1911-modify or buy nicer optioned version?

Status
Not open for further replies.
RA40

RA40

Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2005
Messages
1,232
Location
California
My mental quandary has been taking the basic Springfield Armory 1911 Gov't and having it smith'd with trigger job, hammer, sear, beaver tail and possibly having sights put in. That will also likely result in refinishing and I'd go with the simple Parkerizing. OTOH, I could buy a Sig "XO" or SA "Loaded" for sub $1K.

Thoughts on having the SA worked over or buying an "out of box" ready to go?
 
I think the Springfield Loaded model might be right up your alley, already has Novak night sights, either stainless or parkerized IIRC. The Mil Specs are pretty close to your standard A1 models, w/ short trigger and arched mainspring housing.

Only thing I don't like about em is the full length guide rod, but it's an easy swap.
 
Start with the SA loaded. You'll get all the basics loaded-on and it would be cheaper than if you took a GI version and had the same done by a 'smith. In the future, you can always get more work done, or just swap-in better parts if you want to.

Going this way, you won't have to send your gun off and wait months for it either.
 
RA40 - what other handguns are in your inventory

I have a S&W 1911 with Novak SIghts / beavertail / skleton hammer/trigger
beveled mag well, as well as a 1991 Colt Commander

They both shoot very well.

I'll mod the Cmdr as needed or wanted

R-
 
Really really love my loaded. Not big on the FLGR, but I carry a Leatherman MUT and keep a bit on board to screw out the guide rod and another that fits the grip screws.

One of my favorite guns.
 
Depends... If you know exactly what you want, and can't find it in a stock pistol, modify the mil spec as needed.

If not, buy a nicer one.

I had plans for my mil spec... I swapped in a flat MSH and a take-off Colt trigger. I later added an extended thumbsafety and had the trigger cleaned up. Beavertail, magwell, and sights never got installed. The more I shot it, the more I liked it.
 
S a 1911

I have a Loaded model I bought used and it's been great. Only thing I've done to it is have it cerrakoted , added a set of Trijicon HD and put in new 14# recoil springIt's a 1903 model that i've had for two years, No problems.
 
I would get the Loaded. There is also a chance whoever you have modify it might screw it up unless you send it to someone very reputable, pay a premium for the work, and wait a while to get it back. Not worth the hassle in my mind unless you want a true 1 off custom gun built exactly to your specs. Even at that point I would probably order a Nighthawk or something similar. YMMV but I am just a plinker and a production gun with the goodies that the loaded has would be ample for me.
 
Like AFK sez, modifying anything, car, bike, boat, gun, is always a gamble.
There's so many choices these days, there's bound to be one to suit you, or very nearly so, straight out of the box.
And if there's anything wrong with it, it can go right back to the manufacturer for a quick fix or replacement.
Not usually so with a gunsmith version.
 
Maybe I've just become lazy over the years ...

However, presently owning 5 1911's, and having been trained as an armorer for 1911 pistols, ... I'd much prefer any new 1911's already being what I wanted as they came out-of-the-box. ;)

I much prefer shooting and simple maintenance chores to 'modifying' & 'improving' new guns.

Buy it right the first time and get on with enjoying shooting it.

FWIW, as an instructor I've seen at least my fair share of 1911 owners who had put far more attention into modifications & special features than they ever did into actually improving and refining their skills with using them. ;)

Your money, though ... and your time to spend as you feel fit, too. :)

It's just that the less time & money you have to invest to 'change' a 1911-style pistol, the more of both you can have to focus on improving yourself in its use.
 
When a NIB Springer Range Officer goes for under $750.00, I don't think you could build up a Mil-Spec for anywhere close to that cost (including the original price of the Mil-Spec, of course!)
 
Alan Tanaka is down the road from me and reading posts on other forums had me leaning to take the .45 to him. Based on the discussions, the level of work will have appropriate prices. I didn't make a call yet to inquire because from past gunsmith experiences, spending north of $500 comes in a blink.

Edit:
Yeah, a ready to go is the efficient way to spend $$ here. Still some debating on options from the manufacturers. :)
 
Last edited:
If you don't mind me asking, is this your first 1911?

