Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec Defender for Dad

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citizenconn

citizenconn

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I got one of these a few months ago for my Dad, who had been wanting to get a 1911 for a few years, but had not shot one since around 1968-69 when he was river boat cruising along the Mekong in a PBR. I think Springfield designed these to be similar to the 1911A1 models.

In the couple weeks I had it before I gifted it to him, I handled it quite a bit and even though I had never handled a 1911 before it grew on me. My only 45 acp to that point was a Glock 36.

Lo and behold, this morning I get an email from my LGS that they have another one of these in stock, on sale, and that if I buy it today I'll get an extra discount, so I did.

What are y'alls thoughts on these Springfield models? My Dad's shoots pretty good, though has a little more recoil than I think he had remembered. Would upgrading the springs on it help with the recoil any? I did on his S&W Shield 45 and it tamed the recoil significantly. Thanks in advance for the input.

PBD9108L-1024x770.png
 
I bought one a couple of years back. Thought the SS bushing was a bit odd too. I think the barrel may be SS as well.

Mine was almost overly tight and needed a bushing wrench (or some sort of improvised tool) just to get it apart to clean it. It never loosened up while I had it either, and was pretty much impossible to take down and get back together without some sort of tool.

On the plus side, Springfield got the frame dimensions pretty close to right on this model. Other Springfields I had in the past were all over the place in that respect.
 
citizenconn said:
What are y'alls thoughts on these Springfield models?
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Well, you already bought one for your Dad, so you do have first hand experience.

Would upgrading the springs on it help with the recoil any?
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I would say, probably not. Many do put a reduced radius firing pin stop in the gun, and that seems to reduce perceived recoil a bit. However, that usually makes them harder to rack with the hammer down.
 
Love mine! I just had it out yesterday and couldn't miss. The only thing I miss are the days where a box of 45 hardball was less than THIRTY DOLLARS!

I've had a stainless and currently have a parkerized example like yours. Never a jam or issue with either, other than they are pretty tight like another user mentioned.

I like the white dot sights and lowered flared ejection port. Honestly, I appreciate simple and I've found that's everything I need in a 1911. I carry as is after 500 continuous rounds without cleaning.

I think you're well served!
 
citizenconn said:
I think Springfield designed these to be similar to the 1911A1 models.

What are y'alls thoughts on these Springfield models? My Dad's shoots pretty good, though has a little more recoil than I think he had remembered. Would upgrading the springs on it help with the recoil any? I did on his S&W Shield 45 and it tamed the recoil significantly. Thanks in advance for the input.

View attachment 1074997
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DSC09177 (2).JPG

Other than the grips, lighter finish and curved mainspring housing, it looks like my A1. Note also, mine has the stainless steel bushing, too.

I wouldn't change a thing on his pistol. It's a .45, the recoil is pretty mild, IMO, compared to some others. I've had this one for 8 years or so, it was my first 1911. I'm up to 6 now, in 5 different calibers.
 
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citizenconn said:
What are y'alls thoughts on these Springfield models?
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I'm a big fan. SA does the 1911 right, and even these base models are fine as is, don't feel like you need any mods if all you want is a reliable copy of the old G.I. pistol. I've owned at least twelve (at last count) Springfield 1911s over the years (since 1990), and never had a bad one.
 
citizenconn said:
My Dad's shoots pretty good, though has a little more recoil than I think he had remembered. Would upgrading the springs on it help with the recoil any?
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If he's having trouble handling the .45's recoil now, (I'm sure he's older than me, I missed the Rumble in the Jungle by a couple of years) but still would like shooting a 1911 that looks like what he once had, might I suggest a .38 Super Auto? Not to drag the conversation away from Springfield, but Rock Island Armory has a "GI" model and offers it in .38 Super. It's a Series 70 A1; I have one, and it is a lot of fun to shoot; mild recoil, accurate and the RIA is a nicely made 1911 for not much moolah. Don't sell the SA you bought, just get him another one. I'm sure he'd like that, just as you might.
IMG_1434.jpg
 
I’ve had my Mil Spec for almost 2 years, with about 600 rounds down range at the time of this post. No problems at all. DC37CBBB-2340-4A12-A235-DB5B2745B0E9.jpeg

It’s got some grip tape on the front strap and I put some new grips on it. Very pleased with mine, and would get another if I lost it.
 
