The 1911 is a crappy design, yet manages to be very popular because of culture, the trigger system and the cottage industry that thrives on tuning them. There is nothing wrong with that. We have the manufacturing ability to make guns to precise specifications and many guns *still* don't run out of the box. The 1911 requires the owner to have some knowledge and skill beyond shooting in order to keep them going without paying a gunsmith. Again, I have no problem with this so long as the user goes into it knowing that they'll have to put some effort into the gun.
If you're going to use the 1911, I always recommend three things:
1) Budget money beyond the gun and accessories for shipping, additional quality magazines, testing and gunsmithing.
2) Attend a 1911's armorer course and acquire some tools and parts. Knowing how to diagnose and fix the gun will keep you sane between range trips. Spend the time with the gun required to ensure it's running properly.
3) Buy quality and make sure a gunsmith has worked on it. Higher end guns will get this treatment.
Otherwise, buy a gun from HK, Glock, SIG, Beretta, or S&W. Their guns do not need all the testing and other silliness associated with 1911's. They all have great customer service and will make their guns work for you.
My next 1911 will cost at least $1,800 and will likely be an Ed Brown. I want someone to build it; I do not want a "tech" to slap it together at the factory. I have done this too many times and played the "four trips back to Kimber/Springfield" too many times. It's tiring and annoying after eight of these guns. While my Colts were the best of the bunch, I didn't bother to acquire the skills needed to keep them running well. I should have attended Yam's 1911 course and I would likely still have at least one of those guns.
You can dodge the 1911 completely by buying a SIG P220 Super Match with single action trigger or an HK USP with one of the thumb safety only variant systems. The Browning Hi-Power MKIII is also available in 9mm. You could even buy an S&W M&P 45 Compact with thumb safety and still have an eight shooter. I think of the P220 Super Match every time I think about buying an Ed Brown. This is why I don't have that Ed Brown
This is how I save myself a huge headache!