M1A's are best choice (I have 2), but at a $1,200 minimum you could purchase almost 3 Mini-14's.
I have a Mini-30 also, but problem with them is magazines. Anything over 10 rounds are VERY unreliable. Mini-14's have a better selection of 20/30/40 round magazines as well as a 100 round drum.
Pick up a 1,000 rounds of .223 (Wolf is good if not reloading). cheaperthandirt.com, ammoman.com, ammunitionstore.com
Oh, if you do decide to go with a M1A (God's rifle), contact Fulton armory (fulton-armory.com) and order one from them (via a FFL dealer of course), they have the best M1A out there right now. Then contact fredsm14stock.com and get some accessories and some Army Qualification Targets and become a Rifleman!
Springfield Armory introduced the MI WWII commemorative. About $1200 the only commemorating is the design on the rifle.
Check the Shotgun News there is an Air Force base that still sells surplus MI's around $1000 you send them your info and a small fee for Background checks. It goes I think to an LTC. It is the US Government.