Warner: I don't know what your $$ situation is but hear me out.
Recently, I found a gun for sale in PA made by the Springfield Custom shop. (TG01) The guy selling it was a big time IDPA, IPSC shooter who had a large collection of 1911s. He had been laid off and needed cash quickly.
He told me he had about nine 1911s including several "custom race" guns made by some big time names ranging from $4K to $6K. When asked by me why he didn't sell one of those instead, he said, rightly so, that he'd never get the money out of them of what they're worth.
But he said the TG01 was a rare semi-custom gun that was in high demand. I paid him $2200 for it - and he gave it to me VERY RELUCTANTLY.
But of all his 1911s, he told me that he could honestly say that NONE OF THEM have a sweeter trigger than this Springfield. (Nor a tighter build)
I've owned two Colts, three Springers, one Dan Wesson, and one Les Baer. So I have limited experience, but I can't imagine how spending another $2 - $3K could make a 1911 any better.
It truly has the best trigger of ANY gun I've ever shot (including many S&W/Colt revolvers.) The thing shoots scary accurate - I can't think of anyone other than Rob Leatham that could take this gun to its potential.
In any case, just wanted to throw out the fact that, at some point, the law of diminishing returns comes into play as to exactly how pretty, tight, sweet, and accurate a 1911 can be made.
Exclusivity and Cool factor? Now that's a different story .......