SW1911
For a 1911 that works out of the box, has the nice & useful features most have come to expect(0), is quality-built, and reasonably priced, I would run with a Smith & Wesson 1911. I always admired the build quality of their metal semi-autos (get thee behind me, Sigma!) and thought a 1911 by them would be great. Well, they are. I own one full-sized and when funds allow I am getting a scandium-alloy true Commander length.
My SW1911(2) is my preferred CCW.
Full-sized new SW1911s can still be bought new in the mid-$750 range. Add ~$100 for (soon to be mine) scandium commander.
Springfield Armory is not up to S&W quality, and neither are the newer Kimbers(1). My wife has an Officer's sized alloy 1911 made by SA in 9mm. It is OK, but not the build quality of the S&W. Cost is about the same, though.
Those are the only two I currently own. I hear good things about the Remington 1911.
Oh, almost forgot STI. I have shot several of those and I am very impressed with build quality. Their basic steel single-stack full-sized 1911 is not too much more than the SW1911 and would be worth a look-see.
(0) Only two questionable features are the FLGR and the front cocking serrations. The do not effect function, though.
(1) Early Kimbers were good quality, though.
(2) List of all customizations: Thin-sized Chip McCormick cocobolo grips, Trijicon tritium night sights, re-crown bl, grip tape on front of mag well and behind rear cocking serrations for more grip. Runs great with Wilson 47D mags (came from factory with two).