New Springfield GI 1911A1

[Slater]

Picked up the below 1911 recently, but haven't had the chance to shoot it yet. I was looking for a basic, GI-type 1911 and this seemed to fit the bill.

It was kind of a toss-up between this gun, a Rock Island Armory gun, and one of the Auto-Ordnance GI types. Another shopper in the same store suggested that the Springfield might be a better choice because of it's forged frame, slide, and barrel. I'm not a 1911 expert, so that sounded OK to me.

In practice, is there any difference in service life between cast and forged frames/slides?

 

[stonecutter2]

Nice! I'm also an owner of a SA GI 1911A1 for years now. I love it

As for your question about forged vs. cast frames/slides, I'd be interested to hear someone's opinion on it who would know more.

Congrats on your purchase!

 

[Canuck-IL]

A good casting is plenty adequate - Caspian frames are all cast as are those tougher than nails Rugers. That said, a good forging is stronger than a good casting ... not a degree of difference you will ever notice in your SA.
/Bryan

 

[herkyguy]

i am jealous. i want that same exact gun. The US stamp on the grips is awesome.....even though I haven't seen a service 1911 with them, it's a nice touch.

 

[nad3ooo]

nice purchase, i think you'll enjoy it...my FIL bought one a couple of years ago, had a slight break-in period, but nothing that a few good days slinging lead at the range didnt cure =]

 

[az_imuth]

Slater, again...very nice GI. If it's going to be a few days before you get around to firing it, there are a couple of things you can do to help with the break-in period. I thoroughly cleaned my Milsec, oiled the rails real well and casually worked the slide back and forth while I watched a couple of episodes of Combat. Then disassemle, clean, lubricate and repeat the process. Watching BOB works just as well. Before you know it, your GI will be running smooth as silk.

Side benefits are that you get quite familiar with your new toy, while breaking it in without spending a fortune on ammo.

Just be sure its empty before you get started.

 

[bobelk99]

Good quality cast beats poor quality forged.

All other things being equal, the average shooter will never know the difference. Ruger did not get their reputation by offering goods that didn't work 100%

 

[m2steven]

Beautiful pistol! Let us know how it shoots.

 

[Deadheadted37]

I just picked up my SA GI 45 in stainless last Friday and I hope to finally shoot it tomorrow for the first time. Can't wait!!!

Don't forget to take advantage of the gold loaded coupon from Springfield and buy some mag or other swag dirt cheap.

 

[ifit]

nice n congrats, they are awesome bare bones 1911 which is why i purchased mine and no regrets at all

 

[NMGonzo]

I sold mine to a really good friend of mine.

He was really happy when he got it, and just as happy when he shot it.

 

[Oro]

In practice, is there any difference in service life between cast and forged frames/slides?

In practice between well-cast and well-forged frames, no. Is forged better? Yes. It is stronger - simple physics and metallurgy. But a nicely investment cast frame is plenty strong. It just needs to be well-made.

Your reliability concerns with your gun are the two-piece barrel and extractor; these continue to be weak points with SA. If your extractor is in tune and holds it, then you are in good shape.

 

[stu454]

I've got a serious bug for a basic GI 1911. I'm torn between the traditional parkerized or the coolness of a WW2 gun in stainless.

Are there any deals to be had?