I just bought a stainless 1991, used, and it has a fit and finish far better than my loaded Springer. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you go that route.
As to shopping for the baby, I was very happy with the prices and such that I found on the gunsamerica website. Great selection, great prices. Some are downright steals and you don't have to worry about a lemon because they have a 3-day return policy. Don't like it, wasn't as advertised, return to sender for full refund. Can't lose there.
Heck, mine has a ton of custom work on it and they were only asking $500!!! Didn't hesitate a bit to make that phone call.
Springfield does make a decent gun, but don't fall for that "loaded" label. You're getting a whole lot of stuff that you might not like and would be better served by getting a basic mil-spec type pistol (Springfield Armory, Colt 1991, or Argentine Sistema) and then adding on those things you find you want/need after shooting it a good bit.
Any other questions, fire away.
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When reason fails...