Springfield: Loaded vs. Milspec

[pMcW]

Is the difference in fit, finish, and features in a Loaded appreciably better than a Milspec?

Background: I already own an older Springfield GI (and many other handguns).

Now I am looking for a somewhat nicer budget 1911 to go along with it. After falling into the "Kimber vs. Springfield death-spiral" for a while, I think I have decided to stay with Springfield. (OK, I haven't really decided yet... but the last thing I want to do is start yet another Kimber vs. Springfield thread here )

Anyway, I've read a lot of complaints about the Loaded's two-piece full-length guide rod, and I think I would like to get rid of that in favor of a GI guide rod and plug. (In case I only have one arm left and need to use my ammo can to operate the slide ) Anyway:

• Will it be plug-and-play to change out the guide rod for either a GI-length guide rod or different style of guide rod, or does that required fitting by a gunsmith?
• After I do that, am I still getting a better gun than if I got a Mil-spec? (Not counting the night sights--although I do really want those), is the Loaded still going to be better than the Mil-spec in terms of fit and finish?

Your thoughts?

[Ed_Hazard]

Is the difference in fit, finish, and features in a Loaded appreciably better than a Milspec?

Yes

Background: I already own an older Springfield GI (and many other handguns).

Now I am looking for a somewhat nicer budget 1911 to go along with it. After falling into the "Kimber vs. Springfield death-spiral" for a while, I think I have decided to stay with Springfield. (OK, I haven't really decided yet... but the last thing I want to do is start yet another Kimber vs. Springfield thread here )

Anyway, I've read a lot of complaints about the Loaded's two-piece full-length guide rod, and I think I would like to get rid of that in favor of a GI guide rod and plug. (In case I only have one arm left and need to use my ammo can to operate the slide ) Anyway:

• Will it be plug-and-play to change out the guide rod for either a GI-length guide rod or different style of guide rod, or does that required fitting by a gunsmith?
  
  Depending on the quality of the replacement, it should be a drop in exchange, no GS needed.
  
  
• After I do that, am I still getting a better gun than if I got a Mil-spec? (Not counting the night sights--although I do really want those), is the Loaded still going to be better than the Mil-spec in terms of fit and finish?
  
  IMHO yes the guns overall fit/finish is appreciably better. You'll notice the slide/frame fit is better and such. The sights alone area massive improvement.

Your thoughts?

I own a bunch of SA 1911's and the only one I would never consider selling is my older (pre ambi-safety) Loaded in SS. I like it more than my champions and even more than my TRP's and Operators.

[swrdply400mrelay]

Anyone know any places online that have the best price on the Loaded or Mil Spec?

[whipkiller]

Is the difference in fit, finish, and features in a Loaded appreciably better than a Milspec?

Background: I already own an older Springfield GI (and many other handguns).

Now I am looking for a somewhat nicer budget 1911 to go along with it. After falling into the "Kimber vs. Springfield death-spiral" for a while, I think I have decided to stay with Springfield. (OK, I haven't really decided yet... but the last thing I want to do is start yet another Kimber vs. Springfield thread here )

Anyway, I've read a lot of complaints about the Loaded's two-piece full-length guide rod, and I think I would like to get rid of that in favor of a GI guide rod and plug. (In case I only have one arm left and need to use my ammo can to operate the slide ) Anyway:

• Will it be plug-and-play to change out the guide rod for either a GI-length guide rod or different style of guide rod, or does that required fitting by a gunsmith?
• After I do that, am I still getting a better gun than if I got a Mil-spec? (Not counting the night sights--although I do really want those), is the Loaded still going to be better than the Mil-spec in terms of fit and finish?

Your thoughts?

What exactly are those complaints? (I may be putting a Loaded on layaway tomorrow.) This will be my first 1911 and don't know what's hot and what's not.

I've been looking online and it seems nobody has stock. Is $899 a decent price in a brick and mortar retailer?

[tacticalcity]

The loadeds have some nice features that come standard with them. I went down the Kimber root myself, but only because I found an incredible deal on a Kimber Custom II on Gunbroker.com. I don't have any particular brand loyalty at this point. Maybe Kimber will earn it, maybe not. If I found an amazing deal on a Springfield I would buy it in heart a beat. The main thing I would NOT do is pay extra for something just because it was a Kimber or a Springfield if I could get the equivelent gun for say $200-300 cheaper from the other brand. Not that I think price is the most important factor, it is just that in this economy there are lot of really great deals out there if you patient enough to look for them. Enjoy.

