For your stated preferences in your price range, new, in no particular order:
STI Spartan
RIA Tactical
Ruger SR1911
These are by far your top choices. Buying used completely changes the scenario.
I know some people like the Taurus but after much research I encountered a preponderance of complaints, enough to put me off.
As for the Girsan -- at that price point I'd definitely go with the much more well-established RIA.
Read this, it's interesting and informative -- plus you get to look at a bunch of cool 1911s:
http://www.1911addicts.com/showthread.php?511-Buyer-s-guide-for-all-you-1911-addicts...
Lastly, 1911s for about $700 gets discussed a lot; run a search and you'll find plenty more info.
STI Spartan
RIA Tactical
Ruger SR1911
These are by far your top choices. Buying used completely changes the scenario.
I know some people like the Taurus but after much research I encountered a preponderance of complaints, enough to put me off.
As for the Girsan -- at that price point I'd definitely go with the much more well-established RIA.
Read this, it's interesting and informative -- plus you get to look at a bunch of cool 1911s:
http://www.1911addicts.com/showthread.php?511-Buyer-s-guide-for-all-you-1911-addicts...
Lastly, 1911s for about $700 gets discussed a lot; run a search and you'll find plenty more info.