Opinions of Springfield GI 1911

[DocBoCook]

I'm looking for an opinion for the PW9701LP Full size Parkerized HI Cap .45 "GI" model from Springfield. I intend on making it my next purchase (tax time everybody) even though I can't seem to find anyone who carries it right now.

Thoughts, opinions, reviews are all welcome

 

[j1979]

They are a great, bare bones 1911. No frills with the G.I. My next one is either gonna be a GI or a Mil Spec. Go to Whittaker Guns, they have most everything and great prices.

 

[orchidhunter]

DBC, The Hi-Cap SA GI are not as reliable as the single stack GIs. orchidhunter

 

[DocBoCook]

what type of reliability loss comes in the double stacker?

 

[vetts1911]

Double stacks can be very picky with magazines, magazine springs, ammo and fllowers. You need to know that a single stack is a great deal more reliable. I would just check and see how available the factory magazines are and what other magazines work well with that platform.

A good example would be Para Ord works well with just Para factory double stack magazines. Now if you go with a single stack you have Wilson, Cobra, McCormick, Metalform that all work well.

 

[chris in va]

Might want to look at the RIA 'tactical'. About the same price as the Springfield, but already has just about every basic upgrade you'll probably end up getting anyway.

Not mine, but found it on Google. Note the beavertail, hammer, trigger, ambi safety, lowered port, sights etc.

 

[huan]

My buddy picked up a NIB SA 1911 GI less than two years ago for $349 from our gun club, what the heck happened to the price?

 

[Nowhere Man]

I'll start by saying I like SA's.

The GI has tiny little sights. The front of the slide is not milled so, larger sights would cost you big bucks.

The ejection port is not lowered. Reloading your brass becomes more difficult.

The Parkerized finish will wear quickly.

Dave

 

[qwert65]

I have the GI in OD green I love it, though the sights are tiny though

 

[Meadows117]

Instead of the Hi-Cap I'd look at the Mil-Spec version. Parkerized and a stainless barrel.

 

[DocBoCook]

So, it's picky, Small sights, poor parkerization. So you guys can agree on the Rock Island tactical then?

 

[possum]

simple, reliable, and accurate, suprisingly accurate actually.

 

[conan]

I would if it were me. It has the beavertail, with your thumb on the safety it gives you a higher bore axis grip for faster follow up shots and real sights.

 

[j1979]

I would look for a used NM serial marked Mil Spec. Assembled in USA, no made in Brazil markings on these, one piece stainless bbl, and stainless bbl bushing. There are a few of these out there, in fact one on gun broker right now, currently at 435 bucks. If i hadnt just spent 1200 bucks on a Valor, I would be buying it.

 

[DocBoCook]

link to that NM serial one?

What do you think of RIA Tacticals and does anyone know where to find one?

 

[1911 guy]

Larger sights on a G.I. aren't expensive.

It only gets spendy if you want milling work done. Buy a Yost retro rear sight which fits in the existing dovetail and has a larger notch than stock and buy a Kings Gunworks front sight with medium tennon. Cost about forty bucks for both. Some more for gunsmith installation, but nowhere near what mill work costs.

How well do I think of the Springfield G.I.? I bought one and used it as a base for a custom build that's now my everyday CCW. If I needed or wanted another 1911, I'd buy another Springfield. Just take the advice given above and avoid the double stack models. The chance of lemons is higher when the original design is deviated from too much. If you want a double stack, buy a handgun designed as a double stack.

 

[j1979]

Here ya go, This would be my choice for a good, cheap, used springer, assuming it doesnt go over 500. NO Brazil markings and one piece stainless bbl. The NM ones are kind of hard to find but pop in every once in awhile used.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=120496626

 

[rbernie]

I prefer the MilSpec over the GI, for the sight upgrade. Other than that, I think they're fine.

I have a MilSpec and a Colt -1A1, and I have no need for anything fancier.

 

[fishingjld]

just thought i would throw in my 2 cents worth. i wanted a 1911 so a friend of mine said the best "beginner" 1911 would be a g.i. so he and i both picked one up the same night. went to the range the next day and to put it simply. the one i received was utterly unreliable. i could not get 3 down the pipe without a fte. so i thought its just me. my buddy's gun shot fine never a failure. then he takes mine and same thing, fte's. this was a brand new gun. i never was able to get to the 1000 round breakin that everyone speaks of because of frustration. i took it back to the gun shop where i purchased it and they said it would cost $40 to send to springfield. they said i could get an ed brown extractor put it in at the gun shop where i purchased it and it would fix it. guess what no fix. shortly after i got rid of it for a browning hi power. so i know this is one gun out of 1000 but it's just an example. i am not saying every gun is like this which is obvious with my buddy's gun but it was a very frustrating experience.