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I don't know if you have shot a 1911 without a beaver-tail, or know what the words 'hammer bite' mean, but if you go with the GI, you will soon learn.

3" versions are a little more temperamental and may require some adjustment to get it right. After the initial adjusting, they usually run great.

As far as the 3" barrel vs a 4" barrel, there really is no difference in concealability. For almost every type of gun, the hardest part to conceal is the grip(especially if you carry IWB). With a 1911, you start out ahead if the game because the grip profile is so thin.

From gunsamerica, the GI is showing a MSRP of $667. I'm not sure what they would actually charge. http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/defa ... m=PW9801LP

At http://www.chltx.com/KIMBERS.php they have the Kimber UltraCarry II and the Kimber Custom 3" for $699. If you were to buy used I am sure you can find a nice Springfield Loaded or a decent Kimber for around $600.

If you're willing to compromise on the 3" barrel, you're options would open up quite a bit, like the Taurus p1911 which has a lot of features on it for the money and can be had right at about $500.

Whatever you go with, welcome to the 1911 family. I'm sure it won't be your last.

As far as the GI specifically, it's been in service for almost 100 years. I would say it has definitely stood the test of time. And you could always get the GI and upgrade/customize as you find out what is importatant to you and as funding allows. The beavertail grip safety really is an important one though...that hammer hurts when it hits the web of your hand.