I am just starting my pistol collection and would like to buy a 1911 style pistol. I have decided that it will be a Springfield, but I can't decide if I will get the basic GI version or the Mil-Spec. Functionally, why is the Mil-Spec better? With no experience with these types of pistols I am not sure why I would need an extended beavertail grip or a larger ejection port. How do the changes effect function?
Why should I get a Springfield GI?
- Thread starter gofast
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The Springfield 1911s are fine pistols. With that said I would spend the extra money and get the Mil Spec, if it’s a choice between just those two. The Mil Spec has better sights and that is enough for me. I carry a Colt Government 1911 that has the old GI style sights on it, I can hit what I am aiming at but if it were not my father’s 1911 I'd have a new set of sights put on. The beveled mag well on the Mil Spec will aid in reload but it’s not a must. Practice with anything long enough and you will learn how best to run it. I think everyone should own a 1911 but then again I might be biased. Also if you are thinking of ever carrying this gun ditch the spur hammer for something more love handle friendly... mine is driving my need to get in shape.
Retro
Member
GI version ejects shell vertically, and sometimes it can land inside your shirt and burn you. Mil Spec ejection port is wider and hence it is more reliable and ejects shell sideways. GI version does not have the firing pin block. But I am not sure if the Mil Spec has that feature either? GO for the Mil Spec... unless you are interested in historic re-enactment.
benderx4
Member
You shouldn't! In my case, I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it. (And it kept hitting my forehead with spent casings.)
If nothing else, the sights of the Mil-Spec make it worth it as well as the lowered ejection port.
Personally, I upgraded to the "Loaded" version and was a happy camper. YMMV
Good luck with your purchase!
If nothing else, the sights of the Mil-Spec make it worth it as well as the lowered ejection port.
Personally, I upgraded to the "Loaded" version and was a happy camper. YMMV
Good luck with your purchase!
Taurus 617 CCW
Member
I own a mil-spec Springfield and I can tell you that the sights really are better, the ejection port is lowered so you get more positive ejection, and overall there is a little better craftsmanship put into it. I see it as a great gun to start a custom platform from. I changed out the trigger for a match trigger, put a set of hogue rubber wrap arounds on, and installed a single sided extended safety. It is my daily carry gun and I absolutely love it! Oh, by the way, if you're going to shoot hollowpoints (ie. self defense) you will want to upgrade magazines to something like Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick's.
Lookn4Brass
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Springfields...
Ditto on the above reasons. If you are only going to shoot the gun occasionally -and just a few magazines of ammo, maybe it won't matter, but if you try out different 1911 guns, the differences become very noticeable immediately. The last Springfield GI model that I handled had some very sharp edges on the gun -seemed like something that would really chew up your hands and a holster too if not corrected. It seems that the GI model would be something good to buy if you wanted a base model gun to do some customizing on - to work on yourself or send to a custom gunsmith, not to leave it the way it is. Not kidding.
I use an old Springfield 5" gun that I bought second-hand and put back in working condition. It's not cosmetically gorgeous, but it's my favorite pistol. Still has the cheap factory barrel, but will hit a 2" round metal gong every time at 10 yards, and will empy a full magazine into the size of the end of a coffee cup as fast as I can shoot it.
I've fired about 6,000 rounds through it after overhauling it. Runs like a sewing machine, and would be my choice if I had to defend my life with it.
Go with the Mil-Spec. Wait a couple more weeks and save the extra money to get it. The sights make a big difference for shot consistency, and yes, the size of the ejection port DOES affect where the brass goes. The beavertail you asked about - well, it really helps with shooter comfort and recoil control. ALOT. If you had to pay individually for the extra features that the Mil-Spec has over the GI, you would see why it's a better deal. Aftermarket parts are EXPENSIVE if you buy them later and have them fitted. I know. I used to be in business doing that.
Ditto on the above reasons. If you are only going to shoot the gun occasionally -and just a few magazines of ammo, maybe it won't matter, but if you try out different 1911 guns, the differences become very noticeable immediately. The last Springfield GI model that I handled had some very sharp edges on the gun -seemed like something that would really chew up your hands and a holster too if not corrected. It seems that the GI model would be something good to buy if you wanted a base model gun to do some customizing on - to work on yourself or send to a custom gunsmith, not to leave it the way it is. Not kidding.
I use an old Springfield 5" gun that I bought second-hand and put back in working condition. It's not cosmetically gorgeous, but it's my favorite pistol. Still has the cheap factory barrel, but will hit a 2" round metal gong every time at 10 yards, and will empy a full magazine into the size of the end of a coffee cup as fast as I can shoot it.
I've fired about 6,000 rounds through it after overhauling it. Runs like a sewing machine, and would be my choice if I had to defend my life with it.
Go with the Mil-Spec. Wait a couple more weeks and save the extra money to get it. The sights make a big difference for shot consistency, and yes, the size of the ejection port DOES affect where the brass goes. The beavertail you asked about - well, it really helps with shooter comfort and recoil control. ALOT. If you had to pay individually for the extra features that the Mil-Spec has over the GI, you would see why it's a better deal. Aftermarket parts are EXPENSIVE if you buy them later and have them fitted. I know. I used to be in business doing that.
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Quoheleth
Member
I got a deal on my GI and that's why I bought it. I like the sites, but the straight-up ejection does get exciting sometimes. That said, I haven't had an ejection problem since about round 400 or so. It also feeds LSWC without a hitch.
If I were buying new I might not have gone the GI route, but I'm happy with what I have. It shoots well, shoots where I aim, and does it every time.
Q
If I were buying new I might not have gone the GI route, but I'm happy with what I have. It shoots well, shoots where I aim, and does it every time.
Q
Thanks for all your responses. You all made points that I had not even considered. Sounds like the Mil-Spec is a lot better value for the money in terms of comfort and overall quality. Hmmmm...maybe I ought to check out the Loaded version. Now I see why 1911's can start to get expensive so quickly.
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