New SA Mil-Spec, and a semi-range-report

[Rumble]

No pics, at least not yet. Will work on that.

Last weekend, I picked up a new Springfield Mil-Spec (the parkerized one) from Gander Mountain. I think I took a hit on the price--$560, and with fees, etc., around $600. I'm not really complaining, though, because I love the gun, and the money is spent, so...that's that.

It's my first 1911 (I have used the platform before), and I was wondering if it would be a day of pure joy, or day of saying "Hmm...I'll have to get that tuned up." Anyway, I took it and 150 rds. of 230-gr Mag-Tech FMJ, and 50 rds. of 230-gr Federal Hi-Shok JHP, to a local outdoor range to blaze away at some targets and basically see how she flew. I brought my CZ P-01 and some ammo too because, well...why not?

I'm pleased to say that the Springfield performed flawlessly. No malfunctions or glitches whatsoever. I used the factory mag, and a Chip McCormick 8-rounder that I picked up for the trip. Can't say the same about my CZ, which is beginning to piss me off with its FTFs (I get at least one per range session. I need to start marking my mags to see if it's a mag problem). Anyway, that aside, the gun ran without fail.

I am not going to show anybody any targets, because I wasn't actually shooting for groups (you're thinking, "yeah, right")--I was trying to work the gun over, shooting rapid fire and letting it get dirty (it had been cleaned prior to first use) before I tried the hollowpoints, etc. Also, I don't have any pictures (the targets are downstairs, though). I will say that when I got familiar with the gun, and slowed down, I put together around 3" groups at 10 yards, more or less. Not super by any stretch--I'm learning. This gun, of course, is way more accurate than I am. On the upside, at least one rapid-fire string ended up being about a 4-5" group, excluding a flier. Pity nobody was there to see. I was also impressed with how easy it was to shoot rapidly.

I didn't suffer from hammer-bite, either, which makes the fretting over Springfields odd grip tangs and whether I shoulda got a Loaded model less troublesome. It could use a slightly crisper trigger, but other than that...it's what I want. Now, all I need to to do is fire it a lot more...say, every day...and I'll be happy.

-Rumble

 

[Daryl Licht]

Congratulations on the new pistol. The Milspec is a good choice. The beavertails and other bells and whistles on the higher end models are nice, but for a lot of us are really that necessary.

My son has the parkerized model and I have one in stainless. Both have been very reliable. Enjoy it.

 

[possum]

congrats on the pistol and good report, i am glad everything worked out for you with the 1911, and i hope you get that problem with your cz figured out soon! happy shooting.

 

[trickyasafox]

i ordered mine in upstate NY, 597 OTD so your price doesnt sound unreasonable at all.

 

[Rumble]

Okay, I feel a little better about the price. There are some miracle workers out there on other fora who are saying "Oh, I got my mil-spec fo 475 with 5 extra mags and two holsters and a personal lesson from Jeff Cooper's spirit!" and I'm thinking, "where are these DEALS? Why was I not informed?"

But anyway. I must go out and shoot some targets with some bullets from outta that gun sometime soon.

The CZ? Well, I dunno. I may take it to a gunsmith, because the darn thing won't feed FMJ reliably. I examined the feed ramp and I see a couple dings on the edges (not where the bullet slides, but...), and there's a rough transition into the chamber, but I don't want to screw with that point lest I weaken the cartridge support in my ignorance. I have some issues with carrying it, as you might guess. Although it fed JHP without trouble, the few times I've put hollows through it.

But that's off topic. I enjoy my 1911A1 so much it's a little unwholesome.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Congrats on the good buy, glad you found something that tickles your fancy. I bought the loaded model and still lust after the mil-spec. Post pics if you get a chance, eh? Vanilla is still a good flavor.

By the way, the affection you feel for that thing only gets worse and worse, as it slowly becomes an extension of your hand.

 

[possum]

where are these DEALS?

i often wonder the same thing out here in kansas there ain't a deal to be had unless an army buddy is selling it cheap because his wife dosen't want it in the house anymore. oh well i will be headed back south soon.

 

[bluto]

Congrats on your new Mil Spec. I own several and think they're a great value for the money. As you become more accustomed to your Mil Spec's trigger you'll find that they're capable of excellent accuracy. All of mine have been great performers.