Differences in the Springfield 1911's?

[Plinkerton]

This is somewhat of a hypothetical quandry, but may turn into reality sometime in the future.

If I were to get a Springfield 1911, which one should I get, and why?

Since this is more hypothetical than not at the moment, I would rather not hear about other brands. Before I start considering other brands, I want to fully understand the differences of the Springfields. Many people seem to buy the Springfields for the great prices offered, and seem extremely happy with them, so I figured I'd look into them.

For starters, I don't completely understand the differences between the models of the Springfield 1911's. I think I will be avoiding the "expensive" models. But would like to hear the specific differences about those as well.

The models I want to specifically consider are:

- Full Size
- Mil-Spec
- Champion (Although, I don't know if I like the shorter barrel)
- Long Slide (Although, I don't know if I like the LONGER barrel!)
- GI .45

It seems that the TRP, the OPERATOR, Professional, and the Leatham Legend will just be to expensive in the end.

I am just curious about the differences overall. For example, is the Champion the same as the Full Size, except for the shorter barrel? The same as the Long Slide except for the longer barrel? Difference between Mil-Spec and GI .45?

Also, why is the Mil-Spec and the GI .45 substantially cheaper than the others?

That's all. Any other info is appreciated.

Thanks
-Plink-

 

[HD]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=81146
WW2 or px9109L either one is good...

 

[Plinkerton]

Thanks HD. I've reading all of Tuner's posts on the GI's. I personally like the look of the Full Size quite a bit more than the GI and the MilSpec. Is the FullSize "better"? Better parts quality etc.? I'm having a hard time differentiating. My overall favorite from looking at the all is definitely the TRP, but the price is a bit steep for me.

THanks

 

[Nightcrawler]

The full-sized Springfields come standard with the front serrations, the beaver-tail and commander style hammer, and an extened, ambidextrious safety.

While I, being lefty, could appreciate the ambi safety, I don't like the feel of the extended ones.

The big difference is ergonomics. A lot of people find the higher beavertail configuration more comfortable, as it allows you to shoot with you thumb on the safety lever and not have to worry about slide bite or hammer whip.

Your best bet would be to handle both and buy whichever model is more comfortable for you. There's no "better" in terms of ergonomics; whichever you like the feel of more is "better" for you.

 

[Cableman]

I bought a Stainless WWII GI Springfield for $429.

The price is what made my decision.

$429 for a full size Stainless 1911 is a no brainer for me.

I already have a decked out Kimber, so I was looking for a no frills 1911, and the WWII GI Springer fit the bill nicely.

 

[Serpico]

I bought a parkerized milspec last week...great gun..everything I want, nothing I don't....didn't care for the front cockers on the loaded, the ambi safety, or the extended beavertail...the milspec has decent sights and all I will be doing is putting a 3 hole trigger in for 16 bucks and a new set of grips.....done.

 

[Plinkerton]

The full-sized Springfields come standard with the front serrations, the beaver-tail and commander style hammer, and an extened, ambidextrious safety.

So thats really the only difference between the Full sizes and the MilSpec or GI's?

What makes the TRP so much more expensive?

 

[Treylis]

What makes the TRP so much more expensive?

A textured frontstrap, magazine well, different finish, and extra gunsmith love.

 

[Plinkerton]

Ah... So it DOES have extra gunsmith love. I figured that must have been part of it.

What's a magazine well? (Sorry, I don't know my technical terms).

Thanks guys, for the info. I will most likely be getting the Full Size one then. When I get around to it.

 

[BigBlueEyedDevil]

I bought the Champion in SS. It has been nothing but PERFECT. Feeds all that I put through it. Even when it's a little dirty. I plan on using it as my primary carry gun as soon as I move OUT of California. Tyler

 

[Plinkerton]

I actually got to mess with SS Champion today at the gun store. I LOVE how it looks and feels. The thing is, is that I will probably never carry it since I too live in California, and besides the retarded gun law, love it here, so I doubt I will ever leave. So, I think I should probably go for the longer barrel, since it will only see range shooting.

