choices

Hmmmmmm, this is a tough one. I have owned or shot all of the above. I have seen examples of each that will shoot 1 1/2" groups at 25 yds. I have also seen all of the above shoot 5" groups at 25 yds.

My advice would be to handle all of them (and better yet, shoot each of them, if possible) and get a feel for each of them. Often, a gun will simply "feel right" in your hands, and you will instantly know that you have found the gun for you.

For that kind of money, you are almost into the semi-custom manufacturers' starting price. This is another option to consider, as Wilson, Brown and Baer offer accuracy guarantee options with some of their guns.

All that being said, my personal preference leans towards Colt. They are a good platform to build on, should you wish to add different sights and other options later on, and the 1991A1's often shoot surprisingly well right out of the box.

Let us know what you end up with.

If it's legal in your state (and it ain't in California), a Kimber Custom Classic I full-size is pretty super-duper. Everything on it is match grade and they are extremely accurate.

I have a CCII full size, and the only difference between it and the I is a hammer block - which makes the I illegal to buy because of the SB15 B.S. they passed in California.

However, I will warn that hubby's CCI has had some problems - seems to be worked in now, but because of the "tight tolerances", it had some problems jamming. But I've shot several Colts, two Kimbers and one Springfield and by far, the Kimber was the best. (can't tell I'm prejudiced by my nickname or anything, can ya?)

Anyway, shane is absolutely right - try 'em all (if you can!) and see what you like the best. I prefer the Kimber's narrow grips and the trigger, of course, is quite whizbang.

In California, a CCII runs anywhere from $750 to $950, depending on who you're buying it from.

[start lecture] At the risk of sounding pedantic, remember that marksmanship isn't just the gun - a very large proportion is the shooter! I've seen guys with $3000 custom-made pistols shoot like KAKA and guys with el-cheapo pistols shoot like champs. If you don't practice, practice, practice, it don't matter how whiz-bang yer gun is...[/end lecture]

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Corruptisima republica plurimae leges
(The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws)

IMHO, there are no pistols from Colt, Kimber or Springfield Armory which are good choices for bullseye competition "as is". Bullseye shooters are such a tiny segment of the market that these companies have no incentive to cater to them.

If you're interested in making Distinguished and have $1000 to spend, I would:
1) Buy a Springfield Mil-Spec - $580
2) Have Bomar sights fitted (high mount) - $130
3) Have a Kart or Barsto barrel and bushing fitted - $250

Unless the trigger is sub-par out of the box, you can wait until later for a trigger job ($80). You now have a pistol that is legal for all NRA and CMP bullseye matches.

If you aren't interested in making Distinguished, I would:
1) Buy a basic Kimber - $700
2) Add a Clark or RRA scope mount to the slide - $80
3) Mount an UltraDot - $125

The trigger job and fitted match barrel can be added if needed. My Kimber had great accuracy and a nice trigger right out of the box.

If you don't have an accurate pistol (and ammo), you'll have a very hard time learning to shoot accurately.