USA - Remington R1 Basic Model
Old Colt Series 70's are good platforms to build off of.
If building from scratch: I own, and like Caspian Arms frame and slides
Imports - Rock Island or American Tactial Imports (ATI), I've handled a few
ATI's and have been really impressed with the build quality, trigger pull, and slide smoothness.
Let us know what you end up getting!
Springs and loads I like to use:
Hardball: 16-18 lbs. 230gr. FMJ, 5grs. Bulleye Powder
Bullseye 10-12 lbs. for 185 gr. Star Match SWC, 3.4-3.6grs. Bullsey3 Powder with Red Dot, 3.7-3.9 with bomar rib iron sights.
I've been reading this thread and now I want a Springfield Range Officer so bad, I can't hardly stand it! I've never owned a 1911, although I always show well with one in the Army. I never understood why they put those targets so close!
I'd say Springfield, browning, or even Taurus wouldn't be awful to start with.