Springfield 1911 gi

[SocalShooterX]

Anyone know where to find one?
my local gun stores dont carry them as far as i know. I'm looking to get one to get started in the 1911 area. ideally i want the springfield trp but it's way outta my price range. anyone know how well the GIs work? accuracy, reliability, that kinda stuff? till know i've been only real familiar with polymer guns, mainly glocks and xds.
anyway, any input is helpful.

thanks in advance!


Ps (if anyone happens to be selling a springfield 1911 in los angeles area let me know)

[sorensen440]

I have a stainless GI and I would recommend getting the milspec instead

the sights on the GI suck

[Cokebottle]

I have a stainless GI and I would recommend getting the milspec instead

the sights on the GI suck

+1

GI is the basic, entry level clone of the original.
The Mil-Spec can be found at pawn shops for $650 or so and has the enlarged ejection port and better sights.

[SocalShooterX]

so the springfield mil spec?

[Cokebottle]

so the springfield mil spec?

I wouldn't look any lower than that.

Springfield Mil-spec or loaded, or on a lower budget (if you don't mind black), RIA Tactical.

The RIA might be the way to go if you aren't sure you like the 1911 platform (if you're used to shooting Glocks, you're going to fight the 1911 grip angle shooting at the floor).

If you don't like the 1911, or if you decide to upgrade to a better model, you can unload the RIA quickly since they are pretty rare, and last I heard, RIA is not accepting any new orders for the Tactical model to give them time to catch up on backorders.

[SocalShooterX]

RIA?

I've been shooting the glocks and Xds but have been very comfortable with a 1911 and been wanting to get one for a long time.

[CalNRA]

be aware that the GI is sometimes called the GI mil spec. Make sure you know the difference to avoid paying extra and still end up with a GI.

I shoot a GI model and I have no complaints, but I got it when it was only 450 a piece. The Mil Specs are better made for sure and I have seen some unbelievably well fitted Mil Spec samples.

[SocalShooterX]

be aware that the GI is sometimes called the GI mil spec. Make sure you know the difference to avoid paying extra and still end up with a GI.

What is the difference between the two?

[demo]

I'll just say it. you don't get much for your money on a 1911. a $600 1911 is more then likely not a very good weapon compared to other handguns in the same price range. BUT THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A HIGH QUALITY 1911, but expect to pay real money for a good 1911.

I have a springer GI. I like original WW2 stuff. so its my cup of tea. honestly, its not a very good gun. it took a long time to sort out most for the issues with the gun. its a Brazilian gun and the workmanship was spotty. flip a coin, you might get a good one, you might get crap. but the springer customer service is good.

I like the old military sights on the GI. but that is more a sense of nostalgia. most people cant use them very well. and if you are into tacticool type stuff, modern sight installation is not straight forward and will require milling, you'll pay $200+ for modern sights.

if you think you'll want modern sights, the Loaded version should be your minimum, because its already ready cut for low profile combat sights and a beaver tail.

[Cokebottle]

RIA?

Rock Island Armory. The basic RIA "GI" can be found for as little as $350, and the Tactical can be found in the high $400 range... IF you can find it.

I've been shooting the glocks and Xds but have been very comfortable with a 1911 and been wanting to get one for a long time.

Interesting that you "get along" with both the Glock and the XD.
The grip angle of the XD is comparable to the 1911, but the Glock grip angle has most 1911 shooters fighting to keep from aiming high.
That is also one of the issues that has caused such a divide between Glock and XD owners whether they realize it or not... one will feel more natural to some shooters, while the other will feel better to others, and not everyone can put their finger on it.

What is the difference between the two?

Basic GI is pretty much a clone of the 1924 and later 1911 and Colt Series 70.
The Milspec has an enlarged ejection port (probably 25% larger) with a tapered relief at the rear, and larger sights. It's pretty faithful to the Colt Series 80, though it retains the shorter trigger of the 1924-1979 Colt, while Colt went back to the 1911-1924 trigger on the Series 80.

