[Rick Lee]

I have two Springfield 1911's, one a 4" Champion, totally decked out and the other, a full size mil-spec, also tricked out. I believe both frames are made in Brazil. Both are excellent shooters and a great bang for the buck. I stole the mil-spec for $275, missing only the barrel, and it's stainless. Even all decked out, I have less into it than any normal, decked out, off-the-shelf 1911 would cost in a store.

I also have two SIG P220's, one a full size, the other a carry size. Full size has rubber grips and the carry size has the factory slim grips. I know you're sold on the 1911, but the SIG is a better shooter all around. You just can't shoot them badly, they have fewer parts, are easier to strip and clean, they never break and they are generally cheaper than most 1911's. Get a few of each if you can afford it. I'm sure they're crazy expensive in Europe, but I am a very good gun shopper.