[ozo]

"I'm trying to get a feel for what I need to save up. I know that I can find them online for asking prices in the $1500-$2500 "---Blimp Edwards

You already know the answer....
Do you want one for nostalgia reasons,
a collection, ..etc?
If not, I suggest a more modern arms.....

edit:
Phillippines made 1911's are clones, but awesome shooters.
Today, 1911's are abundant.....and priced from OK
to WTF......
only one way to know.....buy a s**tload of them....
ask Dan....
If you only want one....take Dan's advice in choosing.
He is our resident 1911 freak...er, I mean aficianado.