I recently purchased two different 1911 Kimbers.
Ultra Carry II with night sights (about $880 out the door) This model has an aluminum "Officers" frame and 3'' barrel, beavertail grip safety, buled finish. It did not have checkering on the frontstrap so I put some Pachmayr grips that wrap around the front strap on it. This pistol has the minimum features I'll settle for in a 1911. It's also the most concealable size of the 1911's. I might carry this one in a Smartcarry or "appendix" carry, the short 3'' barrel is at a premium for those methods of carry.
CDP Compact (about $1,150 out the door) This is a beautiful pistol. Has stainless slide with blued frame. Night sights. Edges are "melted". Lightweight aluminum "Officers" frame with 4'' barrel. It does have checkering on the front strap. I think this is the "ultimate" size for a carry pistol, for IWB strong side carry. The 4'' barrel isn't any harder to conceal than 3'' but the Officers size frame does make a difference versus a full size frame (if you are anal about printing and I am). I can't imagine "needing" any more features than this pistol offers.
Regardless of size or maker, the mil-spec 1911 .45's that do not come from the factory with at least a beavertail grip safety and night sights are not for me. I know those features can be fitted / installed after purcahse, but then it's likely going to end up costing as much or more than just buying the pistol that way to begin with (heck it will cost $50+- just to ship it). I think any pistol used for primary SD should have night sights and the mil-spec narrow grip safety is simply uncomfortable for me to shoot.
