Welcome to the forum DragonKat.
Kimbers are very good guns. Sure there are some that have problems, but that is with any manufacturer. I had a Kimber Ultra Carry, it's the cheaper version and it was a great gun. I had no problems at all. There are a few on this board that have the Ultra CDP and really like them.
On the scond point, don't be intimidated by the .45. It is a good round and doesn't recoil like most think. In fact I think it is easier to shoot than say a .40, but that's just my opinion. Smaller guns tend to recoil a bit more than thier big brothers, but not much.
I see that your in Willis. I'm just a bit down I-45 and would be happy to let you shoot my 1911. It is a full sized gun and not a compact, but it would give you some idea of what recoil is like.
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