[Tecolote]

I'm looking for a NIB basic no frills 1911 that's as close as you can get to Mil Spec. What would be the better choice between a Springfield Mil Spec and a Norinco? I'm looking to spend $450 or less if possible.

[Al Thompson]

I haven't seen a Norinco in quite some time. Springfield would get the nod from me, based on availability.

[Sean Smith]

Please don't go cheaper than a SA Mil-Spec. :)

[Harold Mayo]

Springfield Mil-spec.

[10-Ring]

The Springfield Mil SPec is a great deal! I had one & it was well made and fit well in my hands. I'd recommend you go no lower (price or quality wise) than the SA Mil Spec!

[SouthpawShootr]

The least expensive I've seen lately (assuming you're talking new gun) was offerings by Rock Island Armory. The are made in the Philippines as far as I've heard. I don't know how good they are, but you might look over in www.1911forum.com and see what they think. Somebody over there is bound to have bought one. Next would probably be a Springfield. Maybe Charles Daly. Opinions seem to be spotty on these. Some like 'em, some think they are garbage.

I have 5 1911 pattern pistols (3 Colts, a Kimber, and Para-Ordnance P13.45), all are good guns. Least expensive was Para at $450 (but was pre-owned - I doubt it was fired by the previous owner). Most expensive overall was a Colt Government. Bought the gun for $500, then proceed to put about $400 worth of stuff on it. The Kimber is a TLE model and cost me $760. My other 2 Colts were $500 (Officer's ACP) and $489 (Commander).

[txgolfer45]

How do you like your Kimber TLE? Is it worth the extra compared to the Custom II?

Thanks,
Scott

[Tecolote]

How much of a corruption of the 1911 are the Springfields with a built in lock?

I saw a NIB Norinco a few months back for $450 but I was short of cash then. :(

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. It's really not as noticiable as I'd expected. If you don't like it, the M/S housing and guts can be replaced and the lock's gone. I'm told that the internals for the housing with the lock are a slightly different size and don't stay retained in the std housing, but have not checked this out for myself.

Best.

[Tecolote]

Mr Camp,

Did you happen to write one of your excellent reviews for the 1911 Mil Spec with built in lock? Thanks.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello, sir. No, I don't have one so no range report. At one time, I did a have a Mil-Spec, but this was before the lock thingy. It worked fine and I think they would make a heck of a pistol for a base gun to "refine" as you see fit. I kind of liked mine the way it was once I bobbed the hammer spur and put in a Pachmayr wide grip safety to avoid bite.

Best.

[Kahrma]

Norinco, but don't pay more than $350 :uhoh:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid34/p5dd251c8374b2aa265e9fd17dd5e4426/fd34dd8b

[Coronach]

Sistema? Thats spanish for 'Milspec 1911.'

Mike

[Kahr carrier]

My vote Springfield Milspec 45 .I bought mine for$415.00 on sale in the Prk and it works like a Champ.:)

[Tecolote]

Any problems I should be aware with either the Norincos or Springfield Mil Specs?

The Springfields run no less than $450 in my area and Norincos about the same. I wish I could find a NIB Norinco for $350 or a Springfield for $415.:(

[SouthpawShootr]

txgolfer45,

I've been pricing both models for quite some time. The absolute lowest I could find on a Custom II was $609. My TLE was $729 (came out to be around $760 with taxes, b/g checks, etc.). Now for the analysis: The TLE comes stock with factory night sights and 30 lpi checkering on the front strap. Kimbers price for the nights are $100/set. I don't know how much they charge for checkering/refinishing the frame, but I suspect that when it was all said and done, you'd be out at least another hundred. So valuewise, these things are a good deal compared to the lowest price Custom II that I could find. Also, my dealer's price may have been a bit low on the TLE (although it was his regular price). Another dealer that usually has exceptional prices could do no better than $770 for a Custom II with factory night sights.

Supposedly, the TLE is nothing more than a Custom II with nightsights and frontstrap checkering. I tend to like night sights, but could take or leave the checkering. So for me, it was worth it. If you don't care about the night sights or checkering, then the regular flavor Custom II would be better for you.

I like the gun alot, but haven't gotten to shoot it much. Hopefully this weekend.........

