My first was Llama cheap, shot fine. Second was a Springfield Mil-spec, shot great. Currently I have Kimbers. The 1911 is a great pistol, You can't go wrong.
I'm very fond of the Kimber Custom II. For around $800 you can't go wrong. Out of the box it will shoot with about any around. I've got 3 of them and NEVER a FTF or FTE. I carried Colt 70 series forever until I bought my first Kimber.
A good USA built 1911 is the way to go.
For 1500 the Les Baer and Wilson options are going to be used. But for best out of the box around 1500$ is going to be the Springfield TRP, Dan Wesson, also look at STI. I am not really a Kimber fan so I won't offer that option.
Mr Neal, I would suggest you break down by features and then handle them a lot, there are enough differences in specs from the various manufacturers that feel is not just subjective.
Slides: government, commander, 4 in, officer's, 3 in ( Sig has a more square shape but now has a "traditional" more rounded slide shape too
Frame size: government, officer's
Frame shape: regular, bobtail, rounded
Magwell or no
full length guide rod or no
shock buff or no ( well, no on that one)
Sights: multiple
Thumb safety: variable, I do not like the original GI style
Grip safety: tactical bump or no
Triggers: long, med, short
Grips: reg or thin
Don't forget purpose. If a range/plinking gun, go full size.