RE: Need Help with a .45 M-1911
There are only subtle differences between the 1911 and 1911A1-
The military replaced the 1911 with the 1911A1 in the 1920's.
The 1911 has a flat mainspring housing and a landyard loop.
The 1911A1 generally has an arched mainspring housing and no landyard loop. For all practical purposes, they are the same pistol.
The Kimbers are good, but I think a bit pricey and have the stupid Shwartz safety. The Colt 1991 is a good basic pistol and I actually like them better than the Kimbers. I bought a Springfield Loaded model (blued) for about $675 mainly on the decision that it doesn't have any of the stupid firing pin block safeties, but has a safety that can lock out the mainspring housing that can easily removed. I've been really happy with the pistol and it still hasn't had a single problem yet after 500 rds through it.