New to 1911's. Never owned, never shot, always wanted one. With my father's 50th birthday coming up, I now have an excuse. I want to get my father a 1911 for his 50th.

I want to give him an original colt m1911, but don't want to pay the price tag for it, as well as the tuning and work necessary to make it a bit more modern.

What I want to do is give him a 1911 that looks like it's from the year 1911. Only differences would be that the mechanics would be tuned, springs improved, and cerakote the color rather than parkerize or blue. Government size, single stack .45 acp naturally.

I have absolutely no idea where to start on this, or where to find parts that look original. Your infinite wisdom would be most appreciated.