SA 1911 choices?

[Arfrsairbrush]

Hey guys. Looking at sa 1911 pistols and what is the major differences between the models aside from the price. I want it for target shooting and show... Cuz theyre so purrrdy! Any ideas and pics of what some of you have? Thanks!

[Plisk]

By SA you mean Springfield Armory?

Here's your basic break-down.

GI: Basic 1911-A1 that is GI spec. All their models are finished and assembled in their Brazil facility and are basic field grade quality. Basic go bang every time affordable pistol, or a choice for a base platform for a rebuild custom job. They come in carbon steel with a parkerized finish or a Armory Kote of OD green attempting to imitate vintage military 1911s where the parkerized finish has developed a green hue to it. Stainless is available as well.

Mil-Spec: An enhanced GI style pistol. Major differences from the GI model is a stainless steel barrel and bushing. High profile staked in sights. Mil-spec is when you can begin to find models that were finished and assembled in the United States. U.S. finished pistols are known for higher quality and the use of one piece barrels and are ideal. They come in carbon steel parkerized or stainless steel.

Range-Officer: The RO pistol is a briding model between the Mil-Spec and Loaded models. Cosmetically it looks like a loaded frame with Mil-spec slide with target sights added. The cost also falls in the middle. Not on the CA approved list sadly. US finished only.

Loaded: Your enhanced modern 1911A1 from Springfield. Has all the typical modern features, high ride beavertail safety, ambi large paddle safety, Novak sights (Tritium typically), and forward cocking serrations. A very good choice for something you want to be perfect out of the box with little to no work necessary to give it all the bells and whistles. CS parkerized and stainless as well. US and Brazil finished.

Operator & TRP Operator: There are a lot of different models in these categories with different styles and features. All the Operator and above series are all US finished only and are considered semi-custom pistol. Extremely well build and quality pistols. You can look at the features and check out what works for you. Some of the TRP model pistols have a heavy bull barrel design that doesn't utilize the barrel bushing.

There are your basics, good luck!

[Arfrsairbrush]

Sweet breakdown! Thank you

[skosh69]

You forgot two other choices for Springfield....made in America ( the higher end S/A's ) or for the majority of their line up, made in Brazil/assembled in America!

[t0kie]

Also check out Springfield Professional, rail & non rail.

[j0k3r11]

I have the Springfield Loaded Target in Black/Stainless (PX9152LP).

[mikestesting]

By SA you mean Springfield Armory?

Here's your basic break-down.

GI: Basic 1911-A1 that is GI spec. All their models are finished and assembled in their Brazil facility and are basic field grade quality. Basic go bang every time affordable pistol, or a choice for a base platform for a rebuild custom job. They come in carbon steel with a parkerized finish or a Armory Kote of OD green attempting to imitate vintage military 1911s where the parkerized finish has developed a green hue to it. Stainless is available as well.

Mil-Spec: An enhanced GI style pistol. Major differences from the GI model is a stainless steel barrel and bushing. High profile staked in sights. Mil-spec is when you can begin to find models that were finished and assembled in the United States. U.S. finished pistols are known for higher quality and the use of one piece barrels and are ideal. They come in carbon steel parkerized or stainless steel.

Range-Officer: The RO pistol is a briding model between the Mil-Spec and Loaded models. Cosmetically it looks like a loaded frame with Mil-spec slide with target sights added. The cost also falls in the middle. Not on the CA approved list sadly. US finished only.

Loaded: Your enhanced modern 1911A1 from Springfield. Has all the typical modern features, high ride beavertail safety, ambi large paddle safety, Novak sights (Tritium typically), and forward cocking serrations. A very good choice for something you want to be perfect out of the box with little to no work necessary to give it all the bells and whistles. CS parkerized and stainless as well. US and Brazil finished.

Operator & TRP Operator: There are a lot of different models in these categories with different styles and features. All the Operator and above series are all US finished only and are considered semi-custom pistol. Extremely well build and quality pistols. You can look at the features and check out what works for you. Some of the TRP model pistols have a heavy bull barrel design that doesn't utilize the barrel bushing.

There are your basics, good luck!

