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[Foriegn power]

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[j1133s]

Hey all I have this thought floating around and wanted to ask the experts in 1911's; is the Springfield 1911 model GI and Mil Spec equivalent to a $159.99 high point in the 1911 field? Meaning, am I buying a piece of metal that I cannot trust my life to because it will jam when I may need it most? Or since it's such a base model I must absolutely modify it or do some 'update' changes to make it function and form? Or is the model GI and Mil Spec a mighty contender and appeals for the first time 1911 buyer? The reason is, my birthday is coming around and for the past years, I've been buying a pistol around my birthday time as a present to myself. If i buy a 1911 most likely Mil Spec will I have a bad range time during my birthday with my Mil Spec? And be hitting my head for not spending another $200-300 for a higher end 1911? Fill me in on what you think.

Even the GI model is not even close to a hi-point.. it is way better than a hi-point. As with any guns, you have to break it in and possibly tune it a bit for 100% functionality; I have no doubt that this can be done to the GI model. OTOH, I think a hi-point may need a replacemnt under warranty once it's broken in... so you'll never have a reliable one of those

I've shot a GI model. Straight out of the box, it did not jam. Although its sights were slightly to the left. I did tell the owner that I think the sights were points more left.. (we were shooting FMJ RN bullets... the GI may have some issues w/ HP, but shouldn't be a big deal to fix.)

[nn3453]

The lower end Springfield models are designed to feed what the original design was designed to feed. 230gr ball (FMJ) ammo. They will need some break in and may need some amount of feed ramp work to be utterly reliable, but if you feed factory 230gr FMJ ammo, you should not have problems.

[TMC]

I have many 1911's including a Springfield GI. The only difference between the GI/Mil-Spec and the higher end models in the cosmetics and controls. The slide/frame fit and barrel fit are all the same and its these relationships that determine how a 1911 functions. The safeties, sights, trigger and grips have nothing to do with how it feeds, functions and how accurate it can be. Sure a good trigger and sights will help you the shooter but where the gun shot from a fixture its the slide/frame and barrel fit that determine how well it works.

The first day out with my GI it shot all the various ammo I had, reloads, factory, friends reloads and with SA mags, Chip McCormick mags, mystery mags, they all worked. If you get a Mil-Spec or GI you'll have a solid platform that can be customized later if you wish to just about any level you're wallet take

[sevensix2x51]

my opinion is not the end-all be-all by any stretch, but i figure ill post anyways. i owned a springfield GI 1911 for a couple years, and it was a pretty good pistol. it functioned flawlessly with ball ammo, and it was fun to shoot. it is fairly accurate, not as accurate as my kimber is now, but t did ok, considering how tiny the sights were on it. a couple problems i had were one- the pistol did not feed semi-wadcutters. which is to be expected from a base model 1911. the feed ramp isnt built for it. the only other problem i had is that the gi grip safety is small, and the hammer would pinch the web of my hand. that is the reason higher end 1911s have the nice beavertail safety. i think for the price difference, a kimber is well worth the extra money. if you can save a bit for a kimber or the like, you will have a handgun for life. i found mine used for ~$600.
ive never shot a hipoint, so i have no frame of reference to that. but i did like the GI 1911 more than my glock 21, it just made me smile a bit more. fwiw.

[Black Majik]

The base model Springfield GI and Milspec models are just as capable as the more expensive 1911s, they just don't have the bells and whistles the more expensive models do. In no way should the plain jane Springfields be compared against a hi-point.

If I was going to spend the absolute minimum on a 1911, it would be the Springfield GI.

[kellito]

No 1911 that I know of, of 1911 types a llama minimax .45 would be the closest I think. No first hand experience though.

[kmca]

I've got the Springfield GI and it fed semi-wadcutters right out of the box. Since then, I've mad a few mods. If I were to do it again, I'd be looking at a RIA Tactical.

[lmudave]

I had a Springfield GI 1911 and it was an excellent gun, never once had any problems with it. It was accurate, solidly built, felt great in the hand. Really got me into 1911's and I ended up selling it and upgrading a bit to a Kimber. The Kimber is a bit tigher and slightly more accurate, but for a bare bones 1911 the GI is really excellent. The Milspec is even a bit nicer.

[TMC]

which is to be expected from a base model 1911. the feed ramp isnt built for it.

I'm sure Springfield cuts the feed ramp the same on all of its pistols. I know some ramps are more polished than others but they are all cut the same way.

[vta]

if you are thinking the GI is the highpoint of 1911s, don't buy it. i dont want to be the blame if you for whatever reason don't like it. I on the other hand had no issues with my SA 1911 GIs.

I wouldn't trust my life on any gun fresh out of the box except maybe a pump shotgun. even my glocks goes through at least a 500-round break-in before they are bed-side ready.

[Foriegn power]

Great responses, glad I didn't get a fighting match. I am highly considering a Mil Spec.

[Kodemonkey]

drider: If you find one, good luck. I had a Milspec on order for about a month before I gave up and ordered something else (HK USP 9mm). You might have to wait a while for it. I was afraid that it was going to fall off the roster in Feb 2011 before I had a chance to get my hands on one. Springfield will probably renew, but you never know.

I did a lot of research and they had one of the best customer service and warranties out there. That is why I ordered a milspec.

[BluNorthern]

I've never for a minute regretted buying my Mil Spec, I doubt you would either. I've added some higher quality internals through the years, but that's just an illness I have, the gun shot fine out of the box. You might consider some Wilson mags, otherwise I think you'll be fine for your first 1911.

[Tanner68]

And be hitting my head for not spending another $200-300 for a higher end 1911? Fill me in on what you think.

If you want a gun that is more reminiscent of something once carried by our soldiers, you will be well served by the GI or MilSpec. And get the MilSpec because of the better sights. If you don't care as much for the WWII heritage it evokes, then spending the extra money for a loaded model would be worth it.