I had a Springfield 1911. This model had a two-piece barrel. The barrel itself was screwed into the chamber. It wasn’t an accurate gun, even with a tight barrel bushing. My 4” Kimber Compact was noticeably more accurate than my 5” Springfield. I had the barrel and bushing replaced and then it would shoot. The thumb safety was poorly fit. When you took it off safe and then rested your thumb on it, it was springy. That is, when off safe there was still more movement down. The one I had had Novak sights, which I despise, but I admit that’s a personal taste thing. The front strap profile on the Springfield is fuller and more square, compared to a Kimber or Wilson that is more rounded. As a result, the Springfield felt more blocky in my hand. The front strap profile is again a taste thing and not indicative of a bad gun, just one that I don’t like.
A friend of mine ordered a Springfield and had the Springfield Custom Shop do a bunch of work on it. It was really pretty, with a lovely melt job on all the corners. The problem was that barrel fit was crap. If you pushed down on the barrel hood with the slide closed there was noticeable movement up and down. Shooting his gun side by side with my 4” Kimber, the Kimber was noticeably more accurate. That Springfield never should have left the factory like that, let alone their Custom Shop.
I’m not saying Kimber is a great company. I’ve had good luck with mine, but they’ve built some stinkers. My problem with Springfield is that they are batting 0 for 2 out of the Springfield guns I’ve owned or shot.
I’ve owned 3 Kimbers, one Springfield, one ParaOrdnance, one Wilson, and a Colt Delta Elite. The PO was the worst, followed by the Springfield. I’d say the Kimber and Colt were at a similar level and the Wilson is the best. YMMV. I shot IDPA with my 1911s for a number of years, so I’ve put a LOT of rounds through them.
Given the general reputation of 2011s for being troublesome, I’m skeptical of Springfield doing a good job. I’ve watched some of gunsmith Hilton Yam’s reviews of recent Springfield guns and they haven’t impressed me.