I purchased my Auto-Ordnance US ARMY WW2 1911a1 because it's as close to a USGI model as I'll ever get. At the time it was only $389. It's been flawless for over 600rds now.

My Chinese norinco 1911a1 with its forged frame and slide for $300 was a good buy. It's one of the best platforms for doing builds from. I installed a nm barrel bushing $15 and a new surplus USGI barrel $59, doing all the fitting myself she shoots clusters and cloverleafs at 25yds no matter who shoots it. That's using Russian wolf ammo too.