after owning several 1911's, some suggestions:
buy a 5", nothing shorter
RIA or a Springfield milspec $500-600 if the budget is a bit soft right now. a lot less and you may get what you pay for. para's GI expert has good ratings also
if cost is no object, Nighthawk Custom or Ed Brown, maybe wilson combat
somewhere in the middle ($800-1000) live many of the Kimbers, Springfields. STI, etc
SIG makes a great 1911, but a bit less classic in the looks and shape