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Ok guys i know i am fixing to open a can of worms here but here goes:
I am lookin for a new all steel 5" 1911 in 9mm for IDPA. The question is which one ?? Do you have on ecustom built ? Doe you buy one such as Kimber, STI, Wilson Combat ?? Every one I talk to has their favorite and some say Wilson is way over priced and have trouble with their parts. Kimber is a Kimber, STI you get what you pay for etc. Is there really that much difference ?? I want want something that will shoot every time !!! So here goes What do you think ??

There are as many answers to that question as there are 9mm 1911s on the market. Basically, most of your better brands of 1911s can be counted on to function reliably these days without having to go into the custom gun route. I would say pick one from Kimber, Springfield, STI, or some other reputable manufacturer, and go have a ball. 1911s are kind of like ARs in that they are Legos for adults. If you get a good running example, you'll gradually upgrade the parts anyway. So don't go broke right out of the gate; just pick one and run with it.

Although we don't compete, we own 1911s from Kimber (2), Springfield, Taurus, and an old WW2 Ithaca. They all run like champs.

To add to what TAM said, don't think you need a horribly expensive gun to compete.

Start with something reasonably priced, whatever that means to you, and upgrade only if/when you reach the point that your equipment is holding you back.

Having said that, every one of my guns is capable of shooting more accurately than I am, at this point, and every one of my guitars is capable of sounding better than I can (again, at this point). There's nothing wrong with having more gun than you're capable of using, as long as you're not stealing food from your kids' mouths to afford it (IMHO).

When I start IDPA (hoping to do so this spring), I'll use my CZ75D compact 9, Kimber Pro Carry, and/or 9mm STI Guardian initially, and continue with the one that gives me the best results.

with both of the above statements.

Personally I like Springfield but that is just my personal taste. Like they said above get a gun from one of the above manufacturers ("cough" Springfield) and go out and have fun shooting it. Once you figure out how it shoots you will find yourself wanting to add things to make it fit you.

I have shot the Springfield EMP in 9mm and a full size Springfield loaded also in 9mm. They both shot well, but the EMP was not so accurate for me. I shot my CZ75 PCR much better back to back to back over about 100rds. The full size loaded in 9mm was incredibly accurate for me. I am wanting an STI for myself in 9mm specifically. They just look and feel amazing to me. I have never shot one though.

i have a smith wesson 1911 9mm pro series. its pretty darn nice.and kinda expensive.is their better 9mm 1911? i have no idea.but i prefer smith wesson.

It looks like most of the 9mm 1911's except for Para are all in the $1k range including those beautiful S&W models. They even make a model with their scandium frame I think...

I prefer Smith & Wesson, it goes BANG everytime.

I have several 1911's......the only 9mm is an old Colt.....that said I have been doing a lot of looking too, I think for the money, I'm going to go with an STI Trojan for ~$1K, supposedly better than the loaded Springers, Kimbers....the same accuracy levels as the semi-customs like fusion, baer, etc. and cheaper than my Trophy Gold Cup. Good Luck. Let us know what you end up with.

Ok from what I hear STI's are pretty nice maybe a little better than Kimber. What about Wilson Combat ?? Any one with a Wilson ?? Is Wilson's fitting worth $ 1000 more than an STI etc. ?? Why buy a $ 1300- $ 1500 gun and then put $ 500 worth of upgrades when you can buy a custom one ?? Just asking !!

They are all good but there is only one that is made in Texas and started out making 1911's for competition - STI. I would suggest the Eagle (a double stack) and the Trojan (a single stack).

I have a lot of 1911's, all Colts or Kimbers, my favorite is the Kimber SS Custom Target II in the 9mm, I have shot at least 100 round's a week through it for the last 2 years, I am thinking now of a Pro-Carry in the 9mm.
I got started on the 9's after I shot Charles 38 Super and really liked it, but since I didn't want to start reloading again decided to go with a 9mm, It sure is easy on these old tore up hands and wrist.