I'm back in the market looking for a 1911 - do you have any countries or brands you avoid?
I've been checking out other forums and even /r/1911; I've seen several folks suggest staying away from Kimber or Taurus.
I would appreciate your feedback as I start down this path again.
In my opinion, stay away from anything under $1K. exept Tisas.
Unless you know how to upgrade the your self. Or it's strictly a backyard plinker.
The best quality assembly line 1911 platform is Dan Wesson. Not completely fitted like a true custom but close.
I worked for WC for many years, working on customer owned 1911's. Most were upgraded with a reliabilty package. Others had a complete custom job.
One has to keep in mind, if the base gun is mixed bag quality, it will take a lot of work and effort to turn it into a true custom worth the money. And it can easily cost between 2 to 4K.
In other words, there is no short cut to success here, and it's expensive.
In my experience, it's best to cry once, and buy what you really need and want from the start. And sometimes you will save money that way.
Plus it's easier to resell a known product if needed be. Not to mention your covered by warrenty and customer service.