I'm seriously considering a Springfield Mil-Spec 1911... please advise.

[ijosef]

After shooting a friend's Springfield, I've decided that I need to get one of my own. I just got my MN permit to purchase (a requirement for buying handguns in this state), so I'm ready to go. I don't have a huge budget, so the Mil-Spec will be stretching it to its upper limits.

First off, is it worth spending the extra money to get a Mil-Spec over the standard GI model? Would you spend the extra cash to get a stainless over a blued gun? The best price I can find online for a Mil-Spec is $618 stainless, $564 blued. Are there any lower price points to be had?

Of course, all opinions are welcome. I've decided not to go the Armscor/Rock Island route, and I doubt I'll be able to find a NIB Norinco. Is there anything else in that price range worth looking at?

 

[Gryffydd]

I LOVE my stainless Mil-Spec.
For a gun that will be a serious tool, the extra money for the GI will definitely worth it. The sights are especially worth the money.

For me, the extra money for the stainless was worth it, but that's really a personal decision, and it depends on where you are as well. Living in Florida might make it worth more to you than if you were in Arizona.

The only other thing I'll say is that if you're using it as a defensive weapon I'd highly suggest picking up some better magazines than the ones that are included. With the factory mags I had a few (still rare) FTFs with certain JHPs and LSWCs. Once I switched to Wilson mags those issues disappeared.

 

[Canuck-IL]

Lowered port and sights on the MilSpec are worth the $$ ... blued vs stainless is a personal choice. SS takes just a little more abuse before beginning to look tacky - depends on how you care for your guns.

If you're going to end up wanting a beavertail and/or adjustable sights, save for a Loaded model now - cheaper in the long run, and with warranty, than doing add-ons later.
/Bryan

 

[LancerMW]

spend a little more and get the loaded, but seriously the Mil-Spec is great

 

[Gryffydd]

Personally, I went with the Mil-Spec over the Loaded because the Loaded is loaded with features I didn't want.
The Mil-Spec is a fantastic weapon. If you want to add a beavertail or something later, you can. You get to pick and choose what you add to it, instead of having things like forward cocking serrations and ambi-safties forced down your throat. If you do ALL of the "upgrades" to make the Mil-Spec into a loaded, then the loaded is a much better deal.

 

[ijosef]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The GI is the lowest tier model at least pricewise, and that's what my friend had. He's never had an issue with it, and it cycles his reloads (he loads semiwadcutters waaaaaaay down) flawlessly. I loved shooting his GI, but other people advised me that the Mil-Spec was worth a nominal upcharge. I don't see myself doing any modifications.

 

[DeepSouth]

I have a stainless Mil-Spec and it has never had a malfunction at all. I will highly recommend it, and I doubt you'll find a better 1911 for the money.

Here is mine with a few mods. (and an idiot mark:banghead

 

[sidheshooter]

That mil-spec gets great reviews from all who own one, it seems (I don't, BTW, but that could change depending upon how much more positive stuff I read on them).


Related question:
Springfield mil-spec vs. Para GI expert, anyone?

 

[DeepSouth]

For a comparison between the GI and the Mil-Spec

The GI model




The Mil-Spec model

 

[skipsan]

The prices you quote for the Mil-Spec variants are great. Around here (Phx), the SS Mil-Spec is $650 and the parked version is $599. I have the latte and its a great value, well worth the premium over the G.I.

Minor point: the Mil-Spec is offered in stainless and parkerized finishes, not blued (that I know of). The parked finishing method is typically used on military weapons. A parkerized finish is typically dull or flat and dark grey in color. Blued finishes can vary from flat to a deep shiny blue. The parkerizing absorbs and holds oil and I believe is considered more durable than conventional bluing.

 

[weisse52]

In the past I have owned both the GI and the Milspec.
The extra cost is well worth the extra money for the many positive addations it does bring
Stainess vs Blued is a personal thing. I have carried blued for years and just like the way it looks. That is up to you. Not sure we have to worry to much about galling with the current SS.

And yes, get the Norinco if you can find one. I got rid of my SA's for Norinco.....and of course Colt

 

[Gryffydd]

Awesome comparison DeepSouth, thank you.
My Stainless Mil-Spec cost $599+Tax, but that was over 2 years ago. I'd agree that those are great prices.

It does seem that the Mil-Spec model gets almost universal praise from its owners.

The only modification I've done to mine is to put a flat, smooth mainspring housing on. I then keep a strip of skateboard tape on it. Not terribly elegant, but it works. I'll post a picture of it tonight.

 

[Sapper771]

My friend picked a Mil-Spec up a month ago and he loves it. It is a good shooter and an excellent value for the money.