So I've always had an eye on a sig scorpion and have finally decided that my new handgun acquisition will be something along those lines. It'll take the place of my Glock 23 as a sidearm on hunting trips and walks through the woods (I may eventually put a light on it). I'm trying to keep the budget around $1200. What else should I look at besides the scorpion? What are your thoughts on full size vs. a carry size?

I also love the look of the Kimber desert warrior but haven't laid eyes in one in person

The first one that comes to mind is the Colt M45A1. I don't know too many other options that come from the factory in FDE.

@fviceberg

LOVE my scorpion. I got mine for right around 1k, and the person I got it from has a few last I checked. Do it!!
(pm me if you want his info, super nice guy)

My first 1911 purchase will be an emperor scorpion with the black golf ball grips

What do y'all think about full size vs carry?

Full size, unless you plan to CCW it. Mine is a backup nightstand / range gun. It sits next to my fnp 45 and g19. All loaded with bright ass lights and HSTs

Full size for carry.  Unless your frame dictates other.
I tried to like shooting shorter barreled 1911's including Colt CCO.
Just didn't like them.
Your results may differ.

A Commander-length (4.25"), especially a lightweight, will generally carry easier. That said, I often carry a Government-length (5") and have no issue with it. It's just a matter of barrel length, all other major exterior dimensions are the same.

Since you mentioned hunting/woods trips, Colt did make a Delta Elite in FDE recently. Not sure if 10mm floats your boat or not.

My next 1911 will be a Roberts defense.  It's almost finished!  Anyway it will be a little over the price you posted. But you'd be getting a semi custom/custom gun. All hand fit/ no mim/ Vz grips standard/one gunsmith one gun start to finish no assembly line crap. Lifetime warranty.
   I didn't order one with a rail but I know they do offer one that has one.   Besides the standard colors/ finishes  they do cerakote for a little extra, any color.  I went with sniper grey with black controls. I'm sure they can do fde for you.

    My first 1911 was almost the kimber warrior you mentioned. I went with a differ t model wish I would have bought the warrior.  Love the way they look.  Mine is stainless but I have read kimbers kimpro finish doesn't hold up that well?  there is a dealer near me that has a ton of kimbers in stock. He told me these days he has trouble selling 1911s maybe he would give a good deal on a warrior for you?
   But then again if your going to pay around 1500? For a kimber having a Roberts defense wouldn't be much more?

Found a pic of their railed model.

Dan Wesson Specialist.

Dan Wesson Specialist Commander.

That looks nice without any front serrations!

I have a Sig Scorpion with a SF X300 just as pictured above.  I like it.  Found it in a pawn shop like new and bought it right.

I had a Scorpion carry.  It worked fine for me.  I ran metalform mags with it.  I traded it away because I didn't feel the need for a light rail on a Commander sized 1911.  David

I used GunKote  on mine. One FDE and one OD green. Got a couple of beaters to bang around in the truck and woods.