Well, I finally made it!
I got my first 1911 in June (Charles Daly Empire Stainless), had a Kimber Classic Custom by the end of July, and got a new Defender a little over a month ago. I went to observe my first IDPA match this weekend and just finished reloading my very first 300 rounds. My credit card is full, my magazines are empty, and the shops just grin when they see me coming. Damn you John Browning! What have you done to me?!
I just wanted to thank everyone here for the wonderful information, and the patience you show all of us new guys who are just starting what will be a long and fruitful relationship with a truly addictive gun and past-time.
Scatmanblues