1st.. Thank you for sharing your experiences with this firearm & the company behind it.
Though I'm not in the market for a new 1911 ( ?... ! ) I would steer clear of this brand.
I had a somewhat similar experience with MetroArms.. maker of the American Classic line of 1911's.
Their 1911's are / appear to be a slight upgrade over Rock Island 1911's.. w/ better finish, more features, etc @ a slightly higher price.
My 1st 1911 in 9mm was a Rock Island GI model, all they offered @ the time. I purchased an American Classic 9mm in a Commander size,
following my RIA purchase, as I liked the features & appearance. It has the "smoothest" frame-to-slide fit of any 1911 I've owned.
Shortly after purchase , while cleaning the barrel following a range trip..thought I had a small piece of lead stuck in the rifling.
Scrubbing wouldn't remove it. Took barrel to my gunsmith..he's got a large, illuminated , magnifying glass.
Examining the barrel, it was clearly a void / defect "pit" in the barrel itself. Tried contacting the company, w/o success..finally found a gunsmith
that had contracted with the company to handle their "warranty work". I was told it was policy that I'd be required to send him the entire pistol
( couldn't send just the defective barrel) so it could be examined, then determined if any warranty work would be covered.
Shipping was @ my expense. Decided it was less expense & trouble to buy a replacement barrel from Midway, & have my gunsmith fit the barrel.
Though my American Classic is a fine pistol ( now ).. I wouldn't recommend the company or brand to anyone, due to the company's attitude toward
providing customer service.