[BlkHawk73]

i'd like to buy my father-in-law new a mil-spec (same as he has in Vietnam) 1911. He wants just the basic parkerized finish and no frills model. I'd like to stay in the lower cost range. Any suggestion? First-hand experiences with any of them? Ones to avoid?

Thanx!

[E5MC]

Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. Mine has been excellent. 100% reliable, and quite accurate.

[stans]

Springfield Armory is probably going to be your best bet. They are now offering the World War 2 mil spec, which would be almost identical to the original military issue. Those used in Vietnam were nothing more than WW II issue 1911-A1's that had been rebuilt.

[rblack]

Here is a pic of my Springfield WWII that I just picked up NIB for $400

[10-Ring]

I really liked the SA Mil Spec I had...I prefer the simplicity of it.

[dsk]

Those used in Vietnam were nothing more than WW II issue 1911-A1's that had been rebuilt.

Actually, there were still a large number of M1911A1's that were still new and unissued at that time. John Holbrook saved his bacon with a brand-new 1945-made Colt M1911A1 that had never been fired before. Still others were issued old WW1-era Colts that were about ready for the junk pile. You just never knew what they were gonna pull out of the arms room for you to use. :eek:

[C.R.Sam]

dsk right.
1911 and 1911-A1 could be found in service quite late.
I had one 1911 issued to me in 67. Well, the frame was 1911. :)
Good gun tho.

Would mean more to me to get a silver sided, high mileage ex GI one with good mechanicals.

Sam

[Big Mike]

As far as CCW pistols go, does anyone carry their Mil-Spec concealed? Mike

[C.R.Sam]

Did for years.

Sam

[Rob96]

I carry a bone stock Colt Gov't Model. The gun has everything I need.

[denfoote]

As far as CCW pistols go, does anyone carry their Mil-Spec concealed? Mike

I carry an SA "Loaded" in a Kramer Belt Scabbard covered with a loose t-shirt. The holster works great, the gun shoots great, I can't remember what it was I had against the 1911 in the first place!! :D

[Murphster]

Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. High quality. Reliable. Accurate. Great value for the dollar.

[ruger357]

Another vote for Springfield.

[Kentucky Rifle]

I've got this little color problem. In the photo, your Springfield looks gray. (sorta) What is the finish? Blue??

Thanks,
KR

[rblack]

KR, I think it must be the way the light is reflecting off of it. The finish is more black than it appears in the pic. There are different colors of parkarizing, including gray, green, and black. This one is black.

[IrvJr]

I also had a Springfield Mil-spec 1911. it was rock solid. only complaint was a little hammer bite from the rather long hammer that was included on mine. Didn't have a problem with hammer bite on similar guns (Colt S70 1911).

The new Colt 1911 Series 70 MKIV replicas look nice, but they're pretty pricey.

Also, the new Colt 1991a1's look nice too, but they're a little more expensive than the Springfields and they also have the Series 80 firing pin block (which I personally don't mind).

[BlkHawk73]

Thanx fellas. looks like the Springfield wins out. Says he carried a Remington manufactured 1911 in Vietnam but couldn't bring it back with him. That along with his "cut down" grease gun and 10 loaded makgs for each are buried over there (presumably) under where his father-in-laws outhouse was. I ain't diggin' that up!:barf:

[gbelleh]

What markings are on the Springfield WWII Mil Spec besides "MODEL 1911 - A1"?

[rblack]

The other side of the slide just says Springfield Armory, and no emblem

[No4Mk1*]

Does the "Mil-Spec" come with the lock and key?

[prezzz]

Another vote for the Springfield. Not quite as slick as my Colt, but certainly worth the $$. The WWII version can be had for $369.00 iffen you look hard enough. See them at local gun shows for that all the time.

[Kevinch]

Probably the Springfield is (IMO) your best bet (and here's what the other side of the slide looks like):

http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PW9108LLarge.jpg



Of course, if you want the Pony you can buy Colt's 1911 WWI Replica, but it will run you more jingle:

http://www.colt.com/CMCI/images/1911WWI.jpg

[XavierBreath]

The Springfield WWII Mil-Spec does come with the ILS (internal locking system) in the MSH.

Here's mine.