Here's the thing: you can settle for an entry level 1911. However, you will have to upgrade the recoil spring, have the ramp polished, replace the factory mags, change the sights, and even upgrade your barrel. Once you do that you've spent enough to have nice production gun. Guess what? The money you put into it is lost since no one is going to pay what you put into it. Save up and buy something that has all of the features that you desire. Alternatively, there's always the preowned market. However, Caveat Emptor - if it's too good to be true, it is.