Mr. Hill,
Welcome to the 1911 family. I'm really surprised, in today's trend toward the Glocks, Sigs, Berettas, HKs, etc. and minor calibers, there are still fans of the 1911. Don't get me wrong, those Glocks are great guns, I have a G19 myself. But my main gun is a Colt Govt. Model. Also love the Browning Hi-Power. The new Springfield you referred to is a TRP "Tactical Response Pistol", I used to have one, had to sell for financial reasons. I loved that gun, it was very reliable and accurate. Have fun shooting it.
Mike Spight: Great to see you're getting re-interested in the 1911 again. You can't go wrong with either of those Baer or Wilsons. Are you planning to use them in IDPA? The Baer's Thunder Ranch model and the Wilson's CQB are very nice guns. The Kimber Gold Match is another good choice at half the price of the other two. Let us know what you decide on. I will be at the Rangemaster 2000 IDPA Winter Indoor Championship Match in Memphis. Are you coming?