Nothing against Springfields at all and if you’re looking to save a few $$ on the base gun, that’s probably your best option. Otherwise, a Colt Series 70 retro, which can be had for sub-$800, would be what I’d go with and customize from there. I went with a Wiley Clapp series 70 because it had the right amount of “custom” features I wanted on a factory gun - I prefer smaller frame safeties, so that was a selling point for me. The only parts I swapped out were the MIM disconnector and sear for tool-steel parts. Colt sometimes does put out guns with cosmetic blemishes, so if you can see them in person that would be preferable. Nothing at all wrong with how the gun works, though.