Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec Defender for Dad

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I like my Springfield Armory. Got it mostly because it was a discontinued model on sale at the Fort Drum PX. Came with six mags and a handy bag. I like the milspec except for the stainless, just because it looks a little less military spec like. Recoil hasn't been an issue even for my wife. I have only shot reloads. My first ones didn't cycle too reliably. After shooting it a bit, it likes them now. Which just indicates my reloads were on the low side, hence the lower recoil. I can't comment on the specifics of the question of different spring reducing recoil. The depth of my knowledge is that most put lighter springs in the pistol to reduce recoil.

Maybe someone here will answer better on the specifics of 1911 springs.
 
trackskippy said:
Thought the SS bushing was a bit odd too. I think the barrel may be SS as well.
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Don't get me wrong, I like the gun, but if Springfield intended to keep the pistol looking like the "original", those slide serrations should have been strictly vertical, not slanted. I have no problems with the looks of the improved sights and the relieved ejection port.
 
Hasn't Springfield Armory always had the slightly slanted serrations on their 1911-A1's? I see RIA has the Colt style straight vertical serrations, but, aren't they built off of some older Colt machinery? Not sure on that one tho.
 
The last Springfield I had that was close to USGI specs, were the first couple I bought back in the mid to late 80's. They looked just like Bannockburn's gun back in the thread. They were the last Springfields I had too, that were reliable and didn't have some sort of a problem.
 
trackskippy said:
The last Springfield I had that was close to USGI specs, were the first couple I bought back in the mid to late 80's. They looked just like Bannockburn's gun back in the thread. They were the last Springfields I had too, that were reliable and didn't have some sort of a problem.
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Yes, Mine looks exactly like Bannockburn's. Still have it, still shoot it. A lot!
 
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citizenconn said:
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.

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That's a nice looking 1911. I like the fact it has taller sights and a lowered and flared ejection port.
Springfield had a run of GI 1911's back in the early 2000's that had tiny GI sights & tight ejection ports.

As far as recoil is concerned, tell Dad to shoot it more often, he'll get used to it. If his runs reliably, I'd say don't mess with it.
 
drobs said:
That's a nice looking 1911. I like the fact it has taller sights and a lowered and flared ejection port.
Springfield had a run of GI 1911's back in the early 2000's that had tiny GI sights & tight ejection ports.

As far as recoil is concerned, tell Dad to shoot it more often, he'll get used to it. If his runs reliably, I'd say don't mess with it.
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Actually, mine does in fact have the somewhat taller sights, same type of ejection port tho. Works just fine.
 
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.45Coltguy said:
Hasn't Springfield Armory always had the slightly slanted serrations on their 1911-A1's? I see RIA has the Colt style straight vertical serrations, but, aren't they built off of some older Colt machinery? Not sure on that one tho.
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I think you’re correct. Most I’ve seen have the angled serrations, mine included.

The discontinued SA GI model might’ve had vertical, but that’s the only Springfield I know of that did.
 
Over the years I've had several Springfield Armory 1911's and they have all served me well. Probably my favorite, and the only one I still have in .45acp is my Stainless Loaded 5".
SALoaded2.jpg
SALoaded1.jpg
The closest thing I have ever owned, that was a Springfield Armory Mil Spec gun was a Parkerized Champion I bought 20 years ago for the purpose of making it my carry weapon. It shot good, but due to the parkerized finish, unless I wanted to send it back for re-parkerizing, I could only make subtle changes. After the changes, I did send it back to SA for a re-park. Here is the before and after.
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GICHAMPL.jpg
GICHAMPR.jpg
 
The gun on top is one of the "GI" Mil-Spec's from around the turn of the century. It has the vertical serrations on the slide like the Colt below it. You can also see how the frame on the SA isnt correct. Most noticeably, in front of the grip panel and the dust cover.

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drobs said:
As far as recoil is concerned, tell Dad to shoot it more often, he'll get used to it. If his runs reliably, I'd say don't mess with it.
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He is 79 years old with very bad carpal tunnel in his shooting wrist, for which he has had two unsuccessful surgeries. I managed to tune his S&W Shield 45 along with replacing the crappy stock S&W guide rod with one from SS Guide Rods to where it doesn't irritate his condition much unless we shoot more than 5-6 mags in a day.

He has been spending a fair amount of time polishing the slide on the 1911, and he said that has helped. I think you are right that more time behind the wheel of the 1911 is the best prescription.
 
citizenconn said:
He is 79 years old with very bad carpal tunnel in his shooting wrist, for which he has had two unsuccessful surgeries. I managed to tune his S&W Shield 45 along with replacing the crappy stock S&W guide rod with one from SS Guide Rods to where it doesn't irritate his condition much unless we shoot more than 5-6 mags in a day.

He has been spending a fair amount of time polishing the slide on the 1911, and he said that has helped. I think you are right that more time behind the wheel of the 1911 is the best prescription.
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A 1911 in 22LR might be something to consider for him.

Going off on a tangent.

Lots of old timers shoot & enjoy Cowboy Action. Black Powder Cartridges can have significantly less recoil than smokeless cartridges. Smokeless cartridges shot in Single Action Revolvers can be "loaded down" = significantly less recoil. Targets are close and difficult to miss. Most CA groups have lots of camaraderie with meals / potlucks after the match.

The 2 of you might look into visiting a local cowboy action match. Most groups will let you try before you buy. Shoot a round with guns provided by other members.

Downside of Cowboy Action - lots of stages can be tiring. Hot weather and cranky old SOB's can ruin a group. Guns (4) and equipment are expensive. Reloading really is the only way to enjoy it.
 
My dad is 88 and dying. He still likes his pistols and rifles. Although shooting has become increasingly hard. I know I would have a hard time facing those same things. Maybe a 45 with some adjustments for the things that are harder for him.
 
SA makes a great 1911, 3 of my 6 1911’s are SA guns. :thumbup:

With my limited experience I certainly not all- knowing, but I do believe that when recoil starts to become overly noticeable or bothersome for a shooter the quantity of shooting done, and the quality of their shooting experience, declines. If not improved, the sport can become a drudgery and the spark to go shoot will potentially fade completely. :(

Since he loves the 1911 pistol, but .45 ACP recoil is becoming punishing, look for a 9mm version. I bought one as a try-out (A SA Ronin 4.25”) and liked it so much I followed with two more Kimber 9mm 1911’s in quick order.

Just a thought like a couple of the above posters added, YMMV. :)

Stay safe.
 
Good suggestions; had a Springer 1911A1 replica some years back, complete with the tiny GI sights. Swapped it away some years ago, missed it, and grabbed a Turk GI the other year. Both it and the Springer are nicely made.
Both have the tiny GI sights as well; glad to see those later Springers have better sights. I've other, well sighted, 1911s to shoot, so the GI-style pistol is more for grits and shins.
Handloading makes enormous sense in everything but 9mm. Right now, with the cost of primers, it might be cheaper to buy 9s. But in anything else, loading is the deal.
I load 'softball' loads, maybe 60'sec below full house hardball; tames the recoil just a bit.
Moon
 
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