[tuna quesadilla]

What exactly are those complaints? (I may be putting a Loaded on layaway tomorrow.) This will be my first 1911 and don't know what's hot and what's not.

I've been looking online and it seems nobody has stock. Is $899 a decent price in a brick and mortar retailer?

Nothing you need to worry about. The complaints are generally one of two things:

a) People who are angry that it deviates from the original design that John Browning intended (yeah, I know... )
b) People who are angry that it complicates field stripping (it does add a few extra steps vs a regular 1911)

I owned a Loaded and ultimately the full length guide rod did not cause any problems for me.

As for your price question, I got my Loaded online from Bud's Gun Shop for about $760 if I recall correctly. You can do better than $899.

[MA2]

What exactly are those complaints?

^ + sometimes the 2-piece unscrew themselves.
Not a huge issue, more than likely you will see it sticking out before it falls off (if it happens).
Replacing it with a 1-piece or gi plug is pretty much field stripping, should be a drop in part.

1911 first timers...don't forget to tape (blue painters tape recommended) your slide and frame upon slide stop installation, to not have an idiot scratch

[Mr. Meeseeks]

I had a Loaded V12 bull barrel, originally after reading all the complaints about the 2 piece guide rods, written by the 1911 purists, I replaced it for a standard GI rod. Since, I never had an issue with the 2 piece unscrewing and found the extra weight beneficial, I put it back in.

The full length rods do make break down a little more tricky, but not too much. Also, a good way to keep it from unscrewing is to simply keep the threads dry and free of any lube. YMMV

[Q619]

Is the difference in fit, finish, and features in a Loaded appreciably better than a Milspec?

Background: I already own an older Springfield GI (and many other handguns).

Now I am looking for a somewhat nicer budget 1911 to go along with it. After falling into the "Kimber vs. Springfield death-spiral" for a while, I think I have decided to stay with Springfield. (OK, I haven't really decided yet... but the last thing I want to do is start yet another Kimber vs. Springfield thread here )

Anyway, I've read a lot of complaints about the Loaded's two-piece full-length guide rod, and I think I would like to get rid of that in favor of a GI guide rod and plug. (In case I only have one arm left and need to use my ammo can to operate the slide ) Anyway:

• Will it be plug-and-play to change out the guide rod for either a GI-length guide rod or different style of guide rod, or does that required fitting by a gunsmith?
• After I do that, am I still getting a better gun than if I got a Mil-spec? (Not counting the night sights--although I do really want those), is the Loaded still going to be better than the Mil-spec in terms of fit and finish?

Your thoughts?

The sights are much better on the Loaded as they're Novaks...or Novak style...can't remember. It definitely has some nice features on it. It's really up to you whether they're worth it to you. You could always get the Mil Spec and upgrade it with the Springer Custom Shop....though it's cheaper to get what you want from the start. The beavertail safety is nice too. You can get a higher grip. It's all in what you want. Personally I don't like ambi safeties or full legnth guide rods. The FLGR's are a solution to a problem that never existed and are really just a gimmick. Good sights are important and the high ride beavertail safety is important feature wise.

Personally, I'm about to buy a Mil Spec but it's because I want a gun that's pretty close to being true to the old WWII 1911's. I already have my performer in my Les Baer TRS. I'm going to upgrade the gun over time and have it on par with the finest customs but be in the spirit of the original design with that retro look.

The only difference you'll see in regards to fit and finish in the sub $1k Springfields is when you compare one made in Imbel to one made in the US. The US made gun had the raw forgings from Imbel same as all the others but was finished in the US and IMO is of better fit/finish though you'll most likely not have ANY trouble with an Imbel gun. Hell, most of it might even be in my head

[whipkiller]

Nothing you need to worry about. The complaints are generally one of two things:

a) People who are angry that it deviates from the original design that John Browning intended (yeah, I know... )
b) People who are angry that it complicates field stripping (it does add a few extra steps vs a regular 1911)

I owned a Loaded and ultimately the full length guide rod did not cause any problems for me.

As for your price question, I got my Loaded online from Bud's Gun Shop for about $760 if I recall correctly. You can do better than $899.

When you got your's from Bud's, did they have stock or did you "Reserve Item" and wait?

