Springfield 1911 A1 v Loaded help

[JPSauer]

Hello all,
I see a lot of Springfield A1's for sale that have "A1" and "loaded".
I like the features of the loaded, and have handled one.

But I also see some 1911's that are identical, adjustable trigger, full length guide rod, extended beaver etc but have "A1" on the slide instead of "loaded"


The link is an example of one with A1 on it but the guy says its a "Loaded".

Is there a difference with the Springfield 1911's that have A1 v the ones that have "loaded" with the same features. The Springfield website has "loaded" on the slide. Am I missing something? was there a year they just started making them with a change of words on slide? or is it indeed a different model? If so I cant find the model on Springfields website, the 1911 with these features is only the Loaded model from what I can see, unless website has been updated.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I bought a black stainless Loaded new. It had A1 on the left side. It didn't say Loaded on it anywhere.

 

[Howland937]

I picked up a Loaded awhile back. Gave it to my dad but I don't remember if it said Loaded or A1 anywhere. It does have ambi safety, which was different than other model Springfield 1911's I've had. Don't remember any other differences. Sights maybe?

 

[Wildbillz]

Years ago (mid to late 80's) I bought one of the pistols they now call Mil Spc. It is marked 1911A1 on the side. But in the catalog (at the time) it was their loaded model due to it having 3 dot sights and a lowered ejection port, beveled mag well and maybe some other options that didn't come with most of the coemptions guns.

I don't know when they started marking them with the model on one side of the gun. Never even noticed it till now. I am sure if you send them a e-mail they could tell you when the markings were changed.

WB

 

[kidneyboy]

"Loaded" starts off as an A1 and is then upgraded. Adjustable sights and better controls stand out as the main upgrades.

 

[JTQ]

"Loaded" starts off as an A1 and is then upgraded. Adjustable sights and better controls stand out as the main upgrades.

The Loaded "Target" has adjustable sights https://www.springfield-armory.com/...target-45-acp-handgun-stainless-ca-compliant/ ,

Historically, the key "Loaded" features over the Mil-Spec are the beavertail grip safety, Novak-esque rear sight, and the ambidextrous thumb safety.

https://www.springfield-armory.com/...loaded-45-acp-handgun-stainless-ca-compliant/

 

[Riomouse911]

The Loaded "Target" has adjustable sights https://www.springfield-armory.com/...target-45-acp-handgun-stainless-ca-compliant/ ,

Historically, the key "Loaded" features over the Mil-Spec are the beavertail grip safety, Novak-esque rear sight, and the ambidextrous thumb safety.

https://www.springfield-armory.com/...loaded-45-acp-handgun-stainless-ca-compliant/

That pretty much describes my SA Loaded 5” .45. It is marked 1911A1 and has forward and rear grasping grooves.



These are the Trijicon tritium sights that clone the Novak-wedge look for the rear sight.



It also has my least favorite 1911 option, the full length guide rod. It uses a hex key to undo the sections.



Stay safe.

 

[Jim Watson]

We do not tolerate two piece guide rods in this house.
If FLG gets his hands on one, he reams the tunnel to allow rear takedown, applies strong Loctite on the joint, and drills a "paperclip hole."
If it does not need his attention, it will get a GI guide.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

We do not tolerate two piece guide rods in this house.
If FLG gets his hands on one, he reams the tunnel to allow rear takedown, applies strong Loctite on the joint, and drills a "paperclip hole."
If it does not need his attention, it will get a GI guide.

You can also rule out forward slide serrations and make sure it has a lanyard loop.

 

[chicharrones]

Hello all,
I see a lot of Springfield A1's for sale that have "A1" and "loaded".
I like the features of the loaded, and have handled one.

But I also see some 1911's that are identical, adjustable trigger, full length guide rod, extended beaver etc but have "A1" on the slide instead of "loaded"


The link is an example of one with A1 on it but the guy says its a "Loaded".

Is there a difference with the Springfield 1911's that have A1 v the ones that have "loaded" with the same features. The Springfield website has "loaded" on the slide. Am I missing something? was there a year they just started making them with a change of words on slide? or is it indeed a different model? If so I cant find the model on Springfields website, the 1911 with these features is only the Loaded model from what I can see, unless website has been updated.

Seems like SA website photos aren't necessarily what SA actually sells to the end user. Fer instance, this is a Range Officer Target photo from the SA website vs. an "in the hand" Range Officer Target.

View attachment 1133692
https://files.springfield-armory.com/wp-content/uploads/PI9128L_L.jpg

View attachment 1133691

 

[md7]

Springfield used to mark just about all of their 1911’s with “Model 1911 -A1” on the side. Whether it was a loaded, Mil Spec, or whatever model. They all bore the same mark.

And now, Springfield no longer marks them like that. Instead they put the model’s name on the side.

Same pistols, just different markings.

 

[cfullgraf]

In USGI indications, the 1911-A1 primarily has the reliefs cut out behind the trigger. There may be other modifications to the frame/slide.

I'd guess that Springfield bought a bunch of -A1 frames and built them into a variety of pistols with other upgrades.

I have a Springfield Officer Model chambered in 9x19. It is a nice shooting pistol with many 1911 upgrades. I'd not consider it a anywhere near a USGI -A1 model 1911.

Unless you are looking for a period piece, who cares. A 1911 is a nice pistol.

