It's the last file stroke that makes a best gun.
I think the "best" guns vary in quality based on whether you are the makers patron or not. If you aren't buying alot of them (and they know who you are) you won't be getting that last file stroke on a new gun.

I vote for longevity. Some of these companies have created a process, and have lasted past many generations. Knowing they'll be there comforts me a great deal. After that, it's pick what you like. I like deep relief engraving, so that shortens the list considerably.

Out there doing it best I can.