They haven't had stock for awhile, and I'm not sure if I want to deposit and hope they get them.

Is is normal that they're out of stock?

[DArBad]

Is the difference in fit, finish, and features in a Loaded appreciably better than a Milspec?

Background: I already own an older Springfield GI (and many other handguns).

Now I am looking for a somewhat nicer budget 1911 to go along with it. After falling into the "Kimber vs. Springfield death-spiral" for a while, I think I have decided to stay with Springfield. (OK, I haven't really decided yet... but the last thing I want to do is start yet another Kimber vs. Springfield thread here )

Anyway, I've read a lot of complaints about the Loaded's two-piece full-length guide rod, and I think I would like to get rid of that in favor of a GI guide rod and plug. (In case I only have one arm left and need to use my ammo can to operate the slide ) Anyway:

• Will it be plug-and-play to change out the guide rod for either a GI-length guide rod or different style of guide rod, or does that required fitting by a gunsmith?
• After I do that, am I still getting a better gun than if I got a Mil-spec? (Not counting the night sights--although I do really want those), is the Loaded still going to be better than the Mil-spec in terms of fit and finish?

Your thoughts?

Fit and finish are equal from my experience. I had to get rid of my stainless loaded because; 1) the beavertail hump - which is very pronounce is digging into my palm and after barely 50 rnds I get a painful bruise. 2) the cocking serrations are too sharp for my liking.

As to the FLGR, you may either change to a one-piece FLGR or to the GI (short guide rod) set up. Either way those are just drop-in propositions.

I kept my Standard Model and the Mil-spec Springfields. Both are more comfortable for me to shoot. YMMV.

[pMcW]

Nothing you need to worry about. The complaints are generally one of two things:

a) People who are angry that it deviates from the original design that John Browning intended (yeah, I know... )
b) People who are angry that it complicates field stripping (it does add a few extra steps vs a regular 1911)

I owned a Loaded and ultimately the full length guide rod did not cause any problems for me.

I mostly fall into the "b)" school. Although, I also just don't like the look of the front of the Springfield two-piece FLGR. I also might try a one-piece FLGR instead...

As for your price question, I got my Loaded online from Bud's Gun Shop for about $760 if I recall correctly. You can do better than $899.

Ugh, that's discouraging. I was looking at one for $899 too (maybe at the same place?) I haven't seen many better deals out there though. I can't seem to find anything available in or in stock online. Bud's never seems to have many 1911s in stock anyway.

[whipkiller]

I mostly fall into the "b)" school. Although, I also just don't like the look of the front of the Springfield two-piece FLGR. I also might try a one-piece FLGR instead...



Ugh, that's discouraging. I was looking at one for $899 too (maybe at the same place?) I haven't seen many better deals out there though. I can't seem to find anything available in or in stock online. Bud's never seems to have many 1911s in stock anyway.

Well, unless it ships free (some do, some want $20-$30) and then add the FFL Transfer fee I figure it's a $50-$60 difference, give or take.

I know online is cheaper, I was actually asking if $899 is a decent price for an actual park-your-car-out-front and walk-in-to-a-building store.

Anybody?

[jptopz]

I have a Kimber compact ,Sig GSR, and a Springfield loaded SS. The Springfield is my least favorite of the three it is a nice pistol, but compaired to the two the trigger sucks and it is just does not have a very smooth sycle. Kinda gritty even after a good cleaning and lube. I haven't given up on it I plain on doing a trigger job on it and hopefully it will smooth out over time.
As far as the full length rod I swaped it out with a stock one no problem.

[1911Luvr]

I have two Loadeds and love them both. The triggers are hit and miss out of the box (as they have been with every sub $1500 1911 I've felt), but since the first thing I do is take them to Will O'Hara for a trigger job it doesn't much matter to me. As for the Imbel vs Geneseo debate, I have one of each and there is hardly a difference. Admittedly I like the idea of the Geneseo (U.S. finished) gun better because of the little bit of gun snob in me, but I really can't say one is better than the other. As for FLGRs, it has never been an issue as long as I keep the hex wrench in my range bag.

Overall, I think the Loaded models give you the absolute best bang for the buck in terms of features and quality when compared to anything else. You can spend a whole lot more and be perhaps a little bit happier, but I have yet to meet anyone that after firing mine did not love it!