If money was no object, here's my choices in order (having owned or currently own all of these brands at one time or another):
-Wilson Combat CQB (with or without the light rail...I prefer no light rail. It's finish is great! Smoothest trigger pull too.) This one is so nice I don't like to beat it up much. I prefer cranking on my Gunsite Combat Commander (see below).
-Kimber Tactical II (I know you said no Kimber, but damn! Those pistols are sweet.)
-Kimber Custom Tactical TLE II Stainless (LAPD SWAT's choice of pistol).
-Colt Gunsite Model 70 (I have a Stainless Combat Commander version of this. It's one of three standard carry pistols I tend to use.)
Best web site - m1911.org.
As for IPSC, think more IDPA. I used to be really into IPSC, and got ticked off at the fact that people with specialized raceguns and near impossible scenarios would be the norm.
IDPA is more suited to real life situations using near stock pistols and revolvers.
Oh, and if you do get into IPSC or IDPA....get a reloader. Either a Dillon Precision 550 or Square Deal B. You're better off spending money on the 550.
Oh...my other two primary carry pistols? Glock 30 and Glock 21. Can you tell that I like .45acp?
I wish my wife would standardize on it as well...but no, she had to be different. She went Glock 23.
-Steve