little bevelling around the trigger guard to make it more comfortable. I specifically did not want a 1911 that was all dolled up with an extra long beaver tail and other add-ons. I’ve found the R1 to be reliable and accurate. For a price of around $600 it was well worth it.
I know a few guys who swear by their relatively cheap but utterly faithful to the original, Rock Island 1911s. I think you can pick one of those up for around $450.
I have a Springfield Armory - very pleased with it - to the point I’ve been considering picking up a second.
Pretty happy w my Colt Series 70, Mk-IV, Gold Cup tricked out for competition.
(And no, I don't own one...)
I've also got a Kimber micro 9; the very early Solo CDP model. The Solo is a beautiful little thing, but I rarely shoot it. Even compared to other lightweight micro pistols, the muzzle flip is terrible and hard to control. Plus it stings! Granted, all the tiny 9mm pistols are probably very snappy, but this one seems extra unfriendly.
Kimber SIS. My favorite for on-duty. Unfortunately, lost it and all the others in the boating accident. Rotten luck, I tell ya!
Son-in-law recently purchased a Dan Wesson Valor to go along with his Springfield Range Officer. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality, especially the trigger. He says it shoots as good as it looks and I await my chance to join him at the range.
Kimber
I bought my son one of these ATI 1911’s for $400 incl FFL. It shoots better than I do. Always goes bang. https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/75560/ati+firepower+xtreme+gi+1911