I've got it narrowed down to one of the following:

Springfield Armory MC Operator (Buds price about 1K)
Springfield Armory Silent Operator(Buds price about 2K)
Colt M45A1 in IonBond (Buds price about 1500)
Dan Wesson Specialist. (Buds Price about 1700)

Budget 2K
I can't find any of them locally to purchase, so this is probably going to be my first foray into online gun purchasing.
Most all of them are going to need some tweaking.
All but the Silent Operator will need a threaded barrel fit.
All but the SASO would need to have suppressor sights fit down the road.
The SASO would have to have an ambi safety fit.

It's primary role will be a suppressor host, and nighttime carry with my X300.
Eventually it will probably get a RMR milled in

Not going to let SAs politics enter into the decision at this time.

politics aside, Dan Wesson builds a helluva gun.

You should be able to find the M45A1 for $1,300-1,400 on Gun Broker.

Helluva pistol for the $ and now that it's no longer MARSOC issue, who knows the fate of the civ models.

Suppressor height sights aren't really needed.

I keep hearing good things about DW, but I haven't seen one locally. The get generally good reviews online. The Specialist is in the lead right now (in my head)

I have a cerakote M45 with the USMC markings. I was going to rotate that into carry, but now that Colt is no longer marking them that way I'd rather keep the wear and tear off of it if possible.
The Ionbond M45s seem to hold up better finish wise.

The suppressor sights will probably come with it's milled for the RMR. My pistol can is a SiCo Osprey so I don't need them really

Springfield is pretty overpriced for what you get, I would go with your other choices

I don't onw any 1911's
I have been thinking I need this one though.
1911
hickok45's take

My Dan Wesson Valor is one of the very few guns I've purchased in the past ten years that didn't need any parts changes or tweeking to get it working.  It has turned out to be an excellent value in spite of the price.  I don't know which of their other pistols have forged parts, but I don't believe they all do.  This is nothing against Springfield or Colt's -- they are both good guns in my experience.  All three brands will live a long life and provide reliable service.  I've put tens of thousands of rounds through my Springfields and they just keep working and getting smoother with time.  But, the Dan Wesson's are so good that I'm hard pressed to mess around with other brands.

You really can't go wrong with any of the choices you've suggested.

But, I have to say it again, Dan Wesson makes one heck of a gun!!!

One word of advice about dealing with Bud's:  make your purchase and forget about it.  When your FFL gets the gun, you'll get a call.  Don't think about it or try to follow the transaction after you 'pull the trigger' on the deal.  Bud's customer service is very opaque and can cause a lot of angst if you try to track or follow the transaction the way you're probably used to doing with other on-line purchases.  Buy it and forget about it!!!!!  They will follow through -- in their own sweet time.

Thanks for the Buds advice. I'm going by my regular spot Monday to see if they can get any of the four before I buy online. They're friends, and I like to give them my $$$ if possible. If they can't then I'll find another dealer that's on Buds preferred list. I won't ask them to do a online transfer for me.

Dan Wesson Specialist or SA Combat Operator

My Valor's are amazing. DW is building some damn nice guns for the money. My 9mm CO is very nice. My 45 CO is nice as well, but shoots low for me.

20170525_231346_zpsluitfr4x by jason dorman, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Y9r9xg]20170902_230442[1][/url] by jason dorman, on Flickr

I Springfield Range Officer will shoot as well as any $4000 1911 if not better out of the box. And, you will have plenty left to buy ammo for it.
More money doesn't always mean better. The RO just doesn't have the extras. But, it was made to be a shooter. And it is.

Well, I hope the Dan Wesson fans are right. Stopped by my local shop this morning and had them order me a DW Specialist. Should be here Wednesday.
100.00 over Buds price. I'll take that for a local shop that helps me out.

You made the right choice.

Good choice. A warning in advance if you got the duty treat, there are many solvents and cleaners that will damage and blemish the finish of the gun. 

I bought a DW Specialist earlier this summer.   I absolutely love it!   I've put about 1,000 rounds through it so far.   I wasn't sure if I was going to like the straight 8 sights, but I am very pleased with them.   The fit & finish on mine is top notch.  I have other 1911s that were much more expensive & the Specialist holds its own with them.  As for the Duty Treat finish, you are not supposed to use CLP on it.   It will stain/dull the finish.    DW says to use Kano Kroil to clean & lubricate.   I purchased some, but don't like the smell.    I have been using Hoppes 9 bore cleaner.  I've read that the Hoppes wont dull the finish, but to be safe I am quick & careful when cleaning.   I have also used Barristol with no issues.   The Duty Treat is supposed to stay oiled, so I wipe it down with a little Lucas oil now & then.    Here is a thread on cleaning/oiling Duty Treat.    https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=468545  


Enjoy your new Specialist!

Even my guy @ the gun store was impressed with the fit and finish vs the price tag

I love my Springfield Armory Range Officer I picked up in 2012, but after the shit they pulled, fuck them.  I don't know what you should buy, just don't buy a Springfield, great gun for the money, but that knife in your back is hard to pull out.

Dan Wesson is the correct choice, but avoid Fusion Firearms like the plague.

First 100 rounds down the barrel without a care in the world :-)
2nd 100 should be this weekend. I'm feeling more confident in the choice I made.

Good choice, OP!

I got a Specialist this summer, my first time shooting and break in was a USPSA match. Ran perfect. I later discovered that some cheaper 8 round mags do not have a base plate that limits over insertion or a stop on the mag body which will cause the mag to over insert and block slide travel. Just something to be aware of.

good choice OP.  I love my DW specialist

I have been looking at the ruger also.  .45 though.  I have a G20.

Dan Wesson smokes em all.

I've shot all of them.