If so, why not go with some level of 'basics'? After all, based upon your experience with this 1911, you're likely going to develop some thoughts about how you'd really like to have your next 1911 set up. ;)

Reliability with the assortment of different hollowpoint duty ammo I've used over the years is my primary concern.

I've come to prefer my "working" (carry) triggers in my 1911's to run in the 5-6+ lb range.

I much prefer sights that are easy to see nowadays, while still being relatively snag-resistant and durable. ;)

I'm not nearly as fussy about specific grip safeties and 'thumb safeties' (thumb safety locks) as I used to be as a younger 1911 aficionado ... and I pay a lot more attention to finding good quality mags and confirming function in my 1911's. ;)

Some folks buy a 1911 with all manner of 'popular' bells & whistles, only to discover they don't actually need (or want) all of them after spending some range time with the gun.
 
Which ever way you chose to go, there's one modification that can really come in handy - the ambi-dextrous mag release.
Not one that's either-or, but one that works from both sides.
Pretty sure all 1911 versions are that way, though.
Don't know how I ever got along without it.
 
One thing you didn't say...

which for me would be significant in the decision making process. If you go for the loaded, will you keep the basic or move it along to finance the new pistol?

I bought a basic a ways back and then loaded it up. Now it's mine and not directly like anyone else's. I can't help but think I'm happier than if I bought the comparable factory version.


Oh dear, I guess I queered the warranty!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0228.jpg
    IMG_0228.jpg
    114.4 KB · Views: 28
Last edited:
My first 1911 was back in the days before you could buy them with all the accoutrement out of the box. It was an OK gun amd the mods made it better.

My last 1911 was a SA Loaded in .40 with all the stuff you could want on it. It was 1000x better. Heck, here on the forums, there's SA Range Officer in 9mm that's in your budget. I'd snap that baby up and be happy for just this side of forever.
 
Well I brought a stainless steel Springfield Armory 1911 and the same work you describe; new trigger, sear, hammer, beavertail grip safety, recrown, polish feed ramp, install better sights and crisp 4# trigger pull. While Teddy "Actions by T" he restaked the loose plunger tube. I have a much superior gun over a S.A. Loaded.

The only feature that I have second thoughts about is I had a extended thumb safety put on it. I don't find it comfortable to use and like the smaller factory safety better. One of these days I want to have it hard chromed for a highly rust resistant gun.
 
Interesting discussion, since I was thinking about getting a new 9mm top end for my 1911. It appears that I would be money ahead to just get a 9mm pistol to start with. However, I am a lefty and ambi safeties are hard to come by. Some bought experience: You will be really lucky if you can get your money out of a custom job if you decide you want something different, whereas with a loaded factory pistol, you can usually take a little depreciation and come out all right...
 
judgedelta said:
Some bought experience: You will be really lucky if you can get your money out of a custom job if you decide you want something different, whereas with a loaded factory pistol, you can usually take a little depreciation and come out all right...
Click to expand...
Now there's an interesting aspect I hadn't considered. Of course I've yet to turn my back on anything that I have or have had customized. Still... valid consideration.
 
I've had a couple of Loadeds, lots of gun for the money but fit could have been better and they still needed action jobs.
If I was shopping Springfields, the R.O. would be at the top of my list. All the goodies in one package at a very good price. It's a gun you could use a while and not feel like you needed more but will be a great platform to build on if you ever want to.
 
Last edited:
Heck, here on the forums, there's SA Range Officer in 9mm that's in your budget. I'd snap that baby up and be happy for just this side of forever.
Click to expand...
I'm a big 9mm 1911 fan, I had a Springer Loaded 9mm 1911, now I have a 9mm STI Trojan, and if you get a chance to try out that Springer R.O. 9mm you might really like it!
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

I
  • Locked
I need help identifying a springfield 1911
Replies
8
Views
731
ktd
K
U
  • Locked
Mil-Spec 1911
Replies
20
Views
4K
3006mv
3
D
  • Locked
1911 Choice based on options given?
Replies
8
Views
984
PCRCCW
P
K
  • Locked
Sig 228 or SA 1911
Replies
8
Views
483
Karate
K
J
  • Locked
Which of these two 1911's would you get?
2
Replies
30
Views
1K
Black Majik
B
Back
Top