re: question about 1911's

deathvalleygrassman,
Welcome to the world of 1911's. I bought my first 1911 8 months ago and bought a second one 2 months; I don't think I'm done yet. :-)

There are at least 3-4 different price ranges w/ 1911's. I have 2 from the lower end. I got my two, a 4 1/4" Commander model by American Classic and a 3 1/2" Concealed Carry Model by Citadel, for easily less than $500 out the door. I ordered them from www.galleryofguns.com. I've seen some RIA's or Citadel's at some of the Academy's.In this same price range I'd include Rock Island Armory, Citadel, Firestorm, American Classic and ATI. The next price range up would be the $600-800 range. Things start getting really expensive beyond that. Taurus will be in the next price range up from the models I have.

For my first 1911, I didn't want to spend a whole lot since I wasn't sure I'd like the 1911 enough to justify a more expensive one. There are two large manufacturers in the Philippines making a number of quality, entry level 1911's (Rock Island Armory, Citadel, American Classic, ATI and Firestorm). These guns are well-repected on the 1911 forums on the 'net. My Commander only cost $450 and came w/ Novak style sights, beavertail safety, extended slide release/safety and combat trigger/hammer. 400 rounds later I'm still very pleased. The Citadel has been very pleasing, as well. In addition, the 1911 is nice and slim for concealed carry. In fact, my two are now my main guns for cc.

There are a lot of very nice higher priced 1911's out there (Kimber, Colt, STI, Springfield, etc), but there are now some good options if one doesn't want to break the bank.

As far as choice of caliber for a 1911, there's nothing wrong w/ a caliber other than the 45 acp. The 1911 was designed for the 45 acp; from what I've read, non45 acp 1911's may not run as well. As far as the 9 mm, the 1911 frame is kinda big for a 9 mm, unless one gets a 1911 designed specifically for the 9 mm, like the Springfield EMP.

You'll find a ton of good 1911 info at these two sites:
LINK /
LINK

Someday I may decide to buy a more expensive 1911, but until then I'm happy w/ my AC and Citadel.