cratz2
Member
I've owned more Springfields than any other brand of 1911s and by a wide margin... I can count about nine or teen off the top of my head... Several MilSpecs, several Loadeds. Some in between. I've only had one that had significant problems and one other that had a funky safety/hammer drop deal that died. Other than that, I've had very good success with Springfields.
I do agree with dsk on the matter of Springfields having a lot of production variances. I had a Stainless Loaded Target in 45 that was so well-fitted that I thought it was mismarked and was supposed to be a higher end gun. I had a Stainless Target Loaded in 9mm that had a serial number that was (I think) only 40 away from the 45 and, while it was very reliable, it was in a completely different ballpark as far as slide to frame fit and accessories fitting. Like dsk, I am very picky when guying a brand NIB 1911... I want to handle all that are in the store and sometimes will even go store to store looking for the best example. If I don't find one that I like, I'll pass until a nicer one comes along.
But of the three 45 MilSpecs I've had, they were all generally good but not great. I still think the Springfield MilSpec is the best brand new budget 1911 going right now with the NRM Colt at $100 more.
I do agree with dsk on the matter of Springfields having a lot of production variances. I had a Stainless Loaded Target in 45 that was so well-fitted that I thought it was mismarked and was supposed to be a higher end gun. I had a Stainless Target Loaded in 9mm that had a serial number that was (I think) only 40 away from the 45 and, while it was very reliable, it was in a completely different ballpark as far as slide to frame fit and accessories fitting. Like dsk, I am very picky when guying a brand NIB 1911... I want to handle all that are in the store and sometimes will even go store to store looking for the best example. If I don't find one that I like, I'll pass until a nicer one comes along.
But of the three 45 MilSpecs I've had, they were all generally good but not great. I still think the Springfield MilSpec is the best brand new budget 1911 going right now with the NRM Colt at $100 more.
