Re: The AK-47 of 1911's
I've had my Baer TRS for nearly 6 years. With thousands of rounds w/nary an issue, I think its a fair comparison, function wise, to the AK.
Problem is the TRS is pushing $2K. I've seen them used in great condish for $1500, but that is far above $600.
The guys here have given you some solid advise. RIA makes a great 1911 for under $600. As does Springfield.
Not to get on a soapbox here, but I'd never consider a 1911 with a trigger safety. Personal reasons on that one. RIA's don't have the trigger safety, nor does any Springfield (that I'm aware of).
Considering you've purchased a quality 1911 (which can be done inside your budget), using high quality mags is the most important issue regarding reliability. Wilson makes great mags, as does Novak/ACT.
Just a thought, if you buy a 1911 and you run it with 10 dollar mags and it jams, it isn't the gun (more than likely). When I was a young shooter and I bought my first 1911, I thought its reliability and feeding issues were caused by a poor design. Not the case at all. I since sold the gun in question (sold it with ACT/NOVAK mags), but keep in touch with its owner and she runs Wilson and ACT/NOVAK mags through it and has not had any issues. I would gander to say it is as reliable as my Baer and it was $450 (Charles Daley).