Pics of SA 1911 Mil-Spec and question

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

wbwanzer

Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2006
Messages
1,249
I just picked up my new-to-me Mil-Spec and can't wait to try it out. It's my first 1911 and I have high hopes after shooting a friend's Colt Government model a few weeks ago. Of course my mileage may vary.

My question is, I've read on the forums that the pistols with serial numbers starting like 'N***' were produced in Brazil, and numbers starting like 'NM***' where finished in the US. Well my serial number starts with only an 'N' but the frame says Geneseo Il. USA. Nowhere does is say Brazil. Now is that because the gun was made in 2000, and maybe they've since moved production to Brazil? I was just surprised to see Geneseo knowing that the serial number was not an 'NM'.

Also, looking at Springfield's web site, it looks as if at least the current Mil-Specs do not have a beavertail, skeletanized hammer or FO sight. Were they built that way back in 2000, or is this all upgraded work? Thanks for any help.

Here are a few pictures:
SA1911003.jpg

SA1911001.jpg
 
86901612-SAMarking.png

It would be marked with 'Geneseo, IL' even if it were made in Brazil. I've read that it will be stamped "Made In Brazil" if the majority of the gun is finished there, and if not, it won't bear that mark. Don't know if that is accurate though.

Also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMBEL
IMBEL acquired a manufacturing license for the M1911 pistol, and has exported pistols to the United States of America through Springfield Armory, Inc. (sold under the Springfield Armory brand) since 1985.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Thanks. But mine does not say 'Made in Brazil - Imbel'. Only says Geneseo, Il.
 
Sorry, my point was that the Geneseo mark does not indicate anything other than where Springfield Armory, Inc. is located. AFAIK, all Springfield 1911s up through the Loaded models, come from Brazil.
 
regardless of how it is marked on the frame, all Springfield 1911s start off as forgings from IMBEL in Brazil. notice on your older Mil-Spec, that it doesn't say "made in USA" or "Made in Geneseo Il". that Geneseo marking refers to the location of Springfield Armory...the company. their 1911s which bear the marking "Made in USA" have more than 50% of their finish machining completed domestically. Springfield has always imported all their offerings

looking at your pictures, i'd say that the grip safety, MSH, magwell, thumb safety, trigger, hammer and sight set are all aftermarket
 
Thanks guys. Now I get it. You're right, it doesn't say 'Made in USA'. That did not occur to me until you mentioned it.

So this has been hot-rodded, so to speak. I haven't measured the trigger pull but it feels pretty light. Can't wait to try it.
 
assuming you didn't pay a premium for the upgrades, it's not far from what i would have done to it. my only objection would be the rear sight...i like the fiber optic front
 
I didn't get any steal. I paid $525 on an online auction. I know new ones are around $600 in my area, if they can be found. But I'm very happy with this one, so far.
 
Take off the right grip panel and see if it says anything under there.
 
I LIKE IT:D

The beavertail does look to be a different color. (slightly)..
The Mil SPec should not have the beaver tail or those sights. BUT.. everything I see is something I think is nice to have over a Mil Spec (I added to mine)..
Beaver tail (looks nicely fitted)
new sights.. like or not they are going to generally be better than stock
AL trigger... lighter.. and probably some trigger work for the smooth lite trigger you spoke of.
The recoil spring cap looks to be stainless. Full Length guide rod? or just cap? either way is probably an intimidating visual as the BG would be looking at it. Not that 45 cal hole is not intimidating enough as it is.:eek:

I LIKE IT a lot.. I think you found a good piece. Now go shoot it. :neener:

Extended Ambi Safety
Extended chamfered mag well.
 
Last edited:
Greg, can't shoot it today. Have to wait for air conditioning repair guy to show up. It's getting real warm here. :)
 
Thanks guys. I'm really liking it. If it puts up groups like I did with my friend's Colt, I'll be in heaven.
 
Nice pistol. It appears to have an S&A mag well on it. I would say you got alot for the $.
I would be very happy with such a pistol.
 
