If I didn't have my current guns, I think I would go with a Sig M11-a1.
I love mine.This one is on my radar.
I'm kinda thinking about a CZ Scorpion...but if I do, I want to SBR it, etc. so, that would shoot it past $1000.
$1k? A 1911. So I can get a cheeseburger from Churchmouse.
Pretty boring but I'd probably go build an ultra-light BCM AR15 as bare bones and basic as possible.