STI spartain. attention to detail, great fit and finish, excellant company, borderline custom. if you keep an eye out you can normally pick one up off GB for 600
For 800 there are a number of options. I just ordered a Para Ordanace lightweight commander for under that. Really depends on if you want any bells a whistles (extended beaver tail, ambi. safety etc.) You really need to hit the LGS and get a feel for what your wanting. Net research is good for a jumping off point, but I ended up getting one I hadnt even considered/found on the web.
I cant believe there is any debate on this. The Mil Spec Springfield 1911 is damn near perfect. And shouldn't run you over $700. People try to get too fancy with 1911s. The gun was designed so well that you really don't need anything more than the mil specs standards. Its simple, fast and extremely accurate.
STI, Remington, Springfield, Desert Eagle , Rock Island, Most of the Philippine 1911's are decent. There are many many more, the thing is you pay for what you get in the 1911 world.
Springfield. I have Colts, Para Ordinance, Rock Island and Springfield. I love the out of box feel and operation of the SA. There are a lot of folks with a lot of opinions, this is mine.
If you don't require new, you can sometimes find a stellar deal on low round count Colt. I see SA Loaded pistols pretty frequently in the classifieds here for less than $700. Occasionally a SIG 1911 around that price. That's where I'd look.
Last night I held a springfield loaded parkerized. Some day I will own one of those, but it's going to be a while because you'd be lucky to get out the door with a new one for your $800 or less.
You can find Springer loaded or range officer models for under 800 all day. Forged frame (almost unheard of at this price point, everything else mentioned is cast), nicely done beavertail grip safety, good build quality, good features, and Springer customer support/service is reputed to be quite good as well.
Buds has the park version for $735 right now. With night sights, no less.
Best value out there, in my opinion. I don't see anything else giving you that much for the money.
Wow, my SA Trophy Match was not that much and just as much gun or more.
Plainfield shooting supply on 40 has new springers in the case for around $800 out the door. Have left with 3 in the last 6 months. Eyeballing a TRP right now.
Kimbers are OK but go SA.....JMHO based on owning 1911's since 1962. 12 yrs. old learned on a Gov. issue Colt my Uncle gave me. Been shooting them ever since.