Every Colt I've had at that price range required lots of $$$ to get it the way I expected. When I add the total costs together, it's more expensive than my Kimbers and Paras. I no longer own any Colts except my first (for sentimental reasons). My comp gun and favorite shooter is now a Kimber.
I only spend $50 for each Kimber I own for light trigger action polishing to suit my preferences. (I also gently lightly throat the barrel for my SWC's, which is NOT needed for JHP or FMJ/Ball.) Nothing else is required.
When I bring my pieces to the range, the ones drawing the most requests to shoot and the biggest grins after shooting and seeing the results are my Kimbers, especially when I tell them the price I stole...err, bought...them for. Can't beat the value, reliability, and performance.
My second choice are my Paras. But I can do things with my Kimbers that I can't see to match with my Paras or Colts or SA's. The tolerances on my Kimbers out of the box seem to be tighter and last longer than on my other pieces (less slop, less play, less wiggle b/w slide and frame).
Bottom line - buy what YOU shoot best. Take a test drive at a rental range or with a friend if you can. Tools are very personal choices...get the one that works best for the job you have for it.
