What really separates a good 1911 from the others?

[DeltaM]

My vote is for one with a left hand safety.

[MAUSERMAN]

I like my guns a simple,reliable, and rugged. They need to work everytime all the time. Springfields have always been my choice for 1911's because they back there products with a lifetime warranty. As for alterations if you cant figure out how to use a light switch get a pro to do the work.

[bbbean]

I have to disagree and say that those come under "personal taste/ specific requirements" The tightly fit hand built guns are far more prone to stoppages and ammo sensitivity than guns built to less demanding tolerances.

If you have a gun thats "prone to stoppages and ammo sensitivity" you don't have a well built and fitted gun. Those sort of things come from the "obsessive attention to detail" I was referring to. Part of what you're buying when you buy a custom or even a semi-custom gun is the ability to take it out of the box and run it.