Would like info on Springfield 1911 A1

[glock4me]

Hello everyone,
I have to say that I'm new to the forum, but not new to guns. The only handgun I own is a Glock 22 which I've had about six years. You can say that I'm now really getting the itch again and want to get a new handgun for conceal carry. I've been looking around and I can't seem to get the "Springfield 1911 A1 Ultra Compact Stainless" out of my head. The thing is, this is around $950 and I don't know if this is the best investment to get, to have for conceal carry. Of course the other reason I want it is for the wow factor, when showing it to selective friends. I mean you don't want everybody to know you have a $1000 gun around. Any ideas on what to do? Thanks.

 

[TheFrontRange]

I would say if that Springfield is calling your name, and you have the $$ in hand for it (and hopefully for some good leather, magazines, etc. since you mention its use will be concealed carry), then go for it. And exercise as much discretion with those you know about your weapons-carrying as you need to, whether your favorite piece cost $95 or $950.

For what it's worth, I carry a full-size Springfield 1911A1 "Loaded" model and love it!

 

[glock4me]

Thanks for the advice. I just can't get this gun out of my head. I will say that after a little more time pondering it, this will be my purchase. I just don't want to wish I had bought two guns instead of one.:banghead: Also what would you say is a good comfortable and accessable place to conceal? I was thinking about a inside the pants holster, but I also would like a ankle holster. Thanks again for the help.

 

[marklbucla]

You might want to check around on that price; it seems kinda high.

If this is for concealed carry, you might want to consider going even smaller. STI has a LS9 that is pretty much a 1911 that would be even easier to conceal.

 

[MarineTech]

One thing you're going to want to consider is that micro or reduced size 1911's have a tendency to be less reliable and/or unforgiving of sloppy gun habits. Search the forum and you'll see quite a few reports of issues with shortened 1911s (Yes, I know many run fine, but the percentage of failure with short 1911s is much higher than with full sized guns). With the mindset that reliability is paramount in a carry gun, you might want to look for a different choice. If you're an average to large individual, I'd seriously suggest you look into a full sized 1911. They are very concealable with the right holster choice. If a chopped 1911 is going to be your final choice, I wouldn't suggest anything shorter that a Commander/Champion length gun. Seems that the guns with less than 4" barrels are the worst offenders.

 

[tlend]

A man after my own heart. My first handgun was a glock 21 and shortly afterward I felt a similar itch. I bought a springfield micro compact stainless in the .45 and have been carrying it for the last year and a half. (its ever so much more concealable than that large double stacked glock). I get a fair amount of practice...in the neighborhood of 100 rounds/month. I'm very happy with the comfort of an IWB (inside the waistband)holster from Miltsparks out of Idaho. Accuracy is acceptable for a 3" auto and there certainly is something to be said for the "wow factor".

www.miltsparks.com

 

[Ala Dan]

I carry a Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II in a Kirkpatrick's Compact Undercover
rig, and thus far both gun and leather are above reproach~!

 

[Lennyjoe]

That's a pretty high price. I carry a 4" Kimber Pro Carry and my son just picked up a Springfield Mil-Spec for $525. If you want an entry level 1911 then take a hard look at the Mil-Spec. Plenty of room for upgrades from there.

 

[MS .45]

I bhave had the Springfield "mil-spec" 1911 for a little over a year with several thousand rounds through it. No problems. I am getting ready to begin upgrades on it. Springfields are well made and reliable in my experience. You will be happy with it.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Hello everyone,
I have to say that I'm new to the forum, but not new to guns. The only handgun I own is a Glock 22 which I've had about six years. You can say that I'm now really getting the itch again and want to get a new handgun for conceal carry. I've been looking around and I can't seem to get the "Springfield 1911 A1 Ultra Compact Stainless" out of my head. The thing is, this is around $950 and I don't know if this is the best investment to get, to have for conceal carry. Of course the other reason I want it is for the wow factor, when showing it to selective friends. I mean you don't want everybody to know you have a $1000 gun around. Any ideas on what to do? Thanks.

Springfield products are excellent. I have to warn you against the compact 1911s, though, as few of them are really reliable enough for self defense, and those that are require a lot of maintenance to keep them that way. Same goes for the lightweight models. The most trouble free and reliable 1911s are the all steel Commander length and Government Model, i.e., full length. Many people get the compact guns because they think they will carry and conceal better. The contrary is actually the case. It is much easier to carry and conceal a Commander or Government Model than a compact 1911. That's because of the increased stability the extra length provides. The shorter ones tend to bend outwards from top, placing pressure against your pelvis at the muzzle, and causing a print on your clothing near the gun's butt. The longer slide stabilizes the gun better, so it hugs evenly, eliminating printing and increasing comfort. With the right IWB holster, you will not notice the weight of the all steel Commander or Government Model sized Springfield 1911.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Thanks for the advice. I just can't get this gun out of my head. I will say that after a little more time pondering it, this will be my purchase. I just don't want to wish I had bought two guns instead of one.:banghead: Also what would you say is a good comfortable and accessable place to conceal? I was thinking about a inside the pants holster, but I also would like a ankle holster. Thanks again for the help.

