Gotta agree with The Captain here - the Rock Island Armory is a great entry level 1911, but I wouldn't overlook two others - the American Classic II and the Firestorm Deluxe. Great guns for the dollars and according to some, may be the best kept secret for affordable 1911's in this class. What does that mean at the end of the day? Simply this, they're going to get more expensive.
Papa
Papa