I just picked up a Springfield Armory GI pistol Serial number 175XX. This pistol was advertised by the seller as an "older" SA pistol bought "a few years back". This gun has the plain plastic type GI style grips instead of the current style pistols with the "U.S." stamped grips. I gave $435 shipped for this pistol, new in the box so I think I did ok.
I'm not sure exactly how old the pistol is, but it got me wondering. Is there a difference in quality between the current SA pistols and the guns of a few years back? I'm sure MIM and cast parts are common in a pistol of this price range, but is there a difference in quality of the guns made a few years ago versus what is currently produced? Is there any such thing as a "pre MIM" SA GI pistol?
I'm sure the internal parts of this pistol aren't the greatest since you can't expect much in a 1911 for 400 bucks, but I wanted a cheap beater to practice some amateur gunsmithing on and figured this gun was a good candidate.
Better to risk ruining a $400 beater than one of my Les Baers. 
Most of the guts on this gun are going to get replaced with Ed Brown stuff anyway.
Oh, almost forgot...
Are the frame holes in the SA drilled properly where a USGI hammer and safety will fit in these guns? If so, are there any good sources for quality USGI 1911 parts that are in good shape?
I'm not sure exactly how old the pistol is, but it got me wondering. Is there a difference in quality between the current SA pistols and the guns of a few years back? I'm sure MIM and cast parts are common in a pistol of this price range, but is there a difference in quality of the guns made a few years ago versus what is currently produced? Is there any such thing as a "pre MIM" SA GI pistol?
I'm sure the internal parts of this pistol aren't the greatest since you can't expect much in a 1911 for 400 bucks, but I wanted a cheap beater to practice some amateur gunsmithing on and figured this gun was a good candidate.
Better to risk ruining a $400 beater than one of my Les Baers. Most of the guts on this gun are going to get replaced with Ed Brown stuff anyway.Oh, almost forgot...
Are the frame holes in the SA drilled properly where a USGI hammer and safety will fit in these guns? If so, are there any good sources for quality USGI 1911 parts that are in good shape?
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