Good news, bad news - - As always
I went through the search for a proper Commander last year. My old lightweight was getting a little ratty.
(Okay - -It looks like the Wreck of the Hesperus) It took me a while to find another without having to pay an arm, a leg and one . . . uh, earlobe.
It may well be that being located in California might work to your advantage this time. During the big copshop turnover to autopistols in the 1970s and '80s, the 1911 type was acceptable in a lot of west coast agencies. Many officers who carried the Govt model on duty wanted to use the same mode off duty, and I understand there were a LOT of CLWs in use yonderly. As styles changed, many administrators thought that a Condition One SA auto was
DANGEROUS! (Pray tell, why would you want your cops to carry a sidearm that
IS NOT dangerous??) Big turnover, going to DA type autos. Lotsa cops who were required to pack Berettas, S&Ws, etc, wanted to sluff their lighter 1911-types.
Just a thought. Don't know if this will hold true or not.
I think in your place, I'd hold off on the 870 and sock away as much cash as possible, looking for a proper Commander and accessories.
Admittedly, I am one of the great fans of the Commander. In fairness, I must submit this - - If this is your first 1911-type, and if you anticipate shooting it A LOT, you might really do well to consider the full length, full weight, Colt Government Model. It is considerably more pleasant to shoot, if you're going a couple of boxes per weekly trip to the range. It will also, in the long run, hold up better to extensive use.
OTOH, if you're going to shoot a couple of hundred rounds for break-in and familiarization, and then maybe a box a month thereafter, the Commander will last a LONG time.
Another option: A
Sistema 1927 .45 is a very good pistol, and can still be had for half the money of a nice Colt. You might want to get one of these, AND an 870 in the near future, and shop for THE CLW. Lotsa gun shops will give a decent trade in for one 1911-type against another, where they'd treat you less gently, taking in another type. Logical? Not really . . . .
Very best of luck to you.
Johnny