Since the O1911 came out, just about every person I've discussed the gun with has opined the same thing....wouldn't it be nice if they took the same basic gun, put civilian markings on it, did a nice blue, and came close to replicating a pre-WWII Colt....that extra polish would run the price up quite a bit, though, even though many claim to be ready to put out the cash....personally, the 01911 was at the upper end of what I wanted to pay, and for my uses (carry gun), the higher finish would be wasted, as would the extra $300 I paid for the gun....nope, I wouldn't pay $1200-$1300 for such a gun....I actually paid that extra to make the gun uglier with the parkerize, but nitnoid things were corrected, the finish is much better for carry, and most importantly, the cost wasn't in an immediate lump sum with the purchase price, more a pay as you go.....