I have no doubt that the S&W 1911 is a fine gun BUT if I were laying out that kind of money, I would get the Kimber. Probably the best non custom 1911 out there. My dad had me a 1911 built while i was in the service. I don't know how much they go for in the real world but if you shop around you can find a Kimber Custom ll for around 700.00