Better of the three

[Hungry Seagull]

That Price range will cover just about all Colt Handguns in the 45 caliber range except for the Trophy Match Model which is a few hundred dollars more.

One of these days (I know I said it before..) I may trade up to or acquire the Colt Commander, that slide was easy to work either by punch to the table or by hand for the wife and has positive safetys for carrying safe with one in chamber.

 

[smartshooter.45]

my vote would go for the Dan Wesson Pointman or the Dan Wesson "CBOB". both go for about $1000. good hunting

 

[Thomas Garrett]

Another vote for the Springer, Maybe a "Loaded" model my fit in your budget.

 

[JDGray]

I personally would get a S&W. Their new compact looks promissing I love my Kimber, but had to make it work.

 

[D-Man]

^ I'm more interested in S&W's new model that combines a Commander-length slide with an Officers-length grip (just like a Colt CCO).

Though for the OP, since you want to carry a full-size model, take a look at S&W's Scandium offering as it's lighter than their standard models.

 

[benderx4]

Springer

Sigs are known for their P series guns, and joined the 1911 craze only because it was the latest fad.

Kimbers - seems folks love them or hate them. I prefer guns that everyone loves!

 

[Rinspeed]

The STI Trojan is the best 1911 under a grand in my opinion.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Get a "loaded" Springfield & spend the rest of your budget sending it to a well-respected 1911 'smith (Cylinder & Slide?) for a fluff & buff. Then...shoot happily ever after.

 

[Coltman 77]

Check out some Colts. I've bought a Combat Commander XSE and a New Agent in the last 8 months.

Both are great pistols. Fit, finish, accuracy and reliablitiy are very good.