First off, this is my first post. So hello every one. Second is , you have to ask your self "what you want" and price will fallow that. You get what you pay for, so paying a little more up front may not be ask bad as upgrades later. As for as my newest 1911, it is a new 2005 SFA-A1. I like to at lest get night sights, The GI SFA dont even have that "as far as i have seen". You can get a great 1911 for about 750-850 with tax, to me that is not a bad price for what you are getting. The most I have ever payed for a 1911 is 1000.00 with tax on a Kimber TLE L.A SWAT. I can't tell to much of a diff. in that to my other Kimbers or SFAs. But, try and get what you like, even if it takes a credit card or saving. You will thank your self later, dont be in a hurry. There not going any where. Cheack out all you options though, checker palm grips, ajustable night sights, night sights, trigger pull and size. I shoot 5 ince only, I see no need in any thing smaller, and yes I have a CCW and have never had a problem with CCing it. Hope this helped
David.