To 1911 or not to 1911 that is the question
The answer for many (and I do mean many) is
yes!
If you like the look & size you will love the accuracy & handling. There are so many manufacturers out there that are good, if you stay in the $600+ you won't be disappointed. I am no expert but here are my ramblings.
There are differences that you can think about.
1) barrel length - you have the 6" down to the 3" barrels. Depending on where you are carrying it one may be better for you than another. I like the govt 5" length personally because I OC (so don't have to worry about CCing) and like the accuracy of the longer barrel. 1911's are also fairly thin and easily concealable if you want them to be.
2) guide rod length - the "standard" GI guide rod is short and allows you to use a spring cap which makes breaking down the gun much easier. If you choose a full length guide rod you will need to use a tool to break down the gun. I have modified all my 1911's to use GI guide rods, spring caps and even changed some springs out for higher tension springs (18lb replacing 16lb springs)
3) barrel bushing or not - others can chime in on the models that use a bull barrel and do away with the barrel bushing. Bull barrels are non-standard like a full length guide rod but less common.
4) hi capacity or standard - hicap models use double stacked magazines which increase the grip size a little (Para advertises 1/8th of an inch) while "standard" 1911's came with a 7 round single stack magazine. I prefer hicap 15+1 but also own some 7+1/8+1 models.
5) sites - get three dot or adjustable sites. Looking at those small military posts is hard enough for people with good eyesite.
Some will argue that point shooting doesn't need any sites and I agree but I like three dot sites.
6) caliber - the 1911 was created using 45acp. I recommend that because I love 45acp. There are models available in 9mm, 40, and 38 super. Some of the smaller models use these other calibers.
7) Single Action - this is a single action gun so plan to carry it loaded, locked and cocked. Don't think you will have time to **** it or cycle the slide when a bad guy presents himself.
8) MIM vs forged parts - Some manufacturers use MIM parts which are less sturdy than forged parts. Kimber is one that comes to mind with MIM. You would have to do your research on the gun you are looking or comparing to see which uses what method.
Springfield is a good gun. I liked the better production quality of the Colt. Both shot the same. To me the perfect 1911 would be a combination of my Colt Springfield and Para. Maybe that is where Wilson, Ed Brown or other hi end guns come in.