Having had the opportunity to use both the Colt and S&W versions of the 1917, the Colt is bigger and not as well balanced and the action not quite as smooth as the smith. S&W did make a number of n frames in the last few years with the exact same 6.5" barrel fixed sight with lanyard loop configuration as the old military guns, but as others have mentioned will probably cost more than a decent shooter condition original. When speaking of old classics the key is patience. Put the money aside ($800 should get a very nice original) and scout pawn and gun shops and shows until an acceptable example shows up, understanding it may be a couple year search. Often the search is half the fun! Took me about 3 years to find a particular configuration S&W I wanted but it makes me smile all the more when taken to the range.
If you want a cheaper shooter the 1937 Brazil smiths imported 10-20 years ago are around in good shooter condition under 500