Carry it in an IWB made by Milt Sparks called the Versa Max II. Most comfortable position, and easiest to conceal, is at 4.30 or 5:00, if you are right handed, and corresponding positions on the other side if left handed.

 

[1911 guy]

Don't go too short.

The problem with concealing a handgun isn't the barrel length. The problem is thickness and the pistol butt. The 1911 is very thin, just over an inch. The butt conceals well for me at 4:30 - 5:00. Rear edge kinda slips into the small of my back. IWB or OWB is a personal choice based on mode of dress, I OWB. Ankle holsters probably wouldn't be a good idea, but then again, I've never tried with my full size 1911's. I don't own any compacts.

 

[Old Dog]

The Ultras are nice pistols, however, as noted, that price is high. You should be able to find this model for 75-100 bucks less.

I'm a big an of Springfield Armory. Never had a bad 1911 from 'em -- and I'm going on ten from that maker.

As TheRealHawkeye points out, a Commander-length (4-incher) conceals easily on even an average size or smaller man ... But, in defense of the ultras and the micros -- the recent production models of these from Springfield don't seem to be having the problems marked by the first few runs. I've got a two-year-old LW Loaded Micro-Compact (the 3-incher as opposed to the Ultra's 3.5 inch barrel) that's flawless.

With the 3 and 3.5 inchers, a firm grip is the key; these are not forgiving pistols for the shooter with sloppy technique. Accuracy from the shorter barrels can be remarkable (though I would not expect this). My Micro is one of the most accurate 1911s I own; it will outshoot (to 15 yards) some of my much more expensive full size 1911s.

Agree with TRH on the VM-II. Possibly the best IWB made, and a natural for any sized 1911. By the way, it's my opinion that the Ultras and Micros DO conceal even better than the 4 and 5 inch models (my Micro positively disappears). However, I still prefer the Commander sized 1911s (4 to 4.25 inchers).

 

[glock4me]

Just wanted to say thanks for the advice. I'm going to a local gunstore today and hopefully they will have a few models for me to check out to further help my decision. If not, I guess I'll try to find a compact somewhere to get my hands on. I have not shot one before and have only played with the full size one. To be honest, after readinf a lot of these threads about 1911's, sounds like I will get the fever again soon after I purchase one. Be safe.

 

[ArmedBear]

I mean you don't want everybody to know you have a $1000 gun around. Any ideas on what to do? Thanks.

A Glock is a good tool with which to defend the Springfield.

 

[glock4me]

Well I went out to one of the nearest gun stores which is actually the next county away. I was told about it by acquaintances in my conceal carry class. I walk in and this guy, I guess owner/manger maybe said, "We're closed, the sign is on the door!. " So I walked out and looked to make sure I didn't overlook the sign. Well I didn't, but it was taped in the window next to advertisements and such. It wasn't like it was a huge sign, it was on copy paper.

Anyway, I just had my hopes up on getting to see one today. Instead I got attitude by someone who I don't think cares about the buisness. There are more gun shops around and I will just have to find one another day.

 

[ajax]

Overpriced

The price you quoted for that pistol seems fairly high. It sounds more like the MSRP. Definitly look around at other shops. I just bought a ultra compact SA V10 and paid substantually less than the one your looking at. By the way I woundn't worry to much about reliability with the Micro's or ultra's because as Old Dog said the quality of those particular firearms has gotten much better in recent years. They do seem a little finicky about certain ammo though. Hope get what your lookin for.

 

[George S.]

Are you looking at this one?? http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-uc.shtml ?? The $952 is the MSRP and most shops should be well under that price.

My favorite shop has it for $699. East County Guns in Elma, WA is a great place to deal. The owner advertises on GunBrokers and you should be able to get this pistol for not much more even with shipping to a FFL in your area (and probably not the one you went to visit!)

 

[glock4me]

Yep, that's the gun and the msrp price is what I was going buy since I have not asked a dealer about it yet. I didn't realize you could get it that much cheaper than msrp. That's great! I guess the rest of the cash will go for a nice inside the pants holster and lots of ammo!

 

[IndianaDean]

3 inch 1911s are just as reliable as any if you take care of them. The percentages of small ones that develop problems aren't that different from the percentages of 5 inch models that develop problems. Don't listen to the talk about them being unreliable. They do require some more care. But they'll serve you just as well as the full sizes. If you want the Springfield you mention, go for it. The comments that they in general are unreliable are in my opinion per nonsense. I had a Springfield GI compact, and it was just as reliable as the full size 1911s. It was just too heavy for me to carry, so I traded it.