New_geezer
Member
The GI is good, but if sights are important, get the Mil-Spec. I personally think the GI sights are usable and an important part of the classic shape/function, but I won't lie, they are not for everyone.
Don't buy a Springfield to modify because the Loaded is basically everything that people would do to it, but already done and for less money than modding a pistol. Modding a pistol to make it yours is nice, but not if you are strapped for cash.
Plus 1 here. I own and love my GI-45. It is an enjoyable gun to shoot but it is not a target pistol. The Mil-spec is kind of a compromise with better sights the main thing, and the loaded is well... loaded.
If basic is all you want the Rock Island Armory 1911's actually get pretty good reviews. No personal experience but many THR posters have given them thumbs up. Somewhere on THR I followed a link to a gun-mag article where a Kimber, RIA, and one other 1911 were put thru a real torture test (buried in mud, etc and then fired). The Rocks apparently held up as well as the more expensive makes.