re: I was just gifted a brand new Springfield 1911A1 9mm

That's an excellent firearm. Definitely not "entry level" for Springfield. Don't let the 9mm vs .45 arguments deter you. Practice and familiarize yourself with it and it can do well helping to protect you or someone else should you ever be put in that position.

Also, as someone else said, a full sized, all metal 1911 in 9mm is one of the sweetest shooting pistols there is out there. The extra weight of the all metal frame and slide make for easier recoil and site acquisition after the shot. Although, because of the extra size and weight, it's not always the most convenient to carry as an every day carry gun.

Over all, it's an excellent gun. I'd be happy if someone gifted that to me.