Springfield Mil-Spec vs. "Loaded"

[hrb02]

Can someone help me? I want to get a basic mil-spec so I can start learning how to work on 1911's. (e.g. trigger, beavertail, hammer/sear, barrel, etc.).

I was told by the guy at my local shop that the two options were a mil spec "loaded" (upgraded trigger, barrel, hammer/sear--thus defeating my purpose) and a GI. From what I understand there is a basic mil spec that is not "loaded". Is that true?

I thought the options were:

Mil Spec Loaded
Mil Spec
GI 45

Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[HighVelocity]

Here you go, all the Springfield 1911 models that are currently being made.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911.shtml

 

[stealthmode]

if you want a bare bones springer get the GI 45. i believe the only difference between the GI mil-spec and the loaded mil-spec is the lowered ejection port, grips, and the sights. it is a little cheaper than the regular mil-spec and comes in a cardboard box instead of a plastic case.

 

[Seraph]

There is no Mil Spec Loaded.
There is a Loaded.
There is a Mil Spec.
There is a GI.

The Loaded has a beavertail grip safety, 3-hole trig, Commander-ish hammer, Novak fixed or Bomar style adjustable sights, and a full-length guide rod.

The Loaded, the Mil Spec, and the GI all have the same sear, and often the same barrel. (I've seen Mil Specs, including mine, that have the 1-piece stainless barrel some Loadeds have, and I have also seen Loadeds that have the same 2-piece barrel most of the Mil Specs, and all of the GI's have.)

The Mil Spec and the GI have the same trigger, sear, hammer, grip safety, recoil spring guide and plug. The Mil Spec has a lowered and flared ejection port, slanted cocking serrations on the slide (but still rear only), a magwell bevel, and 3-dot sights. The GI is the most basic model offered by Springfield, though it's not proper to consider it a WWII era M1911A1 replica, as many do.

Hope that helps.

 

[glocker1911]

What Seraph said. If you just want a basic pistol, the GI is probbably the way to go. But for a nice 1911 with a lot of features, the "loaded" pistols are hard to beat for their price. IMHO, Springfield makes the best non custom 1911s out there today. As far as that goes, I would put my TRP Operator up against most custom 1911s. It is that nice.

 

[nico]

if you want a gun to modify, I'd go with the Mil Spec (not the GI model). About the only difference is that it has better sights and a lowered ejection port. If you bought a GI model and wanted either of these modifications done, it'd cost MUCH more than the difference in price between the two models. DelayedReaction built up his Mil Spec and is very happy with it.

 

[hrb02]

Thanks all for the info. Very helpful.

Think I'm going to go with the Mil Spec...now off to the Brownell's catalog