S&W seems to produce a decent gun, I don't care for the non 1911 parts in it. Makes it harder to maintain when you already have a bunch of 1911s, parts, and tools. Have yet to hear of S&W having external extractor problems, perhaps because of their experience with this in their other guns?
SA = lots of MIM, ILS is easily changed out, good warranty service, no f. pin block, QC is lacking at times.
Kimber = lots of MIM, external extrtactor to be avoided until they get it right consistently, QC good, warranty service good, series II can require "extra positive engagement" on the grip safety.
All 3 makes have pros and cons. I'd try to find either a 25th anniversary kimber (it's a series 1), or get in on Hilton Yam's limited run of series 1 Kimbers
http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=12899&an=0&page=0#12899
Of the SW1911, Kimber Stainless II, and Springfield Loaded, which one of these three 1911's is going to be the most reliable out of the box?
I know that all three are very nice guns and all fit into my price range. I'm just trying to decide which of these three is the most reliable, because reliability is my #1 priority.
Thanks