I hear the Springfield guns and some of the Kimbers are really good out of the box too, if you get one of the models that already has adjustable sights and beavertail grip safety, etc. included on them. Years ago it was a good idea to build one up yourself if you couldn't afford an expensive custom gun - such as a Clark, Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Les Baer, etc. Nowadays there are alot of companies that include a really good trigger job, good barrel fit, and ergonomic features at a decent price. It would cost less this way and still be well built than to do what I did several times - as in... get a fixer-upper Colt or Springfield and then buy and fit parts to it.
Do some internet searches on gun reviews, talk to some local .45 nuts(... er.. enthusiasts...!), find yourself a great pistol and then load some 185 or 200 gr. hard lead semi-wadcutter rounds with Bullseye or Winchester 231 in a medium velocity load (works accurately and consistently with pretty much any 1911) and have some fun!
