I shot a Kimber at the range a few weeks ago, a fellow let me let loose with a magazine. His particular gun had a magazine feeding problem, I noticed as I watch him that afternoon, but I think it just needed a cleaning and ramp polishing.
The thing was a very sweer shooter, thank you.
I have a Springfield Armory 1911A1 milspec model, which I got based on a recommendation here, but I can't hit a bloody thing with it. I sent it back once, and am missing by a foot instead of by two feet now. It's frustrating as hell.
Spend the money on a good shooter - take a couple of pops, and if that thing is a solid, good gun, you'll hit your paper plate target consistently at 10 or 15 yards, and you'll know you have a keeper. Don't scrimp on your .45.
I bought an Auto Ord .45 ACP a few years ago. I had a huge problem with hitting the target. I thought was decent with shooting pistols. I could hit 4 out of 6 clay pigeons from 50 yards. With the .45 ACP I could barely hit the target at 10 yards. Of course it was the gun. I sent it to the shop for new sights, trigger and a bunch of other things ($850 upgrades on a $425 gun. It's a guy thing.) I still couldn't shoot it right. I took an NRA shooting class and the instructor pointed out several grip related problems I had. With in the 8 hour class I was able to put 7 rounds into a 3 x 5 card at 7 yards. I should have taken the course before the $850 upgrade.