First 1911: $1,000 to $2,000+ budget

First Time Buyer

The time haa come that as a collector, I get myself a nice 1911.

I have decided that I would like to get one in .45. I recently shot a friends Dan Wesson ECO? in 9mm, a nighthawk government in 9mm, an old sti in .40, and a dan wesson government in .45 acp.

I have handled a dan wesson specialist and springfield garrison.

My budget is ideally less than $2,000, but can go above if the feature set, aesthetic, and value is right. Also not afraid of going well under, too.

I believe I would like a light rail, and 100% want the below feature set: front serrations, front strap checkering or wrap around grips, extended beavertail, ring hammer.

Of the options out there, what are my picks under $1,000? Between $1,000 and $1500? $1500 to $2000? And just north of $2,000?

I am leaning towards a springfield mc operator with the green/black frame, or a dan wesson specialist, but I am not sure if I LOVE the dan wesson look, especially for almost double the cost. Is there anyone that sits just above Dan Wesson I should look at? Anyone between springfield and dan wesson?

Sorry for all the questions, in massive homework mode and am new to the platform.