I think the RIA are the best deal going in a basic 1911. Look for their new "Tactical" model with better sights. Like all my other 1911s any problems with the RIA is usually a magazine issue. I often shoot 300+ rounds in one session with mine and its rare to have a failure, use the search a lot has been posted about them. My oldest is approaching 10,000 rounds.
As to recoil, its definitely more than a 9mm but its more of a push compared to the 9mm slap.
--wally.