Well, I'd avoid Taurus and Kimber for their customer service and quality control issues over the years. There are numerous threads here that center on those two objections.
That said, I'd opt for one of Ruger's 1911 models. For range use, either the SR1911 or the 1911 CMD would do nicely. I've had great success with both of them here on our range. I have well over 3000 rounds through each of the to date; an equal number of factory rounds and handloads. Reliability has been superb and both guns will keep a full magazine of handloads, tuned to the gun, in a 2" group or less at 25 yds. Most factory loads will do nearly as well...WWB, often dissed here as junk practice ammunition, will consistently meet that 2" group standard.
For carry use, I find both Rugers just too heavy for all day use. I'm 70 now and spend my days doing chores around the farm, often on the tractor, lawn mower or afoot, and that 40+oz's of weight hanging from the waist is too much. I prefer an alloy 1911 for that type of carry: usually Sig's 1911 RCS [an alloy frame, officer's model gripped, 4" barrel model] or a Ruger or Colt lt. wt. Commander. Either model will serve handily for all day carry, and are stout enough for thousands of rounds of practice. The only use I cannot see for those alloy framed models is one of the high round count handgun games.
HTH's YMMV, Rod
