Getting a 1911 is only the right thing to do. If you're only going to get one, get the 5" all steel model. That's the way it was designed and built. Everything else is a compromise.
For reliability and durability, I'd put the 1911 up against any gun on the market today.
If you just had to get a smaller one, the 4 1/4" barrel is as short as I'd go. Once you get shorter than that, the reliability starts to drop off dramatically. That's just the nature of the design.
I wouldn't get an aluminum frame. Aluminum is neither as durable nor as resilient as steel. It's heavier and less resilient than polymer. So, I'll not be buying any aluminum framed guns. That's just my take on it.
People complain about the weight of the 1911 all the time. Pansies! It's not significantly heavier than other guns of the same capabilities. Also, most of those that complain about it don't have the right belt. I carry a steel frame Commander all the time and I barely notice the weight. But I have the right holster and belt.
Don't go cheap when looking for a 1911. The least expensive 1911 I'll recommend is the Springfield Armory Loaded. It can be had for about $875 if you look. It has everything you need and nothing you don't. Up the ladder just a bit is the S&W E Series. These are sleeper guns in my opinion. They are easily as nice as guns costing hundreds more. I hear good things about the Ruger and RIA, but they're not as nice as the S&W or SA.
There are better guns out there, but I don't recommend getting one of those first. If you do, you'll never really appreciate the value and quality of a truly fine 1911.
This one is mine:
There are more expensive 1911s out there, but none better.
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