[longeyes]

Ditto Colt Sistema at $300--if you can find one (try jldenter.com) I've got one with over 2500 rounds through it; it's a good and serviceable weapon. No regrets on that purchase.

[txgolfer45]

Thanks for the info. I think locally, I can get the Custom II for $599 plus tax and the TLE for $729 plus tax. Will have to see them in person to decide which I like better.

Thanks,
Scott

[Tecolote]

Would that be the Sistema Colt Modelo 1927 at $300? Are they reliable with only FMJ or with JHP too?

[cocojo]

How about the Dan Wesson line. I know the Patriot is higher in price but they do have lower priced models. I believe that the Charles Daly's are about the price and they do have some frills.
I own a Kimber Eclipse but I am seriously thinking of buying a Dan Wesson Patriot.

[longeyes]

I had my Sistema (Modelo 1927) tweaked a bit at King's Gun Works: throated, ramp polished. I shoot mostly ball but the gun now handles Golden Sabers and Hydra-Shoks without problem. I do not shoot any +P ammo from this pistol because of its age but it's fine with everything else. The Sistema has proven every bit as reliable as my Kimber or Glocks, to be honest. These are a steal at $300.

[gryphon]

I like the Charles Daly 1911's but since you really didn't ask about them, with the 2 that you initially asked about, I can get a Springfield Mil-Spec for $399, and that is what I would go with.

[care-less]

Take a look at Auto Ordnance! Kahr bought them in 99 I think, and has really put some work into the line. Other than that, have you looked into building your own? Caspian or Essex frame, and add the parts. A relatively inexpensive way to go, and you will know your pistol when finished. Charles Daly are made in phillipines, and parts are no where near spec. Junk!

[Detritus]

my votes go to the following guns int eh following order,

Sistema (you'll never get a gun closer to 1927 colt spec for that price again!!)

Auto-Ordnance "WW2 Parkerized" (i'm a mild purist i like em ugly with small sights) :D

Spingfield Mil-spec (not quite MY cup of tea but a good gun, adn it has better sights)

eventually i hope to have all three.

[Matthew_Q]

On a budget, I'd definitely try for a Sistema. Practically a carbon copy of a Colt with some spanish writing on it. As mentioned above, they can be had in very good condition for around $300.


Next step up might be the Auto Ordnance. From some recent reviews I've read, Kahr is really shaping up AO. They got a new head Smith, who shaped up and shook down the quality issues. One minor bad thing I've heard, and seen first hand, is the edges of the trigger are a little sharp, which could annoy your trigger finger.

On or about the same level as the AO would probably be the Charles Daly. I don't have any experience with them, but have heard their quality is definitely improving.

then would be Springfield Armory. I have had three different ones in my possession, and all of them have been great shooters. Not amazing accuracy out of any of them, but they all functioned. They ate everything I fed them. SWCs, several different flavors of hollowpoints, and of course ball. Fit and finish were great on all of them. They did loosen up a little in the slide to frame fit, but as this may adversely affect accuracy, it sometimes helps in reliability. After the normal breaking in period of around 300 rounds, I have never had a problem since.


My personal preference, if I were on a tight budget, would be a Sistema. Not so tight, I'd get the AO. A little looser, and I'd get the SA.

[Tropical Z]

If you get a Sistema be prepared to replace parts.I dumped mine shortly after getting it and bought a NEW 1911 made by "Shooters Arms Manufacturing".Its been flawless from round one!
I wasnt impressed with the Sistema i received.:scrutiny:

[Matthew_Q]

TropicalZ, well, it IS a used military gun. When I finally get one, I will likely proactively replace all the springs, maybe throw a titanium firing pin in it, and some Wilson Bulletproof parts (slide stop, extractor and ejector. Then polish the feedramp and throat the barrel. Maybe replace the mag catch.

It will be a good beater/junker, but I am getting a fondness for old guns... :)

[Zander]

Saw a NIB Nork 1911A1 at the show this past weekend...$450 asking price.

They are getting much harder to find, mainly because most who buy them don't want to sell them. None have been imported for nearly ten years because of King Willie's edict.

If you can find one, buy it; mighty good value for the money.