I consider the Smith & Wesson E-series guns to be the best 1911's that are generally available in Massachusetts. Unlike most other S&W 1911's, they are a series 70 type gun. They have no series 80 or Swartz type safety. Not having those safeties makes the gun simpler, and with the standard titanium firing pins in the E-series, they pass drop safety tests.
I do not think the E-series guns are beautiful, but the fish scale serrations on the slide have slowly grown on me. The base model steel frame full sized E-series gun can be found for well under $1000. You do not need to spend $1200 on a scandium frame gun to get the E-series features.
The E-series guns also have a wider external extractor which is not used on most of the production S&W 1911s. I believe it is used on the Performance center guns. For more info about the extractor, review this article about the 1911 extractor test.
http://modernserviceweapons.com/?p=131
The 1911 extractor test is somewhat controversial. Some people think it is irrelevant. But I respect that the people who designed this test have forgotten more about 1911s than I will ever know.
I do not consider myself to be a fanboy for the E-series guns, but I am aware of what is available in Massachusetts. In a wider market, there are other brands I would consider.
If you really want the GI look, then unfortunately the choices in Massachusetts are limited. I think the Rock River may be a good value. But I do not have enough experience with it to be sure.
I would also add that I am an RSO for my club. I talk to a lot of shooters when they are getting started with new pistols. And I have seen new 1911 pistols of every common brand that needed to be sent back to the factory. The tolerances to build a good 1911 are fairly tight. And every company is cranking out guns to meet demand. Quality control has suffered across the industry, and I cannot point to any brand which is immune to this problem.
Good luck in making your choice. Whichever one you choose, you will enjoy shooting it.