Dave1: you should note that the 1911 and 1911A1 pistols have a grip safety which must be properly depressed in order for the pistol to function. In addition, the pistol was new and it is not uncommon for a new 1911/A1 to require a break-in. It doesn't become a headache unless you don't know what you're doing. J-train had a number of different factors involved that could ahve been the source of his problem but once he figured it out the problems were eliminated.
I suppose that if you want a gun to perform flawlessly regardless of grip, don't get a 1911 because it requires a proper one. Mikey.