 

[md7]

OP, circling back to this thread. I have a parkerized Loaded. Went back to SA for warranty work. I’ll say two things about that. 1 - SA quickly resolved the issue in a hassle free manner. 2 - The Loaded runs like a champ.

I replaced the 2 piece guide rod with a gi set up. Just purely my preference, but the flgr wasn’t a problem really. Also replaced the firing pin stop. Again, no problems with it I just want to learn more about replacing and fitting parts.

My oldest SA is a Mil Spec with several thousand (3,000 + rounds) in it. Zero issues.

In my experience, SA puts out great shooters. And if you have a problem then they’ll take care of it.

 

[JPSauer]

Sweet. As per a comment, I sent the SN to Springfield and they told me its date of manufacture and details that it is in fact a Loaded. Thanks guys. Regarding the guide rod, i saw alot of complaints about it so I bought a Nighthawk custom guiderod with plug.

 

[JPSauer]

One more question, how many rounds in 9mm before barrel needs replacing?

 

[Jim Watson]

The precise answer is Lots.
Bill Wilson showed a .38 Super barrel sectioned long ways. It was pretty badly eroded after only 30,000 shots.

 

[Howland937]

The precise answer is Lots.
Bill Wilson showed a .38 Super barrel sectioned long ways. It was pretty badly eroded after only 30,000 shots.

Any recollection of additional context with this? I had read somewhere awhile back that Mr.Wilson was not a fan of AA#7 powder as it caused premature barrel degrading. I'd just be curious if there's any connection since AA#7 is a pretty common powder for hot 38 Super loads.

One more question, how many rounds in 9mm before barrel needs replacing?

You'll likely spend 10x more money on ammo wearing out the barrel than you did on the gun itself.

 

[jmorris]

One more question, how many rounds in 9mm before barrel needs replacing?

On my ~2002 model it was zero. I shot it just enough to realize it was horrible before I sent it back and they replaced the barrel. It’s been ok since then though.

Back then “get loaded” was a promotional deal that was a one time coupon that was included with the firearm that allowed you to get mags, holsters and such around 50% off.

 

[Nature Boy]

Do they still make a polished SS model?

 

[JPSauer]

How many rounds does a 1911 springfield loaded 9mm last? I bought it and dont want to shoot it much so i dont wear it out, so I will be conservative with use.
Ive been told by guys at range i should expect it to last 5000 rounds before i need to replace parts like slide, springs etc have you guys had same useable round count before replacing parts? Also whats frame life like?

 

[Jim Watson]

Add another zero. I have been shooting a SA based custom for IDPA matches since 2004. Sorry, I don't have a round count.
The only real wear part is the recoil spring, you will see change intervals from 3000 to 5000 on that.
Nothing is perfect, you might wear out or break something but SAs are guaranteed and they have "good customer service."
Big parts like receiver, slide, and barrel are very long lived.

And to get philosophical, so what? It is a mass produced consumer item. Wear it out and they will sell you another.

 

[Howland937]

I bought it

Shoot it then. Even at "good 'ol days" 9mm prices, you'll spend 5x more on ammo wearing the gun out than you paid for the gun.
Springs are maintenance items. If cleaning and lubing are the equivalent of changing oil in your car, springs are like servicing the transmission.

 

[jmorris]

Ive been told by guys at range i should expect it to last 5000 rounds before i need to replace parts like slide, springs etc have you guys had same useable round count before replacing parts? Also whats frame life like?

My first thought was that sounds like someone I wouldn’t listen to but I already admitted my Springfield was sent to me needing a different barrel. I have ~ 65,000 rounds on the one above. Recoil springs have been the only thing replaced since I got it back from SA with a decent barrel.

That said, I have put hundreds of thousands of rounds down range with plastic framed pistols and not broken any of them either.

I have to take that back, somewhere around 2006, I was shooting a bunch of aluminum blazer 9mm because I was getting it for $2.99/50. Knowing to keep an eye on the breechface, to monitor any erosion, I did but missed what they were doing to the firing pin stop, looked like it was hit with a plasma torch. Oddly enough the foreign pin and spring were fine but the stop was replaced and I quit using aluminum cased ammunition, again (camp carbines also don’t do well with them).

This is after ~ 20,000 rounds of aluminum cased ammunition.

 

[Jim Watson]

Hey, I broke a firing pin stop... on my Colt.

 

[Dudedog]

How many rounds does a 1911 springfield loaded 9mm last? I bought it and dont want to shoot it much so i dont wear it out, so I will be conservative with use.
Ive been told by guys at range i should expect it to last 5000 rounds before i need to replace parts like slide, springs etc have you guys had same useable round count before replacing parts? Also whats frame life like?

Recoil springs maybe, slide I don't see needing to be replaced for a long time.
1911s are happier if "wet"
I use a light grease on my slide rails (Lubriplate SFL0) and mine is still tight, proper lube will make things last longer

I have 2 9mm Loaded targets
Gun #1
70,000+ rounds,
Replaced recoil springs,
FP spring (old one came out in three pieces when cleaning after a match but the gun still ran fine)
Since Wolfe recoil springs come with a new FP spring I replace it every time I change the recoil spring now.
It may be about time for a barrel soon, most of the 70K rounds were in USPSA where I might run 30 thru it in 30 seconds (some times less than 30 secs, sometimes more if I am having one of those days)
Gun #2 has about a 1000 thru it, it is a spare in case anything happens to #1. (it might come off CAs stupid approved list so I bought a spare while I could just in case)