Since the gun has obviously been worked on and you don't know who did the work, I would strongly suggest that you start by loading only one round to make sure the hammer doesn't follow. Then load two rounds several times. Don't top off the mag and go to town the first time you shoot it, as you may have an unintended full auto experience. It can and does happen.

I'm not criticizing your new 1911, or implying that the seller off loaded a problem gun on you. These are standard precautions that should be taken with any 1911 that has been worked on and which you have not tested yourself.

Hope it works out for you.

That's a decent price for all the premiums that came with it.
 
a steal for a nice Springfield Mil-Spec that looks to have a beavertail, ambi safety, fiber optic front and Novak rear (with dovetail cuts) sights as well as a a wide mouth magazine well and beautiful double diamond stocks that wouldn't have come standard...I'll bet someone did some work inside too...it looks beautiful!...enjoy
Bill
 
Also, looking at Springfield's web site, it looks as if at least the current Mil-Specs do not have a beavertail, skeletanized hammer or FO sight. Were they built that way back in 2000, or is this all upgraded work?
Click to expand...
Someone added those. The beavertail appears to be well fitted, though, from what I can see. A shortened hammer spur (usually a round profile, "skeletonized" one as is the current fashion and obviously the case here) is necessary with a beavertail.
 
It looks very nice and professionally done. Assuming it is mechanically sound, yes, you stole it.
 
9mmepiphany said:
regardless of how it is marked on the frame, all Springfield 1911s start off as forgings from IMBEL in Brazil. notice on your older Mil-Spec, that it doesn't say "made in USA" or "Made in Geneseo Il". that Geneseo marking refers to the location of Springfield Armory...the company. their 1911s which bear the marking "Made in USA" have more than 50% of their finish machining completed domestically. Springfield has always imported all their offerings

looking at your pictures, i'd say that the grip safety, MSH, magwell, thumb safety, trigger, hammer and sight set are all aftermarket
Click to expand...
I agree with this assessment.

One thing to bear in mind is that even though many people are leery of the Brazil manufacture, the IMBEL forgings are some of the best frames available for a 1911. Then, consider that nearly every offering in that price range is competing with only a cast frame, you realize the Springfield is arguably the best pistol offered it its price segment.

Many buy the Springfield simply for the frame and slide, and build completely custom one-off guns with them.
 
"One thing to bear in mind is that even though many people are leery of the Brazil manufacture, the IMBEL forgings are some of the best frames available for a 1911. Then, consider that nearly every offering in that price range is competing with only a cast frame, you realize the Springfield is arguably the best pistol offered it its price segment.

Many buy the Springfield simply for the frame and slide, and build completely custom one-off guns with them. "

I wasn't aware of that. It's good to know.

I was happy with the gun as soon as I saw it, but after reading some of these replies to my post, I'm really feeling good about this gun. Sounds like I did pretty good pricewise also.
 
here's a picture of the parts of a Springfield GI that are retained for a build...this is from the 10-8 Performance site

38971_140512969315295_135835059783086_242025_1513159_n.jpg
 
Someone did some work on your Mil Spec. They usually don't have that style of grip safety, ambi safety, magwell, and sights. Pretty good deal for a little over five hundred dollars. I'm probably going to put a different grip safety on mine because my grip safety digs into my hand when I shoot it...it is the regular grip safety...and put an ambi safety on it.
 
Do the milspecs normally have the angled serrations? I thought they were straight up and down like the GI.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
SA 1911 serial number question
Replies
5
Views
1K
bannockburn
bannockburn
M
  • Locked
Springfield Mil Spec SN Question
Replies
7
Views
650
Mauserguy
M
L
  • Locked
1911 Sa Mil-spec Upgraded
Replies
3
Views
412
lonewolf5347
L
ChasMack
  • Locked
advice on buying a 45acp please
Replies
14
Views
922
greyling22
greyling22
A
  • Locked
New SA GI but I am P.O.ed
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
1911Tuner
1
Back
Top