Colt gets my vote!!
Once I almost bought a Springfield 'loaded' in slightly used condition, but I had a inherited series 70 stock Colt Government in my possession. So I invested my money at the time in Wilson parts and a trip to a gunsmith to fit 'em on the Colt. Could not be happier, my Colt has a sentimental attachment regarding its past history and has been carried on duty and in interesting cercumstances since...adding to its continued history.
I have never own a Springfield, though I have shot many(the Longslide was real cool!), but I have own ALOT of Colt 1911's over the years and I tend to stick with them. Besides the Government, a LW Officer's has seen much use and been carried all over the Country and I recently added a slightly used Colt Concealed Carry Officer's to the stable. This new(to me) Colt requires no modification or customization...a first for me in my history with Colt 1911's.
Colt has made alot of improvement, but it probably comes far too late. They should have been upgrading their 1911 line in the 70's with the IPSC crowd requirements. That might have kept them on the top. They could have also be doing more to streamlining their manufacturing process and working on their many revolver's. Shame they lost their 'new service' machines just before the 'magnum' craze stormed the country.
So, Colt might be a very useful firearms and one of the best made for the money, AND you are getting a large slice of American history, BUT if Colt folds one day...you'll also have more than you invested...a working heirloom!! Get 'em while you can, they are at the pinnacle of their manufacture right now(though those 1930's guns were sweet for their time!)!!!
Jercamp45