If someone want just one 1911, what would you recommend?

In that price range, I'd like to have an Ed Brown Special Forces. Ed Brown offer's enough options to set it up the way you like, and I think I'd prefer the "chain link" to checkering. If you'd prefer checkering there are other Ed Brown model's you may prefer.

http://www.edbrown.com/specialforces.htm

However, if you are a 1911 guy, and you're only going to have one, I'd think it should be a Colt.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtPistols.aspx

Colt Combat Commander

Ed Brown Classic Custom.

Colt Special Combat Government

Funnel

What funnelcake said!

How about a Colt Gunsite pistol?

http://www.gunsite.com/main/proshop/gunsmithy/gunsite-colt-service-pistol/

Many 1911's are imported from Turkey or around the Czech republic, plus some from the Pacific Rim. So, why no Kimbers or Springfields?

I see other big name assemblers, the public isn't aware they get their receivers from Turkey, either. They have their name engraved on them.

Sounds like a barbecue gun, nothing wrong with that. Plenty on the market, it's a matter of using google image and then pulling up the better looking ones. No favorites here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=sta...t4DADA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1024&bih=515&dpr=1

Don't forget SIG makes them, too, in New Hampshire. http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/1911-stainless.aspx

I'm a big Wilson fan, personally

Walkalong said:

The Springfield Custom Shop puts out some really nice stuff as well.

Click to expand...

A stainless TRP would be nice. That, or something from Wilson Combat or Nighthawk.

Colt Gold Cup and a few bills outta that $2k still in my pocket.

Ed Brown, Les Baer, Wilson, Nighthawk all bear looking closely at.

Glad I don't have to but if I only had one I think I agree it should be a colt.

I have owned many. The DW Valor is my favorite. I can't justify having one that cost more than this. I have owned a Baer but it is no better than my valor.
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Based on what I've seen the only collectible 1911's are either WWII era, Colt Gold Cups, or made by a famous gunsmith like Tom Shimoda. None fits your description since WWII guns are not stainless and Gold Cups and rare customs are target guns.

Les Baer PII 1.5G or Chambers custom

series 70; no firing bin block in the trigger mechanism.
series 80; firing bin block in the trigger mechanism.

series 70 triggers are considered superior.

Colt Gold Cup
Nighthawk
Wilson Combat
These would be some good ones that meet your criteria. For that kind of cash, you can get a decent Colt and totally customize it to your exact specs (trigger, hammer, safeties).

The most accurate, tightest fitted 1911 I have owned, is a Springfield Milspec, with a NM serial prefix.
Fits everything good in your description, except the price and manufacturers