Kimber is the way to go. They have many options and variations on a modern, purpose built 1911 platform.
I am a born and bred Colt guy. That being said, the modern guns just do not have the fit and finish one would expect, with such a high price tag and rich history. For this reason, Kimber is my new 'goto' brand. For only slightly more that a stock Colt, you can get one of the souped of Kimber varieties, straight from the Custom shop. (The 'Kimber melt' is absolute greatness.) A Colt would take a trip to your gun smith and twice as much money (or better) to get it to the level of a Kimber right out of the box.
I carry a Kimber Ultra CDP II. (45 ACP) Subcompact, 3" match barrel. As at least one poster has said, the problems that are inherent with the smaller autos, you just don't have with the Kimbers. Top notch. Zero complaints.
The aluminum frame on the smaller guns takes some getting used to, but, beyond that, Kimber gets an unqualified thumbs up from me, in all categories. Anything else is 'second best.'
DT