I also have a SA 1911-A1 mil-spec. Box stock, bought in 1993. My absolute favorite handgun to shoot with factory or my handloads. Utterly reliable, accurate and zero issues.
I couldn't ask for a better, more fun gun to shoot.
Regarding the RIA 1911's, those are some well built pistols with one of the best triggers on any semi-auto i've fired. If I was to buy one, it would have to in.45 auto. Nothing wrong at all with the .38 Super Auto, I just like .45's; whether auto's or Colt's. Do like my mil-spec!
 
One suggestion to reduce recoil is to reload! I leave the springs alone and find a load the cycles reliably all the time. I did not want to run in lighter springs and then have to change back if I shot hardball. I found a load with 185 gr. pills that is a lot softer recoil. My guess is 25-30%, no scientific data to back that up! Just guessing by mixing them up in a magazine.

Have fun, 1911 is my favorite semi auto to shoot.
 
citizenconn

As bangswitch mentioned if you're looking for less recoil for your dad then maybe you should check out a 1911 in .38 Super (ammo starting at $25 to $26 for 50 rounds) or if ammo is too hard to find or costs too much then you might want to consider the same gun in 9mm.(ammo starting at $14 to $15 for 50 rounds).
 
.45Coltguy said:
Dang, I wish I knew how to post pictures! That's the low tech dinosaur in me.
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I just do Ctrl C to copy an image from wherever I see the image or have it stored. Then Ctrl V to paste it in the dialogue box.

Can also right click you mouse on PCs and click Copy. Then in dialogue box right click again and choose Paste.

Your mileage may vary.
 
Bronco72
One suggestion to reduce recoil is to reload! I leave the springs alone and find a load the cycles reliably all the time. I did not want to run in lighter springs and then have to change back if I shot hardball. I found a load with 185 gr. pills that is a lot softer recoil.
Click to expand...

A great suggestion as I like to run 185 gr. to 200 gr. reloads through my Colt Officer's Model ACP and Combat Commander for less felt recoil and muzzle flip.
 
citizenconn
Do you think if I got one with a longer barrel it might help with recoil?
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Yeah maybe if you got one chambered for .22LR. The .308/.358 versions probably no so much!

There is one up for auction on Gun Broker right now that's currently at $556 which seems apropos enough because it's chambered for .223.
 
citizenconn

If you're interested in such things there is an actual 1911 Stock Conversion Set (Item No. C45392) that Sarco, Inc. sells for $149.95. It's currently out of stock but it does have a 16" barrel, a wood shoulder stock, mounting bracket, modified MSH, and a leather holster to tote it all around with.
 
bannockburn said:
citizenconn

If you're interested in such things there is an actual 1911 Stock Conversion Set (Item No. C45392) that Sarco, Inc. sells for $149.95. It's currently out of stock but it does have a 16" barrel, a wood shoulder stock, mounting bracket, modified MSH, and a leather holster to tote it all around with.
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Thanks for the info. I was mostly being a smart-ass, but my Dad actually might be interested. He loves the 1911 and the .45 ACP cartridge, the M1 Garand, the M14 (his rifle in Vietnam), the M1 Carbine and my Mother, probably in that order.

I'll definitely check it out.
 
citizenconn
Thanks for the info. I was mostly being a smart-ass, but my Dad actually might be interested.
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Yeah I kind of thought so but I figured I'd play along! I actually considered at one time of getting one of those SA 1911 A2 S.A.S.S. conversion assemblies, in .223 or .243. I have always had this fascination with conversion kits (typically .22LR) for as many of my guns as possible. Liked the idea of giving my guns a certain extra utility and versatility.
 
I bought a Springfield Armory Mil-spec brand new in 2014 for $600. It came in a nice plastic case with 2 magazines, a plastic range holster & mag holder, a bore brush, wooden crossed cannon grips and black plastic crossed cannon grips. They claim the following enhancements to the original GI guns. A stainless match grade barrel and stainless barrel bushing. Lowered & flared ejection port, A throated barrel and enhanced sights. Might be something else, but that's all I remember.
I have seen the latest Mil-spec version, also for $600. It comes in a cardboard box with 1 magazines and checkered GI looking grips, but the gun is the same
I still have. It shoots great
 
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