I would like to throw in one other consideration for your 1911 purchase -- ammo availability. Unless you reload or can find it at WalMart on somewhat of a regular basis, .45 ammo is impossible to find. Come to think of it so is every other caliber!!
Even if it were available the .45 ammo is expensive compared to 9mm, that's why all of my 1911's are 9mm. I also like "tactical" versions as well; beavertail safety, combat trigger, combat hammer, adjustable rear sights, extended slide release but NO Front slide serrations or rail. I hate those.
$400-$450 - Rock Island Armory 1911 9mm Tactical
$600 -$650 - Spartan (Rock Island makes the frames and slides)
$750 - Colt 1911 9mm ( have only found a Gov't model)
$950 - $1100 - S&W Pro Series 1911 9mm Tactical
$1100 - $1300 - Dan Wessom PM9
If you absolutely want a .45
$400 - $450 - Rock Island / American classic - both made in Phillipines
$650 -$750 - Ruger SR 1911
$750 - $800 - Springfield /// Great pistol but the worst "out of the box" trigger I've ever had. After I did a trigger job it was great.
I haven't gone above that so I can't comment further. I hope this helps. Good luck.