The 1911's are great and every gun owner needs to have at "least" one because of the 100 year history and pure enjoyment in shooting. I have XD's, Glocks and a couple of 1911's and have to admit my SA Mil-Spec is my favorite.
I wanted a basic mil-spec in SS as I wanted something that was tough as nails. But be forewarned, having a 1911 is addictive and you just have to keep putting something on to make it better. So far my SA has a match barrel/bushing, fiber front with Bomar rear, full reliability work on the action/slide, magwell, lowered ejection port, combat hammer with beavertail and my favorite...the front strap is checkered with 11 ppi checkering (I guarantee it will not fall out of your hands, of course it takes some getting used too, but it works great). It is like having a custom hot rod in my garage and I just like the hell out it. Wish I could say the same about my Kimber...:sad:
The Bomar rear is great, but I wish i would have stayed with a fixed rear.
Is there better pistols out there, the merits of XD's/Glocks over the 1911? This can be discussed all day...