The GI sights really suck.

When you move up to the Loaded, then you get into the extended beavertail that helps prevent "hammer bite" and a small bump at the bottom of the grip safety for more positive engagement. The trigger on the Loaded is also a bit longer (the pull is the same, it's just further forward, more like a DA), like the 1911-1924 and Series-80 Colts.

The RIA Tactical is like a "budget Loaded"... is has most of the features of the Loaded at about half the price (sights are more like a Milspec). The basic RIA is comparable to the GI.

[retired]

I'll just say it. you don't get much for your money on a 1911. a $600 1911 is more then likely not a very good weapon compared to other handguns in the same price range. BUT THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A HIGH QUALITY 1911, but expect to pay real money for a good 1911.

I have a springer GI. I like original WW2 stuff. so its my cup of tea. honestly, its not a very good gun. it took a long time to sort out most for the issues with the gun. its a Brazilian gun and the workmanship was spotty. flip a coin, you might get a good one, you might get crap. but the springer customer service is good.

I like the old military sights on the GI. but that is more a sense of nostalgia. most people cant use them very well. and if you are into tacticool type stuff, modern sight installation is not straight forward and will require milling, you'll pay $200+ for modern sights.

if you think you'll want modern sights, the Loaded version should be your minimum, because its already ready cut for low profile combat sights and a beaver tail.

That is certainly your opinion and you are of course, entitled to it. I just happen to disagree. I purchase a used SA Milspec about 2yrs. ago from a leo out of state who I didn't know other than we were both members of xdtalk.com.

He is a 1911 affectionado for the last 30yrs. or so and builds them also. I really like mine. The only thing different from stock are the grips, an extra match bushing and a TRP barrel from SA when the original one proved defective (that tells you lots about SA's CS).

The gun is GREAT and I've had not one problem with any ammo, even reloads.

[bob_e95482]

What Sorensen said. I had my Mil-Spec stolen, and replaced it with a SStl GI. I loved the trigger and sights on the Mil-Spec.

[CalNRA]

The Milspec has an enlarged ejection port (probably 25% larger) with a tapered relief at the rear, and larger sights. It's pretty faithful to the Colt Series 80, though it retains the shorter trigger of the 1924-1979 Colt, while Colt went back to the 1911-1924 trigger on the Series 80.
.

the Springfields don't use the firing pin block that the 80 series Colts are notorious for. The slide assembly of the Mil Spec is almost the same as the earlier Colt government model with the exception of the slanted rear cocking serration, sights and the ejection port.

The SA 1911s are, in design, much more faithful to the original 1911A1 design than the Colts are these days. It is however worth noting that SA does use a titanium firing pin and an integrated locking main spring housing.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

To the OP, I handled a RIA 1911 on tuesday at the Pasadena Turners. I'm not familiar with RIAs so I'm not exatclly sure which model it was. It had dovetailed combat sights, ambi safeties, commander style hammer and a beavertail safety for a little over $500.

I wasn't really interested in it, more so curious, but its crisp light trigger did impress me. Yet, still not my cup of tea, however if they're reliable and reasonably accurate it would make a pretty good shooter that you can really abuse.

In terms of the Springers, I too suggest to go with the Mil Spec over the GI Spec. I had a GI Spec a little over a year ago, and outside of the uber cool nostalgic look, it really lacks in performace (ie. accuracy & comfort). However it did feed both ball and JHP 230s reliably after I tensioned the extractor.

I know the 1911 bug is strong, only thing as bad is BRD, but if you wanna get into the 1911 game my advice is to be paitent, save up and buy a used Springfield Loaded, Kimber Custom II, or Entry Level Smith & Wesson 1911. It will save you money and frustration in the long run.

[n2k]

Turners has the SA 1911-A1 Loaded on sale this week...I would check that one out.

http://www.turners.com/engage/events_weeklyad.html