Under 1000 bucks? Well, you should be able to get a real nice 1911. All of my 3 were at or under 500 bucks and they're great shooters!
I'd look at the Kimber Custom IIs and the Smith & Wesson full sized 1911s - you get alot for the money. I almost bought a Smith full-size 1911, but changed my mind, when I found a steal of a deal on a Series 70 Colt Commander, but I did my research and found that for around 700 bucks, the stainless full-size S&W 1911 was the best bang for the buck.
The Smith 1911s had lots of nice little features that the Kimbers did not have. Besides, I have hear of problems with ejection on the new II series Kimbers and they're more expensive than the S&W and have less warranty. Spend 700 on the Smith and spend the balance on a nice holster, ammo and some spare Wilson mags.
- Brickboy240