Fliedout --
You are going to get answers all over the place here. But, they will likely fall into three primary categories:
1. Buying a $500 to $600 gun and then having a gunsmith perform an additional $1000 - $1500 worth of work
2. Buying a semi-custom gun from one of the big makers [Wilson, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Valtro (not big but should be included) or even high end Kimbers or Springfields or Colt Custom Shop]
3. Working with a gunsmith and having a piece built from the ground up, just the way you want it.
Choice #1 and #3 are similar. With #1, you are likely to replace almost every part in the gun you buy except the frame and slide and a few minor parts like grip screw bushings and plunger spring, etc. #1 can work out a little cheaper than choice #3, but it really depends on what you want. But, you
really need to know what you want. If you are new to 1911's or not very well read about different parts, haven't shot
lots of different 1911's, know what feels good in
your hand, know what sights look good to
your eyes, etc., then this may not be the choice for you.
Choice #2 is a very popular choice for those more new to the 1911. And there are some very nice guns to be had in the $1500 to $2000 range. Which is the best?
That depends. What do you want to use the gun for? Range work? CCW? IDPA? IPSC? Bullseye competition? You said personal defense but will you ever branch out into any of these or other areas? All of these (and other uses too) can affect your decision making. There are features that you may want on the gun because of your intended use.
For me, in the $2000 range, I cannot fathom going with a choice other than #3. Because I have a few 1911's and have shot many, I know what I want. I also have built one of my own from the ground up and feel very comfortable with parts and features that work for me. Since I am picky and money doesn't grow on trees at my house
, if I had $2000 I would want it
exactly my way and would not settle for a feature that I wasn't 100% satisfied with.
Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.