Wish came true

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LAFLA

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I have owned quite a few handguns but have been limited to 9mm, 38 spl, .357 magnum, .22lr and recently a .380 acp. Lately I've wanted a .45 acp 1911 and have become intrigued with getting a Springfield GI plain parkerized no frills model which I can get locally for about $500. I want a back to the roots 1911 but want a good one that I can shoot and I don't really want an authentic Colt, Singer, Remington, or Ithaca, actually made in the 1940s (since I'd be tempted not to shoot them). Well, ever since I took my 79 y/o father and former Marine shooting, he has wanted to buy me one and for my birthday, gave me a gift card for $1000 to a local gun shop that can order anything I want. Knowing that I have a thing for the original shooters from WWII but also want a good, accurate gun, what would be your recommendations? I'd like to maybe have a little something left over to buy ammunition.
 
I am not a particularly big fan of bone-stock 1911's, mainly because my big fat hands get snakebit regularly with them and also because virtually any aftermarket set of sights is superior to the OEM, but there is something undeniably cool about them. It sounds to me like the Springfield GI would be right up your alley.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=1

If you want a slightly upgraded version (good sights being the major upgrade), then I would go with the Springfield Mil-Spec.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=7

I think either one would fit what you want to a T, and both should be well under $1000 (well, you already know the GI is), the balance of which I would spend on ammo. If it were me, the mil-spec would be my choice, if for no other reason than the sights, but thats just my taste. I included links to both so you could compare the two a little easier...
 
At 1000 (or less):

Springfield Gi/Mil Spec/Loaded
Dan Wesson
Kimber
SIG
S&W
Colt

Honestly if you're going to get a traditional 1911a1 style, you can't go wrong with the ~500 deal for that GI but if you plan on using the gun as a shooter more than a wall hanger, I would suggest looking into the loaded or another similar gun that has had modern improvements such as a beveled mag well, beavertail safety, Bomar/Novak sights and stainless steel/modern finish.

Still, there is something to be said for buying a bare bones 1911 and having it customized to your desires.
 
+1 on the SA loaded model. has polished feed ramp and throated barrel.

or maybe a colt commander series 70 in blue off of gunbroker.com.
 
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Honestly if you're going to get a traditional 1911a1 style, you can't go wrong with the ~500 deal for that GI but if you plan on using the gun as a shooter more than a wall hanger, I would suggest looking into the loaded or another similar gun that has had modern improvements such as a beveled mag well, beavertail safety, Bomar/Novak sights and stainless steel/modern finish.
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Eh, people shot stock 1911's for a long time before all the current mods came about. I get the impression that he is looking for something that is accurate to the design, not something hot-rodded. I almost didn't even recommend the Mil-Spec for that very reason, though it really isn't hot-rodded so much as mildly improved. Still, there isn't a reason in the world that he couldn't take a GI and shoot it until the cows come home. For that matter, my Dad has a bona-fide US Government issue 1911 from around 1964 and he has ran thousands of rounds out of it, to include a hundred rounds of Wolf just last month.

One word of caution: If you plan on shooting hollow-points, the unpolished feed ramp on the GI and on any original military version may give you fits, hence the reason that the feed-ramp and throat are polished on the mil-spec.
 
If you want a GI-look and some money left over for ammo, take a look at the RIA. If you want better sights and creature comforts that don't depart too radically from the GI-look try to find an RIA Tactical -- Springer "loaded" features at a bit under SA GI prices.

These are outstanding guns for the money.

www.1911forum.org has an Armscor/RIA forum where you can find lots of happy owners and talk to the factory reps.

--wally.
 
+1 for Mil Spec

Have to say the Mil Spec is the best choice, I have one and really love it. I don't think you can go wrong with the Mil Spec, it is so very close to the original that only the trained eye could spot the differences. I absolutely love mine, it has been boringly reliable (if that is a negative? :rolleyes:) mine is the stainless steel version and I really love it. Nice thing about the SS is finish is much more forgiving then the blued versions, I recently managed to set some fine scratches on mine and I was able to use some very fine grit auto body sand paper (800-1000 grit) to remove the scratches and it looks like new.

If you get the opinion I love my Mil Spec... I do :neener:

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck and have fun shooting whatever you chose!
 
If you want a GI-look and some money left over for ammo, take a look at the RIA. If you want better sights and creature comforts that don't depart too radically from the GI-look try to find an RIA Tactical -- Springer "loaded" features at a bit under SA GI prices.
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Darn it, I forgot about Rock Island Armory (RIA). I actually have shot a couple of basic RIA pistols, and they were pretty good. Occasionally you will see people deride them for being a product of the Phillipines, but I think thats just elitism more than any constructive criticism.
 
I am not a big fan of the true originals. GREAT gun imho, but tech. has improved.

I myself am looking at one that includes dove tail Night Sights, a beaver tail to prevent pinch, ambi. thumb safety. Granted the models I have been looking at also have the safty feature on the back of the grip, which I am not fond of, but meh.

basically, I would maybe suggest looking at something with the beaver tail, and thumb safety on it at least.

The gun I am prolly gonna get is a Taurus PT1911, runs about 650 at the local store, havent priced it up elsewhere, that would leave you plenty of money for a holster, tons of ammo, any other customization you may want to do (reblueing, engraving, grips, etc....I personally like the look of a completely smooth slide, w/o the manufacturer's markings all over it)
 
My dad loves my Colt so much, I may accidentally leave it behind when I move to DC next year. I will get it back later and it will have done it's duty, since I prefer a canted grip and he likes the up n down grip. Not only that I like my FN9 best of all.
 
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