1911 opinions please

I have informed my better half that I am saving up for a good 1911. Told her it will be a while so she didn't panic so guess she knows who the boss is. Yeah right! Anyway, I need a bit of input from some of you "medium hi-end" gun owners on the best bang for the buck 1911 in the $1-1.5 K cost range. I have no problem with used as I usually prefer that way. Can I get a used Wilson, Ed Brown, etc., for that price or would I be better off with Colt or STI or something of that type. I do have a series 80 SS colt now and am pleased with it. Would prefer removable sights so I can put on sights of my choice. Opinions please!
Best,
Howard

I'd avoid Kimber personally. Their "Custom Shop" is a myth. There is no custom shop. All they are is production guns with different engraving on the slide and a higher price tag.

STI makes really good stuff.

You can probably find a used Les Baer Premier II for around $1500.

Joshua wrote:So, my question is what makes a "good" 1911 a good 1911?

Most of what you pay for on the higher end guns is the fitting. Tight slide to frame fit, tight barrel lockup, blending of safeties and other controls, higher end finishes, etc.

Joshua - Not being anywhere near a 1911 expert, my take is that a good 1911 is indeed one that goes bang everytime you pull the trigger and hits what you aim at, just Tree has stated. To me, a solid well made 1911 is fit and finish using top end parts, inside and out. An engine will crank and run, sometimes even great. But a hand fitted engine, balanced and blueprinted, with top quality parts will run longer, better and smoother than the mass produced one off the assembly line. You can make an engine pretty on the outside, but the inside is what matters. And, at least to me, is what makes a good 1911 as compared to an assembly line version. But that's just my non-expert opinion sir.

A Nighthawk, Dan Wesson or STI would sure get my attention. It just seems that even though high end guns hold value, I could maybe pick a decent one up for a good price. Kind of wondering if there is any particular brand to watch for.

I have had three Kimbers in the past, two jam-o-matics and one jewel. Anymore, Kimbers make me cringe. Almost like putting down good money on a roll of the dice. A gamble!
Thanks for your input guys.
Howard

Thanks to all. Never thought about a build, interesting. But my old heart is kind of pointing toward a Les Baer, Ed Brown, Wilson, or any other high end gun I can afford. Never owned a $1K plus gun so I have to be careful about getting something I would be afraid to carry or shoot without cringing. So guess I gotta keep saving and keep looking.
Best,
Howard