I started with a Colt Enhanced Government 1911 A1. Added all kinds of stuff to the pistol. Used mostly Wilson parts. Got over $1000.00 in the darn thing.
Then I shot a Kimber Classic. Bought it. By comparison, it was just a bit better than all of the work I had put into the Colt. Probably says more about my amatuer smithing than anything else.
But, I did not like to carry the 1911 c&l and let's face it, it is a wonderful piece of work, intended for a battlefield and now made to do un natural things by craftsmen who have tinkered until, for a fair amount of money, the accuracy is incredible. But its still vintage 1911.
Then I picked up an H&K Compact in .45
It is, for me, perfect. Extremely accurate, utterly reliable, does not kick as hard as my 1911's. Has a de cocker, is SA/DA and has nine modes you can have it put into by H&K for a nominal sum. SA, DA, DAO, left or right on the safety, decocker. If you can dream up the combo, it can probably be put into that form.
It is totally modern, very simple to take down and for me, it fits my hand and points naturally.
I'm selling the Kimber, but I will keep the Colt and pass it down to my kids. It is such a classic and so cool looking I could never part with it.
I have also owned a Kimber Ultra Custom (very small) .45
Biggest mistake I ever made in a gun purchase. Torqued my hand like the small cannon it was when I shot it, very hard to control and so painful to shoot that I sold it after about 50 rounds. Dumb mistake on my part for not trying one first.
YMMV but try to arrange to shoot a compact H&K and see what you think.