Springfield 1911A-1 GI

[chucksolo69]

The reason I bought my SA GI .45 is because of it's close proximity to the original GI issue gun. I have a Colt Govt. Model MK IV Series 70 that is tricked out and I wanted a gun as close to original as possible. The sights on the gun approximate the original GI sights. This is a niche gun. I can shoot my SA GI .45 just as well as my Colt. All it takes is practice and getting to know the gun. Yes, the sights are on the small side, but learn to use them properly and there is no problem. BTW, I paid $508.00 OTD for mine two years ago.

[csorin]

ones with the serial number starting with NM are forged in US.

This is wrong. All of Springfield's forgings, from their GI to the FBI's Pro, are made by IMBEL in Brazil. If the entire gun was more than 50% finished in Brazil, they'll mark it made in Brazil. Otherwise, it will be marked Geneseo, IL. Either way, the forgings all come from the same place. From my personal experience, the NM frames do tend to have better fit and finish.

As for the OP's question, the GI is an awesome base pistol. I had a WW serialized GI that I shot for over a year in its stock configuration. After shooting a bunch of IPDA, steel, and USPSA matches, and handling others' 1911's, it was sent to the Springfield Custom shop for modification.

The WW frame had some horrible machine markings inside, and the custom shop chose to replace the frame with a NM unit free of charge. The replacement frame, as stated above, had much better fit and finish. Springfield's work is top notch, and they warranty all of it.

If you don't care about vertical cocking serrations, I'd try to find a NM marked Mil-Spec. You'll get better sights, a bevelled mag well, and a lowered and flared ejection port. All these cost much more to get done by the custom shop. Now, some will recommend the Loaded. To me, the Loaded has a little too much to start off with. You might not like the sights, the front cocking serrations, or the three hole trigger. The Loaded is a bargain, but you'll be getting bargain quality fit and blending of the parts.

The 1911 was my first handgun. Like you, I dug the WWII look and it kept my Garand company. Once I got familiar with the platform and figured out what I wanted, I said the hell with keeping it a 1911A1 clone. It is now a much more functional pistol, and it's a custom to boot.