I agree, go with Dan Wesson. The Specialist has a rail. Custom quality at a more affordable price point than Wilson or Les Baer. I personally own a Valor and is superb.

Steer Clear of the 3" guns would be my advice. Spent $1100 on one and never did get it to shoot reliably. Three trips back to mfg and they finally swapped me out of it with a new 4" gun. I'm definitely no 1911 expert, take it for what it's worth.

for that price range you can get a smith & wesson custom shop 1911.

After reading all the reviews and watching presentations and shooting exhibits on YouTube​ i purchased Remington 1911 Carry model in a .45 caliber. Love​ to go to the range with this gun. I bought the .45 because I think it's silly to have to fire twice.

Dan Wesson Point Man is the hottest right now in competition and is in your price range. My second choice would be the SIG. Good magazines are the heart of any 1911 Tripp or Wilson Combat are good choices.

I have a Springfield TRP Operator. Right out of the box it was ready to compete.
Excellent trigger and very smooth.
This is not my first Springfield 1911 but it is definitely my best and favorite.
Springfield is an excellent company in the event you need their help, and with the promo they are running no doubt is the best deal by far out there.
Hope this helps

Springfield has a deal for a few months still where you can go to their website and upload proof of your purchase and receive four extra mags, a mag pouch, and a holster all for free. That sounds like a winner to me.