Re: What 45 to buy????
My carry gun is a Kimber Ultra Raptor. It wouldn't run at all to start with, but after putting in an Ed Brown Hardcore slide stop and extractor it runs perfectly. She's a sweetheart, but IMO I shouldn't have to replace parts on a brand new $1000 pistol. Very reliable, accurate, and smooth now though, I wouldn't think of parting with it. Oh, the finish didn't last anytime, I eventually put KG Gunkote on it and have worn a lot of that off too.
When I compete in Single Stack I shoot a fullsize Springfield Armory Loaded, the quality is a lot better than my Kimber. The Armorykote finish, or whatever they call it, is most impressive, it's lasted better than any other spray-on finish I've seen including my rifle with Ceracoat. I've heard their 3" guns were more harsh feeling than a Kimber, but I've never shot one.
If I were buying one today, I'd look hard at an STI. Not built in Texas like their 2011's, but most owners rate them very highly.