SA 1911 GI vs Mil-Spec

Since its late and you have a question. I have no real world expieriance with either of them but what I have heard is that the GI is a good starting 1911 in the sense that you can do whatever you want to it. I have however heard complaints about the stock sight. Hope its helps but I doubt it.

Usable sights and a lowered ejection port are worthwhile improvements for a C-note.

Mil-Spec models have many improvements over the GI worth well more than the increase in price. If you can swing the extra C-note, do it.

The GI was built to replicate the original service weapon. It is more of a novelty, albeit a fine one.

Budsgunshop had Milspecs for $575 last time they were in stock and they are a reserve item at the moment. Unless you're wanting something that resembles a GI pistol aesthetically, then I would highly reccomend the milspec. The milspec gives you better sights, lowered-n-flared ejection port, beveled mag well, higher cut grip under the trigger guard, polished feed ramp, throated barrel, extra magazine, extra set of grips, and the holster/mag pouch. If you happen upon a NM marked milspec, they tend to come with a one-piece stainless barrel and a stainless bushing. The holster/pouch is basically junk, but the other upgrades are way worth the difference in price in my opinion.

The milspec is the one to go with hands down. I've got 2.

Note, this does not guarentee your in the clear until you shoot it. I had one that needed a bit of polishing to run HPs, but this only cost my 10 bucks at the Smith.

The milspec should now come with wood grips also, vs. the black plastic.

You won't regret it, great gun, will have it for my life and my children's.

Mil-Spec models have many improvements over the GI worth well more than the increase in price

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Not really - the differences that matter were noted above ... sights one can actually see vs the std military pimple for a front blade and a lowered ejection port - not necessary but sure makes tuning the ejection easier.

Also, the cocking serrations are slanted on the MilSpec, straight on the GI.

What matters most is they both come w SA's excellent warranty.
/Bryan

I went through this same dilema a few years back. With the Mil-Spec you get
1. Better sites
2. Stainless barrel
3. Larger ejection port
4. Longer ejector
When I bought the difference was closer to $60 if IIRC. To me the sites were the deciding factor.
I ended up with the Mil-Spec. The only thing was I hated the Mil-Spec ugly black plastic grips. I think that has changed. I loved the wood U.S. grips that came on the GI. I found a set of those on the internet and put them on my Mil-Spec.

Brand new you should not pay more than 550.

I have to also vouch for the Mil Spec. The difference between the GI Sights and the Mil Spec are night and day. While the GI.45 is cheaper, the cost of the mil-spec is worth the improvements. If you're paying more than $500 for a GI .45 or ~$600 for a Mil Sec, however, you're being taken.

Oh and a word on MSRP on guns, MOST people charge less. You should never end up paying MSRP on a weapon, and actual prices will vary from dealer to dealer. But to answer your question on MSRP:
Parkarized Mil-Spec: $753
Stainless Mil Spec: $825

But again, if you're paying more than $550-$600 on one of these new, shop around for a better deal.