Springfield Online Store

[penciljockey]

I just wanted to express my lack of satisfaction when it comes to the Springfield online store for 1911 parts. I was looking at Kimber's store and theirs rocks!!!! What's up with Springfield? I would think they would make a killing selling upgrades for their 1911's. Kimber even sells grip safeties to their customers and I imagine depending on what pistol you have it should be a drop in part. I just want to swap out my mim parts for stainless. Is that too much to ask Springfield? The grip safety is the one part which is giving me the biggest headache and the thumb safety is some work too. Please Springfield sell your parts to your loyal customers.

[CK_32]

I think Springfield wants you to buy their options on their higher priced guns rather than buy a cheaper model and upgrade that way. Get their higher priced guns sold.

Kimber has lower priced 1911's and seem like they don't mind making their money that way..

Just seems like 2 different ideas of how to make better business and more money.

[penciljockey]

So basically SA is forcing people to buy their less expensive weapon without the options Kimber gives their customers?

[MA2]

Some parts, they will sell, only if they are fitted and installed by them.
If you do not see it on their site, more than likely its a part they do not sell.

There are other options, as most upgrade parts are not drop-in at all.

Oh, (not sure, not sure), but Springfield does not have any stainless parts, it's a spray on, stainless looking finish.

[penciljockey]

I did find some Springfield Stainless parts on Midway USA, but no safeties. I just don't get it.

[bombadillo]

Why does it have to be a springfield part. There are lots of better parts out there anyway. Instead of a springfield beavertail, I'd rather get an Ed Brown beavertail in the first place. Slide stop made by others are better. You can get all kinds of parts from ed brown, wilson combat, swenson, and tons others from Midway and Brownells. Just order from there if you want a quality part.

[penciljockey]

I realize that, but an Ed Brown grip safety is going to require
altering the frame and the grip safety to fit. Also the cost of the gunsmith and possibly shipping it out to have it done. Kimber just offers better options to their customers. I'm happy with my Springer, but I wish they would just sell parts.

[penciljockey]

I think they would sell more 1911's if they allowed their customers to upgrade their guns.

[penciljockey]

10 to 1 so far. I'd say that's a good indication Springfield could do better.

[BDH]

Why worry about SAI...there are more and better parts offered by a hundred different suppliers. If they don't sell safeties, it's probably a perceived liability issue. The 1911 and the AR share one thing...easy availability of parts.
Bruce

[InGrAM]

I realize that, but an Ed Brown grip safety is going to require
altering the frame and the grip safety to fit. Also the cost of the gunsmith and possibly shipping it out to have it done. Kimber just offers better options to their customers. I'm happy with my Springer, but I wish they would just sell parts.

I see what you are saying, If SA sold its own "drop-in" parts that did not require modification or refinishing to match, it would be very convenient for their costumers to modify their SA's. But then SA would lose business and sales with their pricier 1911's and there is the little problem with the fact that other companies that sell 1911 parts are very close to "drop in."

I still think it would be a good idea and I don't even own a SA 1911.

[himurax13]

Some parts, they will sell, only if they are fitted and installed by them.
If you do not see it on their site, more than likely its a part they do not sell.

There are other options, as most upgrade parts are not drop-in at all.

Oh, (not sure, not sure), but Springfield does not have any stainless parts, it's a spray on, stainless looking finish.

Things like the Ambi Safeties and the Grip Safeties they will only work on if you send the gun in. They will not sell them to you. They offered to replace my Grip Safety for free but I had to send my gun in. For half of the price of shipping to Springfield, I bought a Caspian Grip Safety from Brownells (C&R dealer discount) that was basically a solid piece, and not hollowed out like the original. 5 minutes of filing, and voila. I prefer customizing my stuff instead of having the factory work on it. The only thing I won't try is the front strap checkering. I have done a fair amount of work on this beauty .

[penciljockey]

I think you're looking at it wrong. Cynically thinking that SA isn't selling parts because they want you to buy the more expensive gun. They know that 1911 parts are sold all over by everyone. Why should they waste their time being a Midway USA Jr. selling parts when their customers can hand pick their own parts and have their 'smiths install them? Who the hell wants a Springfield or Kimber branded grip safety anyway? You already got one; in your gun.

I wouldn't call Kimber's online store Midway USA. Funny thing Midway sells more Springfield 1911 parts than Springfield offers on their site. The other thing is I'm OK with cast parts. There's nothing wrong with cast part depending on the part. Having to send my gun in would be a pain. Shipping a gun these days isn't as easy as going to the post office and mailing it.

[penciljockey]

Buy the way I bought Springfield parts which were absolutely drop in. I understand the grip safety and thumb safeties are rarely ever drop in part, but you figure if they come from Springfield and your gun is a Springfield it will be the closest thing to a drop in part available. My buddy has bought parts from Kimber that have dropped in and some that required very little fitting. I just can't understand why Springfield would require their customers to send their guns in.

[InGrAM]

I think you're looking at it wrong. Cynically thinking that SA isn't selling parts because they want you to buy the more expensive gun. They know that 1911 parts are sold all over by everyone. Why should they waste their time being a Midway USA Jr. selling parts when their customers can hand pick their own parts and have their 'smiths install them? Who the hell wants a Springfield or Kimber branded grip safety anyway? You already got one; in your gun.

People like to customize their 1911's and do it themselves. I know I do. and if SA would make parts that I knew would fit in my SA, I would be much more likely to buy from them. I am talking about SA selling parts for SA owners. Not the world supply of 1911 brands.