Appreciate the clarification. I wasn't attempting to insult your intelligence by any means but since you mentioned it was your first soiree with 1911's I wanted to verify what you meant by "full length" since many of the "plastic fantastic" full sized products are closer to the Commander sized 1911's as compared to the Government models. I maintain my opinion that for the money you're looking to spend, you'd be hard pressed to beat Dan Wesson as far as fit/finish and small parts quality. Given your specification of wanting FCS- the Pointman 45 PM would check all of your boxes and as I mentioned previously but be aware that it only comes in a stainless finish. If you'd prefer a blued/black finish and don't mind it having a rail, DW has the Specialist model in what they call 'Duty Finish' (I can already hear the snickering because I said 'duty'). It's a great, long lasting finish but be aware that certain lubricants (there's that laughing again) can affect the finish making it look what is often described as "cloudy". Stick with the recommended gun oils from DW and it becomes a non-issue.
Since you're new to it, I mentioned previously about what you're looking for at that price point being options such as the slide/frame fit, reduction/absence of MIM parts along with front strap checkering options. Another divergence to be aware of that I failed to mention is the thumb safety differences (broken down very generically to the width of the 'shelf' and whether it's ambidextrous or not). You'll also want to note trigger differences, not necessarily just in the style but whether it fits into the 'long', 'medium', or 'short' category. It's probably not as much of an issue now but you'll also see straight/arched mainspring housings which will make a difference on how it points in your hand (again neither a right or wrong issue but something to look for). A perceived "big" point of contention will also be whether the 1911 is what is referred to as a Series 70 or Series 80, all you need to know there is whether there's a firing pin safety/plunger and the absence of it has a very vocal camp in believing a series 70 has a better trigger because of not including it and many manufacturers that are "series 70" use a lighter weight (usually titanium) firing pin. And the last thing off the top of my mind of differences to be aware of is whether the model you're looking at has what is called a "flared ejection port". In my personal opinion, the later doesn't do much for reliability but reloaders seem to hold the opinion that it helps keep the brass from getting banged up/deformed as much as the former option. Aficionados of the 1911 will all have strong preferences on these options but it's not necessarily a right/wrong thing as much as it's just as I said, only personal preference.
If you change your mind, some of these can be changed rather easily such as trigger style/length and mainspring housing but if you become smitten with Les Baer, as I stated earlier just be aware that they use proprietary parts (mainly in their frame) so you might have limited choices in companies offering products that are unique to Les Baer's specifications for things as common as grip panels. Not bashing them by any means because they make a fine product but they just have a rather unique build mentality to be aware of (you won't need to worry about the potential 'slingshot' concern with a 5" Government model from them).
The last thing I'll add for this response is as an option that might be up your alley is to look at the Colt CCU Government. It'll be a little bit cheaper than your top budget, but is 5" with FCS and 25LPI front strap checkering (which isn't exactly common with Colt's production line) and also gives you an extended magwell all from the factory which is kinda sweet too. I will say that this pistol has been on my radar since it's been launched and as far as I can tell at least, it's practically vaporware because I haven't been able to find it in stock after putting alerts in across multiple companies and I've even gone so far as to talk to Colt reps at the Outdoor Show here in PA for 2 years now expressing my disappointment of not being able to purchase one.
Hopefully that's all helpful to you and that I didn't bombard you with too many details. Best of luck and please let us know what you settle on, the 1911 is a great pistol for what it is and you'd be hard pressed to find a better trigger (or potential at least) elsewhere.
-LD
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