Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 "Defenders Series"?

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toivo

toivo

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I got a promotional e-mail from Springfield about a limited-time offer for the pistol mentioned above. It looks like a regular Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911 to me, except for the lower MSRP: $549.

https://www.springfield-armory.com/products/1911-mil-spec-defenders-series/

When I clicked on the "BUY IT NOW," more out of curiosity than anything else, it took me right to Davidson's, where it is "Out of Stock." Huh? Not exactly a promotional coup there ...

Anybody heard anything about these? I have a Springfield Range Officer that now more or less permanently wears a Nelson .22 upper, and I'd like to have at least one dedicated .45 ACP pistol around for when I get a sudden urge to make louder noises and bigger holes. I'm wondering if this "Defenders" thing is just a hokey promo stunt or whether the lower MSRP will translate into an even lower street price.
 
First I've heard of them. Sounds like a good deal. Both Grabagun and Sportmansoutdoorsuperstore show them in stock at $499.00.
 
There are significant differences between this and an actual GI-issue gun. If you want a GI clone, get a Thompson/Kahr, for less money.
 
AlexanderA said:
There are significant differences between this and an actual GI-issue gun. If you want a GI clone, get a Thompson/Kahr, for less money.
Click to expand...
I just got one of those! Haven’t shot it yet. I bought it at a lgs because I wanted to support them and paid $570 plus tax. Could have gotten it about $50 cheaper online. I’d recommend it on looks alone.
 
toivo said:
Anybody heard anything about these? I have a Springfield Range Officer that now more or less permanently wears a Nelson .22 upper, and I'd like to have at least one dedicated .45 ACP pistol around for when I get a sudden urge to make louder noises and bigger holes. I'm wondering if this "Defenders" thing is just a hokey promo stunt or whether the lower MSRP will translate into an even lower street price.
Click to expand...

PSA is tempting me to buy one at $499. Being close to them means I don't pay shipping or transfer fees...just pick it up at the retail location.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/spr...aign=Daily+Deal+Email&utm_content=12:00+Email

From that page:
The only difference between the original Mil-Spec model are four things. The pistol will ship in a cardboard box instead of the traditional polymer case. Ships with one magazine instead of two. New synthetic wooden grips will replace the cross cannon grips. the MSRP is significantly less than that of the original model. To clarify other answers which are likely thinking of the XD Defenders, these are full-size 1911 5" pistols as stated in the description. It is the latest offering of the Defenders series by Springfield Armory.
 
I wondered about those too - glad someone brought it up. The photos look just like a mil-spec with different grips, but I hadn't seen a description of what's different.
Slanted slide serrations, lowered, flared ejection port, and sights make it a mil-spec.
 
True. Always thought it odd that Springfield chose that name. They did have a GI model up until a few years ago without those features, I think. I never was around one.
 
Everyone has what they like in a 1911.
I personally find the Colt 01991 has everything I want in a 1911 (I don't mind the Series 80 Safety, Its not an issue uless you want a 2 lb match trigger).

I like the long trigger and flat main spring housing but the A1 Grip Safety. The chamfered frame I can take or leave.
 
AlexanderA said:
There are significant differences between this and an actual GI-issue gun. If you want a GI clone, get a Thompson/Kahr, for less money.
Click to expand...
Aren't Thompson/Kahr 1911s series 80 guns? The Springfield Mil-Spec is a series 70 if I remember correctly. Springfield also has decent sights that can be seen.
 
railroader said:
Aren't Thompson/Kahr 1911s series 80 guns?
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Yes, that's right. That's their one drawback if you are wanting a WW2 clone. The firing-pin safety parts can be replaced with standard parts, provided you use a spacer in the frame (made for exactly this purpose). None of this is visible externally.

The other reasonably-priced alternative for a WW2 clone is to start with an RIA (Armscor) gun. But then you have to replace the whole slide assembly and other parts. That's viable only if you already have a GI replacement slide.
 
Big D said:
$550 bucks and only one magazine? What is the world coming to........
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Typically the magazines that come with low-end 1911's are junk. Even some of the so-called "GI" magazines, that come new in a sealed brown paper wrapper, are fake. Beware of manufacturer's code 30745. That's spurious. What you want is code 1M291 (CheckMate).
 
94045

I personally find the Colt 01991 has everything I want in a 1911 (I don't mind the Series 80 Safety, Its not an issue uless you want a 2 lb match trigger).

I like the long trigger and flat main spring housing but the A1 Grip Safety.
Click to expand...

Same here! Liked not only the look of the Colt Government but the build quality as well.

PNHHFu3.jpg
 
I've always thought that Springfield's 1911-A1s could be great guns, irrespective of their various names and claims. To be honest, I almost bought an OD green Loaded model as my "first" handgun for my 21st birthday. How much different would the world be now if I had?

However, like 94045 and bannockburn, I'm rather partial to Colts when I part with a handful of bills. My favorite is the Competition Model, but I can't argue with the current Series 70 models as a basic, no frills entry-level gun. As a bonus, they're Colts and will hold a fair amount of their value down the road.

96169.jpeg
 
Big D said:
$550 bucks and only one magazine? What is the world coming to........
Click to expand...

The blued Colt Government in 38 Super I bought last month only came with one magazine, and it was stainless, not blued.

According to the FAQ on Colt’s site “As of November 2018, all Colt Firearms ship with (1) factory magazine.”
 
AlexanderA said:
Typically the magazines that come with low-end 1911's are junk. Even some of the so-called "GI" magazines, that come new in a sealed brown paper wrapper, are fake. Beware of manufacturer's code 30745. That's spurious. What you want is code 1M291 (CheckMate).
Click to expand...

I've found the PSA Mags, both AR and 1911, to be pretty good for the price. The 1911 Mags appear to be CheckMate.
 
The Springfield 7-rounders are Metalform mags. I have a bunch and they've been fine. I have one that's given me a little trouble once or twice (I think the spring is going) so it's range-only, but 1911 magazines are consumables.
 
railroader said:
Aren't Thompson/Kahr 1911s series 80 guns? The Springfield Mil-Spec is a series 70 if I remember correctly. Springfield also has decent sights that can be seen.
Click to expand...



SA's also have forged slide and frame. Not sure the same can be said about the Kahr 1911. Plus, Kahr is owned by the "Moonies".

~
 
Well...

Looks like a single mag/cardboard box MilSpec w/ simple grips and simpler Mil-esque roll-stamping on the port side, and "Mil-Spec" V. "1911-A1 .45 ACP." on the off side slide.

Other than that?

Looks like my 1911-A1 MilSpec (that I paid ~ the same for) and added "Trigger Happy" nylon grips and SA OEM stainless mags.

WP-20180802-15-50-19-Pro-50-crop-inv.jpg ​

WP_20180802_15_20_54_Pro-50.jpg
​
Hammer reliable, trigger like an icicle, shoots lights out.

​


GR
 
Last edited:
Garandimal said:
Well...

Looks like a single mag/cardboard box MilSpec w/ simple grips and simpler Mil-esque roll-stamping on the port side, and "Mil-Spec" V. "1911-A1 .45 ACP." on the off side slide.
Click to expand...
That looks nice. Does it have the lock in the mainspring housing?
 
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