I am on the market for a .45, probably a 1911 style, probably a full size (5" bbl). I plan to have it for home defense and recreation mostly. I have many rifles and a few revolvers, but have never owned a semi-auto pistol. I have been looking at Kimber and Springfield (mostly online only so far). I have shot both of these brands (not sure of models) in the past and thought they both performed fine.

My question is, what do you look for in the differences between them. A Kimber is quite a bit more expensive than a Springfield, so what makes up the difference? I am looking for something that will function reliably and that I won't be afraid to take it out and use it (nothing fancy). What other manufacturers/models should I look into?

I dont know waht your price range is but Para Ordnance is also a good company.Most Para'sare not actual 1911's but they are very close. For what you want i would stick with the Springfield Govt model. They are sold around here for around $450-$500. Then you ahve a good base and can do any upgrades you want in the future and wound break the bak when you get it.

May I suggest you look into the taurus 1911. It is about the most reasonably priced 1911 on the market with full features you would expect to find on more expensive models.

Here you go! From Shooting Times Magazine.
Taurus PT 1911

I handle one the other day. The Taurus seems like a very good gun. The one I hadled was smooth and had a pretty good trigger as well. I believe its a winner.

Kimber,

I personally would stay away from the alloy Kimbers. Don’t flame me yet! The steel ones should be fine. My best friend bought an alloy commander to carry and it developed a crack in the frame in about two years. He never shot hot loads or any thing like that. He sent it back to Kimber and they replaced it with a steel one with out asking him. The customer service was good, but he was pissed to say the least. He really did not want the extra weight for a carry gun. Their excuse was that they only made that particular frame for a little over a year and did not have any replacements. My friend swore off kimber at that point. I like their guns but, they constantly change things and if that happened to me I would be infuriated.

mello

I was at a local gun in wilmington, n.c. the other day and did handle the taurus 1911 price was $540.00 seem the gun did great and well made.
I did check online some reviews seem the gun prints excellent groups but did read a few problems in feeding prblems,but they never stated what ammo they were using,wondering what type of warranty comes with the gun.
I had a colt back in the 70's shot excellent with ball ammo but did run into a few problems when useing reloads,but colt prices are a little to heavy unless I run across a used one.

I concur with retaks. Check out the para. I have one and it will drive nails. I've had 2 kimbers and have acouple of mil-specs, and a govt grade. None have even come close to shooting as good as my Para even with aftermarket barrels and trigger work. Not sure on the tarus. My dad was telling me he was waiting for the local gun shop to get one in for him. He wants to try one out after reading about it.

Yoter, for home defense you won't need all the custom features of a Kimber. Taurus would be an excellent choice. Accurate, dependable and a reasonable price. The Springfield is also an excellent handgun, but a bit more expansive.