Grew up shooting Colt and Springfield 1911A1 pistols as father is retired Marine...owned a couple myself as well since then as adult. That being said it was typically not to get a good, reliable, accurate slabside without spending some money. Kimber upped that game and forced the others to start also offering weapons that were already worked on for better triggers, polishing feed ramp, working on extractors, quicker hammers, better buffer springs especially for +P ammo and better sights and ergonomics.
If I was in the hunt for a good solid accurate and carry capable 1911 styled weapon I think you have it right going with Kimber or SIG. A couple points though....
The Kimber is pretty much a true 1911....parts are interchangeable but it is more refined but also a little more expensive up front than the old workhorses...though the fit and finish is outstanding with a lot of models and sizes to choose from. You cant go wrong with a Kimber especially one of they worked over Carry models.
The SIG is an outstanding 1911 styled weapon but they have changed a couple things and added a couple changes of their own as well...so while most of the parts will interchange with a Colt or Springfield...not all of them will. That being said it is a VERY accurate weapon.
If you are a SIG guy like I am (P220, P239, P226, SIG556, etc) then would likely go with SIG...as having one that is true to the 1911 in every way is not my concern.
If you want the best out of the box consumer level 1911 pistol for reliability, accuracy, form and finish...I would have to recommend the Kimber to be honest. I love the SIG but the Kimber is a fine weapon without breaking the bank and without any modifications as all the custom work is done BEFORE you get it.... My 2 cents...
Then I would spend a lot of time with an empty weapon getting used to the external safety on the SA only weapon and carrying cocked and locked if using for carry defense.
Congrats on choosing a workhorse and very good weapon.....
