You know what I call this? Job security. Don't clue them ladies in on how to iron out the hiccups...ever. Ask for a raise instead. You're the grease that keeps the machine turning. :thumb:
I see them almost weekly here in rural Florida (I work in Tampa but live in Brooksville) along with red tailed hawks, ospreys and owls. On the way to work 3 or 4 months back I saw a bald eagle swoop down a pluck a fish from the Hillsborough river. He carried the fish head first for aerodynamics. Raptors are always awesome to see.
I would search out a used mil-spec 1911 to install your conversion on. These can be had cheaper than buying and building a frame. We have two RIA 1911's in stock that look surprisingly nice and operate very smoothly. You should be able to find a used example in your area for $350 - $400. As a bonus you can always quickly return it to a functioning .45ACP. I know people like to install extended triggers with over travel stops, extended safeties, extended slide locks, full length guide rods, etc. but truth be told, these modifications will have no positive effect on accuracy or reliability. Maybe just the reverse. So I say "stay basic".
Yep, I've heard good things about their pump guns from folks like yourself but their semis don't share the good rep. My semi was mfg in Turkey, looked very nice and only cost $250 wholesale. Shame it didn't work properly.