Buying my first 1911; questions

Good morning gents. I posted here and in the Glock forum just a few days ago as to which style .45 I should pick up. After heading to the range and firing a Springfield Mil-Spec and a Glock 21, and after watching Ronin for the 99th time, I can say that I am hopelessly obsessed on picking up a 1911! Now I have done more than a few searches here as I know that "which 1911 to buy" threads are waaay too common, but I am still having trouble deciding which gun to buy.

I have about $600.00 to work with, but I would drop another Ben-G or two for a pistol that was just spectacular. I just want a solid performing 1911 that I can use and become familiar with. I don't want to go near any safe queens...yet. The qualities I am looking for in my 1911 are durability and reliability right out of the box; looks are a secondary priority. I am a very inexperienced shooter, and any other accessories (holster, customizations, ect.) are unnecessary at this point. I want to be able to open the box, put 100 rounds through her, clean her spotless, and have her eat another 100 rounds without a hiccup. Here are my initial considerations:

1. Springfield Mil-Spec

2. STI Spartan

3. RIA GI 1911

4. Taurus pt 1911

5. Colt XSE Government (this one's a stretch)

Considering my priorities mentioned above, which pistol would be ideal? If you gentlemen have any other recommendations I would be more than willing to listen and consider.

As a final question, is there any benefit to having a stainless finish, nickel matte finish, or any of the finishes where the frame & slide has had a satin finish put on? I LOVE the look of RIA's nickel 1911, but being new to the maintenence of a 1911...I sure don't want to jump the gun

Thanks very much for any help fellas! This seems like a great forum and I have learned a lot already.

 

To be honest, I don't know that much about 1911's to have a true preferance! Fixed or adjustable, standard or beavertail, I truly don't know which I would prefer. I just want a gun that I can fall in love with and rely upon to fire every time I pull the trigger. That being said, I take obessive compulsively good care of my weaponry.

As for finish, I would LOVE to get a stainless finish....but I hear that they are hard to get clean once you have shot a few. Is this true? Does having a stainless finish enhance performance at all..or is it strictly cosmetic?

 

WOW Quack! Beautiful collection man! As we speak, I am still reading up on a ton of literature regarding the 1911. I forgot to mention that buying a US made 1911 means a lot to me...so I can rule out the STI, Taurus, ect.

I really think I have narrowed it down to either the Springer Mil-Spec, Remington R1, or the Colt Gov't. This Colt Gov't is going for just under $800.00; what do you think?!

 

Awesome stuff. Many thanks! Gettin' ready to pull the trigger