Isn't the Full Size exactly the same as the Champion, except that the barrel is longer on the Full Size?

Hmm... I am confused by something on the Springfield site. Check out the page for the Full Size. There is one model that is the SS .45, model number:

PX9151L - $860 MSRP

Then, down below it, there is another SS .45 with the same specs, but the model number is:

PI9132L - $923 MSRP

Why the price difference? Are they actually different? One of them is listed as "Stainless" and the other one is listed as "Stainless Steel" Isn't that the same thing?

EDIT: Aha! I think I found the reason. The more expensive one has an adjustable target sites, while the other one doesn't.

Hmm... that brings on another dilemma. Should I get adjustable? Or non adjustable. I like the look of the non adjustable more, but I would hate to have a gun that is not perfectly sighted in.
ame thing?
------------------
Sorry for the long post...

 

[Treylis]

What's a magazine well? (Sorry, I don't know my technical terms).

Actually, I own a Springfield "Loaded" with a magazine well, the PX9152L. Great gun. It's the little curved bit down where the magazine goes in that helps to "guide" it more smoothly... well, here, let me find a link.

http://www.gunaccessories.com/1911/brown/MainspringHousing.asp

Scroll down and you'll see it.

Hmm... that brings on another dilemma. Should I get adjustable? Or non adjustable. I like the look of the non adjustable more, but I would hate to have a gun that is not perfectly sighted in.

Some people will argue against adjustable sights on a carry gun, but I've never found it to be a problem--I carry the aforementioned PX9152L, which has them. If you're buying Springfield, you're getting Bo-Mar adjustables, which are rather difficult to knock out of alignment. If you go fixed and they're majorly off, you can still get them adjusted, it's just not as easy. ;-)

You also have the option of purchasing adjustables for just 50 bucks with the "Loaded" coupon if you want to change your mind. Can't go wrong there.

 

[DMF]

Well you've gotten most of the answers, I just thought I'd organize the info a little.

GI .45 - Very close to the way the 1911s were configured for the military, with minor exceptions that would only be important to someone who is a fanatic for historical accuracy

Mil-Spec - They add larger 3 dot sights, beveled magwell, and lowered and flared ejection port, and they took the lanyard loop of the mainspring housing

Loaded - They change the sights again to Novak Lo-Mount (and some models get the Tritium inserts), and also add a flat mainspring housing, beavertail safety, lightweight adjustable trigger, front cocking serrations, full length guide rod, ambidextrous thumb safety, and "carry" bevel. The price usually doesn't fluctuate much, but the parkerized version gets the night sights, while "better" finishes and the Stainless do not. Some versions have adjustable sights, rather than the Novaks.

The Champion is very similar to Colt's Commander, except it's only a 4" barrel rather than 4.25". They make it in several configurations including a GI. 45 and loaded version.

Longslide gets you the 6" barrel.

As for the price difference the additional features of the Loaded justify the added price. As for extra "gunsmith love" that may be true of the Pro, TRP, and TGO, but I don't think at the price of the Loadeds that they are getting any extra attention over the Mil-Spec and Gi. 45. Actually the differences in the GI and Mil-Spec justify their price difference.

I have a GI and bought it as a project gun. New sights cost $26, and that doesn't include installation, and installation yourself will require a staking tool ($20). Then lowering the ejection port would cost about $50, and that doesn't include refinishing. Bevel the magwell will cost a few dollars, and again you would need to refinish. I bought mine as a hobby/learning project, but if I was doing it again I would get the Mil-Spec or Loaded.

I hope this helps.

 

[Plinkerton]

Thank you DMF! That definitely clears everything up a lot.

Thank you all for the solid information, it has been extremely helpful.

Now, where to get the money... Aha!



Plinkerton's 1911 Fund
Please send any amount of money you feel comfortable with to:
527 W. Ala.....