Baers definitely are tight. In my TRS I could get the bushing out by hand but I’d just retract the slide about half an inch and it came right out. I did use a 50/50 mixture of white grease and CLP applied liberally to the bushing and barrel, that seemed to make a big difference.
SpringField LW Champion Operator, very nice shooting.
I have had mine for 3 years now, I picked it up for 800.
You also may want to take a look at STI.
Yup…
With that much cash you could pick up a used SA/colt and send it to a smith and have it you way. Something to think about. 
V/r
Uglyguns
Another option to consider is a Dan Wesson Valor, one of the newer models introduced in 2010 to present. Although it has been met with skepticism from a small group of people who view the price increase as outrageous(most of which seem to have never even held one) it offers a lot of value for the price.
Stainless steel model can be had for around $1400 or less. You get…
-Forged stainless frame and slide
-Heine Straight 8 night sights.
-Undercut trigger guard
- VZ Slim grips.
-25 LPI checkering on the front strap and the MSH.
-NO MIM parts.
-Tool steel fire control parts.
-Forged Greider slide stop.
-Greider Solid Alum. trigger.
-Ed Brown grip safety.
-Barstock thumb safety.
-Match barrel.
-Excellent fit and finish throughout with a tight slide to frame fit.
Here is an article from the previous Valor model Dan Wesson offered(same basic model as the 2010 Valor but the 2010 model has been upgraded in many ways)
http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/HG_danwesson_200905/index2.html
The author was able to achieve with Hornady’s 185 XTP load, five shot groups at 25 yards of .93", .925", .974" and the overall average with that load was 1.18"(not sure how many total groups were fired). The author was able to get an average 5 shot group of 1.57" with Hydra Shok’s as well.
The one negative I can think of is that you need make sure you keep them well lubed on the rails because of the tight slide to frame fit with stainless rubbing on stainless. Not a real big issue since running heavy lube on a 1911 is a generally accepted as being a good idea anyway.
I’m not sure if you’re a member of the high road but someone over there is selling a Springfield TRP Tactical for $825/OBO plus shipping.
+1 on Springfield range officer. Quality handgun that you can have custom work done to if you want. Wouldn’t spend too much if I were you because the first one is never the right one…at least for me.
If you stumble on a Baer Thunder Ranch for the right price, you can really do a lot with it. Mine has the Dawson Precision rail on it (allows me to mount an X300), polymer coating, new grips, and it still shoots well beyond my ability.
The same can be done with other guns - a cheap Colt XSE, or Springfield Loaded Parkerized, or even getting an STI through Dawson Precision themselves. They’d require more work to make them truly reliable, but total package cost would wind up right around the same.
There are some smiths who can do incredible things starting with a very basic pistol.
Get one of the newer XSE or rail guns. They now come with a rational beavertail, and are always going to be Colts. Basically, you won’t have to do anything to an XSE. Maybe get a front night sight if you are so inclined.
Absolutely…except with wives…at least for me.
Colt XSE or SA Operator. Both are great guns. I would go with the Colt, but I am a little biased.
Saying that, I would feel just fine if I had a SA Operator instead of a Colt.
I have a SA Operator with a full length rail, and it has been a great weapon. I have carried it daily for a few years. Not to mention that it has seen a few thousand rounds without fail.
Very happy with my Range Officer! Use it for bowling pins…very accurate! Good deal for the money!
Read the “Sticky” written by Hilton Yam on the 10-8 forum
Colt Series 70.
Add my $.02 I suppose.
In terms of 1911s, as has already been said, the first one is never the right one. Your best bet is to look for one of the Colt’s or Springfield’s mentioned, used perhaps, and then send them off to a smith to get them worked. Another option is to find a used SERIES 1 Kimber (SERIES 1, I cannot stress that enough!).
H
There are a ton of training opportunities in your part of the country. Take some classes and shoot some fellow students’ guns to find out what you like in a 1911.
If it were my money to spend, I would be investing in a Colt Rail Gun or Series 70. Wouldn’t even give the others a second look, unless someone made me an offer I couldn’t refuse on a used Wilson CQB.
AC
Colt’s MK IV/Series 70 Government Model. Buy it original; keep it original.
“I rode with (it). . . I got no complaints.” 
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/File:ColtMkIVSeries70.jpg
Edit: Noticed that this is almost a year old, ex post facto. I’m sure you long ago bought your 1911. Whatever you chose, enjoy!
Any particular reason why other than just preference.