Well the 1911 bug nibbled at me today. I wouldn't say BIT as I wasn't planning on dropping a grand on a new gun. However, I had a couple of wheel guns that were collecting dust and decided that a budget 1911 would scratch an itch I had.
My game plan was to find a full size GI configuration with a park finish for around $500 (about what my trade was worth). I was thinking an RIA GI would be right around the price point. As luck with have it, they had a Citadel in the cabinet for right around that price with the finish I wanted. Except it also came with a full length guide rod (that doesn't require a special tool like my old Loaded model did), extended beaver tail, adjustable trigger (but didn't include the tool for it...no biggie, I don't mess with that much anyway), Novak-style sights, front and rear cocking serrations, beveled mag well, and a skeletal hammer. It also sports an ambi safety which I swore off, but being a quasi-southpaw who shoots mostly rightie, I like the option to switch it up (plus being able to use the gun in either hand in an emergency). It seems to have a very positive click, so I don't think it will accidentally get bumped off. And I have a nice set of custom grips a buddy of mine sent me that are set up for an ambi safety anyway. On top of that, it came with more modern Hogue wrap around finger-groove grips if that's your thing.
Not bad for the money.
I don't know how she'll shoot yet, but she cleaned up nice. Even the walnut grips (while a bit thick as is kinda normal from Armscor) cleaned nicely and sport a comfortable checkering.
Truth be told, barring that my Springfield had a forged stainless frame and slide and a textured front on the grip (which I didn't like), and adjustable target sights (which I loathed), it APPEARS the Citadel has lot going for it.
I'm not a 1911 snob as I am not a huge-huge fan (this is my 4th one and the others were sold/traded), but I don't think you can go wrong with this gun for a knock around woods/truck pistol with a few bells and whistles that improve on the class warhorse.