I picked the Wilson. They stand behind their products 100%. Don’t let the “No Warranty” fool you, they treat their customers VERY well.
As mentioned, I voted the SA Pro, but if you are looking for alternatives, I have heard absolutely nothing but rave reviews regarding Guncrafter 1911s, the American would fit your bill.
Best idea yet, or do as I did and build it yourself from a SA GI mil spec.
I voted for the PRO as it’s the only one I have experience with. I think they are the only semi-custom 1911 with a track record.
I agree with DocGKR, buying a good base gun (springfield/colt, or caspian frame/slide, etc) now and customizing later would be a good choice, especially if you don’t want to spend $2,500+ at once.
The only difference, if you care, will probably be the frame/slide fit. PRO’s frames start out oversized and are fitted tightly with the slide. Looser 1911’s can have their frames welded and fitted to the slide for the same effect.
I’m sure any of the reputable Custom 1911 Shops can build you a gun meeting your needs…Figure out what you want in terms of features and what role this gun is gonna fill. Let the Gunsmith know and then when you receive the gun test it out with your carry ammo. Refer to 10-8 Performance for general reading. Good luck.
I’ve had such great experience with my 10-8 ified Baer TRS, that is still my recommendation for anybody who wants a very good 1911. While they aren’t that great about factory customization either, any good smith could make the changes to turn it into a brilliant pistol.
Mine only needed a Dawson light rail, new grips, and surface treatment, and it’s been extremely impressive, especially for how little I have put into it.
I figure I’ll break my lurking and make this my first post.
I own/have owned all three brands, just different models, and truthfully it comes down to preference. All should be very close in accuracy, for me my Baer is tops with the CQB second.
I will say that I’ve had to return my Pro twice for reliability issues, first time was feeding issues, which was determined to be an improperly cut feed ramp. The second time was for hammer follow. I’ve never had issues with my NH or Wilson…
The Pro’s have had issues with shearing the barrel lugs off, one reason for the switch from Nowlin to the NM barrel. The last railed Pro I saw had a fully ramped barrel, which I understand is now standard for the railed model. I know guys like Hilton Yam suggest against FR for duty use, or at least he did in his guide floating around.
The lugs on my Pro don’t look so good after 2500 rounds, so I may get added to the list of lug failures. I mention this since durability is one of your criteria.
I think it boils down to whether you would be happy with the exact specs of the Pro or want to pick your exact specs. If you thought you might sell the pistol down the road, the Pro would sell much easier than the others.
All great guns. The Wilson and NHC will have a more silky slide. The Pro will feel so tight that it will seem like it wont even cycle. But it will and will and will. I would add Brown to that list, it feels like to me a balance between the two guns, (not too silky , not too stiff). It does come down to preference though.
My other thoughts, do not get anything but a full sized 5 inch gun. The biggest problem with reliability with the shorter guns is they require a very sturdy grip. Many people blame their 4.25 commander gun as not being reliable, when in fact they are not supporting the gun. That being said, shortening John Browns idea often makes you come up short for a variety of other reasons with feeding your hungry .45 acp.
If your moving into a high end 1911, once you get past the SA TRP and MC Operator, you do start to pay for some fit and finish. Even though there is quality reliability work done as well. If you don’t need a rail, I think a TRP is an amazing gun for the investment, if you need a rail, the MC operator is quite good as well. Buy one of those and see if you feel the need to upgrade it.
I personally don’t like the idea of buying a base gun and making it what you want. If thats all you can afford and want to upgrade later, well thats fine. If you can find a railed SA Pro, let me know:D
I think you would be satisfied with any of the above mentioned guns. Hope that helps you delineate.
pb
The slide can be tightened with a vise and fitted to the frame as well.
While not saying a tight slide/frame fit is bad, I believe the bushing/barrel fit will mean more to accuracy. YMMV 
I have to disagree as I have never found that to be so with any of the three Colt Commanders (one is a LW) I own. I do not disagree with the need for a firm grip but it should be on ALL lengths of 1911 not just those less than 5". As always, YMMV. 
Well I just heard back from the custom shop about price and wait times. Now the question becomes do I go ahead and order the Pro or spend just a little bit more and have basically a Pro but without an ambi safety (built on a frame and slide I supply) and a ten month shorter wait time. I think a lot more reading is in order before I drop this much money to make sure I end up with all the features I want.
I personally would go with the Pro, but keep us posted 
This is the most intelligent route. It takes lots of time (and experimentation) to actually know what you want, functionally and aesthetically. and most 1911 owners don’t get it right the first time. I sure as hell got it wrong MANY times.
You may end up with several to fit different roles (carry, comp, training, etc). My experience is that guys who try to cover too many roles into one 1911, end up with something that’s doesn’t fit any need particularly well.
Not even a choice, Pro hands down.
Colt + 'smith.