I am a competitive shooter, i shoot the M1A during service rifle matches and i want to get into the pistol realm too. I know many of the basics carry over, but i am not so great at shooting pistols. I would like to get my SAMI qualifications but to do that i have to qualify with the pistol (more motivation). I am looking at getting a nice 1911, when i got my M1A, i bought a supermatch to start with. I am glad i made that decision, as i become a better shot, the gun becomes more forgiving, i know the gun will shoot X's all day if there is anything but an X it is my fault. I think i want to follow that same mentality with the handgun realm too. I am looking at getting a Les Baer, what do you guys think? Is that to much to start with? My wife OK'd the 1700 for the Les Baer and i dont think i will get her to OK a starter gun then a nice one.