I am not a 1911 expert, but I had a similar budget and some similar attitudes toward the pistol I wanted. After extensive research I decided on the SA Range Officer like so many others here have mentioned. I thought I had decided on the Mil-Spec but something about the 'Made in Brazil' stamped on the side of a 1911 just made me cringe every time I looked at it. The Mil-Specs I saw actually seemed to have a pretty good fit, but the RO does have that something extra in comparison. I got it for Christmas and have not had time to shoot it yet, so we shall see.
Regarding previous posts concerning the differences among the GI, Mil-Spec, and RO...
GI: Original size ejection port (smaller than what most have now), non-throated barrel, and staked front sight (a bit harder to change, may affect what sights are available to choose from or may not matter to you), 'Made in Brazil' stamped on the frame.
Mil-Spec: Larger ejection port, throated barrel, staked front sight, 'Made in Brazil' stamped on frame.
RO: Supposed built to same standard as the TRP and Trophy Match (great fit) without the frills, dovetail front sight, frame simply states 'GENESEO IL USA'
Another plus for the RO is, as mentioned throughout this thread, it comes from the factory pretty close to what the OP described in the criteria thus leading to a hopefully more reliable pistol within the price range stated.
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