I would say get the XD and wait for a 1911 that is a little nicer in fit and finish. Even my XDs are nicer fit and finish than my Rock.
Here is the order I did it and my experience... for what it's worth:
XD40 Service
Armscor 1911 (broke while firing, they replaced that with a new RIA that was rusting, they replaced that with a new RIA)...
RIA Tactical
XD45 Tactical
Kimber Warrior
You already know the XDs are awesome, so no need to go on about that. I got the Armscor (and then RIA) and fell in love with 1911s. Then later I got the Kimber and fell out of the love with the fit and finish of the Rock. Yes it goes bang every time I shoot it and if that is all you care about, cool. For me, I like to spend time cleaning my guns, handling them, even just looking at them... cause I love guns. I think fit and finish and a nice smooth slide action make a weapon more enjoyable for me. Now, if reliability is your ONLY concern, well, then get whichever you like.
But, every time I get that Rock out to look at, it disappoints me. The finish is mediocre at best, the slide action is rough (though pretty tight for a cheap gun), the trigger is just meh and the recoil spring makes an odd sound that it shouldn't when hand cycling...
Yes it goes bang... that is all it does for me. I love 1911s!!!!!!
Let me say that again, I love 1911s!!!!!!
But I like my XDs a hell of a lot more than my RIA.
Here's the real issue... If I had it to do over again, what would I buy?
My list would look like this if I could go back in time:
XD40
Springfield Loaded (yes I would spend a few hundred more for it)
XD45
XD
XD
XD
XD
XD..... :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:
I have been right where you are... hope this helps and good luck.