and welcome to the wonderful world of 1911's.. everyones favorite brand is the best and the rest are sub par
if you know what to look for in a 1911, you can get a winner from any brand or manufacturer... even colt... and i love colt, i still think they make some of the best 1911's despite some quality issues, that, if you know what to look for can simply be avoided (imagine that).
Kimber made some bad decisions in their external extractors, SA makes a sound 1911, though i dont particularly care for their magazine choices, and over use of MIM parts (though thats not a big deal at all), Taurus's have problems with their extractors, smith and wesson makes decent 1911s as well, and actually made the external extractor work for all intents and purposes.
STI makes a damn fine 1911, Rock island armory is a good alternative for budget minded people, but dont be suprised if you have to call on their very excellent warranty.
of course if you have the budget, theres wilson combat, les baer, dan wesson etc...
both my colts are great shooters, lightly modified by me, and NO mfg defects what so ever, my defender has had better than 2000 rounds run through it without even changing the factory springs, and my series 80 Combat Commander (2007 model) has been flawless now for pushing 1000+ rounds.
I'm a colt man, and my next 1911 has a 99% chance of being another colt, i've looked at SA's, kimbers, etc etc.. and i just love the colt 1911's.
but i dont have blinders on, i dont claim its the be all end all, and i dont down other 1911's because their not colts. i do not care for taurus, and Para ordanance, these are personal preferences.
find one you like new or used, if you want some tips on what to look for check this out:
Buying a 1911 pistol
If you do decide to buy a colt, check the dust cover where it comes up on either side of the slide, they sometimes mess up the depth of one side (one side is will be thinner), also look for rub marks on the slide from the dust cover... but heres the real shocker.. if you manage to get one, you can send it to colt and they will make it right.. imagine that.
and the other nice thing about colt, in 20 years time, you can pull it out of your safe and sell it for what you paid for it, or more
welcome to the 1911 disease.. i doubt you will buy just one
cheers