Personally my 2 favorites, SIG RCS 1911 and STI Trojan, both more than your $725. I have shot the Taurus PT1911 in .45 and 9mm, for the money wow, feature for feature $ for $ one of the best. Forged frame, 3# trigger, real Novak sights, etc. SIG is a great choice, STI another but the finish on a Spartan is plain and it is a cast frame. I would go with SIG, then the Taurus and, and the American Classic (Metro Arms) third.