^ Thanks for the explanations. If you look at the handguns I own, you can tell that I’m into no-nonsense WEAPONS that function flawlessly. I’m not a “kitchen table” gunsmith nor do I wish to become one. I learn how to field strip, clean, and reassemble my guns in a quick and efficient manner. I do not, however, detail strip my guns or tinker with their inner workings. My rules for buying weapons:
1. Must be 100%-99% reliable for its intended purpose. For my Glock, my Kahr, and now my new XD-45 that means near FLAWLESS operation with both FMJ and Hollow Point defense ammo. For my Ruger, it means absolute 100% reliability as well, with the cylinder never locking up or binding.
For a 1911 the rules are a bit different. Because the weapon is not designed for JHPs, I take them out of the equation. I only expect near 100% reliability from FMJ.
2. Form MUST follow function. If it looks pretty but isn’t reliable it goes on the scrapheap. I don’t have any room in my life for unreliable range or safe queens.
3. Must be affordable and easy to field strip and maintain.
I got rid of my Kimber Custom II because it was UNRELIABLE, even with FMJ and scores of different mags. I love the 1911 pattern, but I sold the Kimber off and bought my XD with the profits. I told myself that if I ever bought a 1911 again, it would be the traditional, 1911-A1 true weapon without all the garbage that seems to muck things up.
The Springfield GI has several things that make it NOT an original style 1911-A1. I think I’ll just have to put my 1911 plans on indefinite hold until I can buy a real period Colt.