I'd like to get as close to a replica 1911 as was originally issued.  Not looking for anything fancy, just something that looks like the real deal our guys used in WWII.  

Springfield Mil-spec

Springfield WWII.

It's as USGI as i gets these days. Forged frame and slide. No perks. Just the raw gun. No lowered ejection port, no plastic crap. No firing pin block. I think the only thing not USGI like is the trigger lock in the mainspring housing.

I bought one NIB for $400 cash. I sold it for a small profit.

Then I bought a near new Colt 1991A1.

The SA was much nicer, and the trigger was way smoother.

Shop around and you can find one for $400 or slightly less, and if you don't want to shop around, $429 is a typical price.

Chalk up another vote for a Springer GI.

The Springfield Armory GI .45 is an amazing 1911 for the money.