I have a Kimber and two Colts and can't find any reason to complain about either. The Ruger, however, is a very well made piece and comes in about $200 - $300 under either of these. It also has some of the options many people want already installed (ie beaver-tail grip safety) and is made in the good ole USA. The Rock Island is a well made gun as a starter for those who would like to tinker with a much less expensive piece, but it is not made in the USA. It's from the Philippines, but to mil spec standards. Ruger has come out with an officers version of the SR1911 that is really sweet and just might cause me to get in trouble with my wife.