It's funny... I've owned 6 different 1911's, from 4 different makers... Colt, Springfield, Kimber, and Taurus. Both of the Kimbers are 4" pistols, and I've gotten so used to shooting them, when I pick up a 5" it feels like a Desert Eagle.
As far as Springfield, my second 1911 was a standard Government stainless, it wasn't a bad pistol, but we didn't get along. I sold it to my brother almost 20 years ago, he still has it, and I get to shoot it once in a while. I still think Springfield makes good firearms, despite the issues I've had previously, and would certainly look at them.
Kimber has had issues in the past... the mid-2000's were a bad time for their QC. From what I've seen on the shelves, they seem to have figured that out and are making some pretty nice pistols, now. The Kimber TLE is at the top of my Want List, right along with a Springfield Loaded.