[Lycanthrope]

Rock Island guns are fine, but certainly not your only option. The Commander guns have the same grip diameter (shorter length) as the other sized 1911's. Unless weight is an issue, longer barreled guns are usually easier to shoot well for accuracy. The longer barreled 1911's are slightly more reliable out of the box as well. You can also get full sized guns with alloy frames to match the weight of an all steel Commander.

Many of the base guns made by Kimber and Springfield Armory would come close to your price range (My carry piece is a Stainless Aluminum framed Kimber Compact I bought used for $400) . What is important is that the gun has most of the options you want already.

1911 gunsmiths abound most everywhere and you can take most base guns and build up to match standards should you wish. Magwells, grips, safeties and even hammer sear packages are easy to install by yourself (and get drop in pulls down to 3lbs). I recommend that the gun have a beavertail grip safety already installed though....blending the frame to install a high hand grip safety is not for newbies....same with installing a match barrel.