JT,
I recommend the stainless Kimber. I have a full-sized 1911A1 Kimber Custom/Classic in stainless and it is terrific. Durability and ease of routine maintenance -- post-firing cleaning, lubrication and preservation -- has been significantly better than with any non-stainless semiautomatic I own (Sigs, Glock, and Colt). In addition, the inherent strength of forged stainless steel strongly indicates this pistol will last a lot longer then I do.