Greg,
I would recommend a Kimber. I have 5 of them, one series 1, and 4 series 2 models. The series 1 is a classic model, the series 2 models consist of 2 team match models, and 2 TLE models. all of them work flawlessly. I shoot only 230 gr ball ammo through them. I think problems arise when people start using exotic hand loads or other types of fancy factory loads through them. John Browning designed the 1911 model to shoot 230 gr ball ammo and I think that holds true to this day. I have seen guys at the range shooting 180 gr semi wad cutters and they have all kinds of problems. Well first of all they're shooting a light load with an 18 lb recoil spring so what happens? failure to feed, stove piping, failure to eject, etc,etc. Then they blame the weapon. It's not the weapon, It's their failure to understand that this weapon was not designed to do what they think it should. Another thing that happens is a failure to properly clean and maintain their weapons. I know people who rarely, if ever clean and lube their weapons.
Then they blame the weapon when it malfunctions. These are the same people who drive their cars for 25,000 miles without changing the oil, then when it breaks down they blame the car.
Ithink we all have to learn to get back to basics and stop trying to re- invent the wheel, or in this case the gun.
At any rate, good luck in your quest and ''be safe''
SILENT ONE