[QKShooter]

Gideon

WElcome Gideon!
You sure can handle a full size 1911. I would go almost full size if you intend to mostly use it as a range gun.
Sounds to me like your perfect handgun would be:
A Colt Combat Commander fitted with Thin Grips ~ A short trigger ~ & A flat mainspring housing.
Do yourself a huge favor & don't buy anything until you try holding A Combat Commander set up that way. It will feel like a whole new 1911 to you.
If I had it to do all over again...my very first 1911 pattern pistol would have been a Combat Commander.
It actually has a more perfect balance than a full length Government model & is ideal for both range and concealed carry.

 

[QKShooter]

Bud

Oh that's right...we should soon be seeing even more firearms hitting the gun shops chambered for the .45 GAP.
That should bring the front to rear grip size down quite a bit while still keeping a .45 punch.

 

[QKShooter]

Gideon

Gideon...You Said:
"Spent 21 years in the Air Force as a purchasing agent/contracting officer. Got out to answer the Lord's call to preach but I'm pastoring a small country church........"
God, Guns, & Guts ~ You're A-OK in my book. :smile:
Heck...with SA you get a solid quality forged & machined slide & frame.
You made a good choice.
Congrats! on your brand new firearm! Enjoy!

 

[QKShooter]

Gideon ~ Animal Skin And NOT Kydex

You being a Pastor & a Man of God ~ using a Kydex holster would be a mild sin. The original Torah & the Scriptures & all the books of the Bible were all written on Animal Parchment & never on Kydex.
Go on the web & search (The Bible Parchment) and then search (The Bible KYDEX)
"When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments." (2 Timothy 4:9-13 RSV)
Finally, the use of parchment as the medium for these holy books ensured that they, like the Word of God, would endure through the ages.
So why would you not use a leather holster?

Also: If you are shooting left & this is your first time out with your .45...I would not drift my sight yet. Chances are that you are initally shooting more left than the pistol is shooting left.
It's just my opinion that it's a bit too soon for you to start moving your rear sight around.