That was a good breakdown, thanks.

[Plisk]

You forgot two other choices for Springfield....made in America ( the higher end S/A's ) or for the majority of their line up, made in Brazil/assembled in America!

I didn't forget those options, they're in the descriptions. All the metal is forged in Brazil the differences is who does the finish cuts then assembles it either US or Brazil.

[kouye]

BTW - The Range officer has a match grade barrel and bushing like those above it.

But an RO in CA will cost as much as a Loaded as you'd have to get it SSE'd unless you can find a used one which is not that likely yet.

[redhemi]

Unless you are just looking for a 45 there is also the 9mm loaded.





And for something a little smaller the EMP 9mm

[sholling]

I suggest looking hard at the "Loaded" version because it has all the upgrades that you'll typically want to add for less money than adding them later.

[kouye]

I suggest looking hard at the "Loaded" version because it has all the upgrades that you'll typically want to add for less money than adding them later.

Yes, but I know what you REALLY want to tell him to look at...

[.45heat]

By SA you mean Springfield Armory?

Here's your basic break-down.

GI: Basic 1911-A1 that is GI spec. All their models are finished and assembled in their Brazil facility and are basic field grade quality. Basic go bang every time affordable pistol, or a choice for a base platform for a rebuild custom job. They come in carbon steel with a parkerized finish or a Armory Kote of OD green attempting to imitate vintage military 1911s where the parkerized finish has developed a green hue to it. Stainless is available as well.

Mil-Spec: An enhanced GI style pistol. Major differences from the GI model is a stainless steel barrel and bushing. High profile staked in sights. Mil-spec is when you can begin to find models that were finished and assembled in the United States. U.S. finished pistols are known for higher quality and the use of one piece barrels and are ideal. They come in carbon steel parkerized or stainless steel.

Range-Officer: The RO pistol is a briding model between the Mil-Spec and Loaded models. Cosmetically it looks like a loaded frame with Mil-spec slide with target sights added. The cost also falls in the middle. Not on the CA approved list sadly. US finished only.

Loaded: Your enhanced modern 1911A1 from Springfield. Has all the typical modern features, high ride beavertail safety, ambi large paddle safety, Novak sights (Tritium typically), and forward cocking serrations. A very good choice for something you want to be perfect out of the box with little to no work necessary to give it all the bells and whistles. CS parkerized and stainless as well. US and Brazil finished.

Operator & TRP Operator: There are a lot of different models in these categories with different styles and features. All the Operator and above series are all US finished only and are considered semi-custom pistol. Extremely well build and quality pistols. You can look at the features and check out what works for you. Some of the TRP model pistols have a heavy bull barrel design that doesn't utilize the barrel bushing.

There are your basics, good luck!

Nice breakdown,

[corcoraj2002]

You forgot two other choices for Springfield....made in America ( the higher end S/A's ) or for the majority of their line up, made in Brazil/assembled in America!

All SA 1911 frames are forged in Brazil. The NM serial number series are fitted here in the US when the rest (just N) are fitted in Brazil.

I do have a NM series 1911 loaded (great pistol by the way) and my friend has a N model, little to no difference.

(As with all internet posts YMMV).

[fighterpilot562]

By SA you mean Springfield Armory?

Here's your basic break-down.

GI: Basic 1911-A1 that is GI spec. All their models are finished and assembled in their Brazil facility and are basic field grade quality. Basic go bang every time affordable pistol, or a choice for a base platform for a rebuild custom job. They come in carbon steel with a parkerized finish or a Armory Kote of OD green attempting to imitate vintage military 1911s where the parkerized finish has developed a green hue to it. Stainless is available as well.

Mil-Spec: An enhanced GI style pistol. Major differences from the GI model is a stainless steel barrel and bushing. High profile staked in sights. Mil-spec is when you can begin to find models that were finished and assembled in the United States. U.S. finished pistols are known for higher quality and the use of one piece barrels and are ideal. They come in carbon steel parkerized or stainless steel.

Range-Officer: The RO pistol is a briding model between the Mil-Spec and Loaded models. Cosmetically it looks like a loaded frame with Mil-spec slide with target sights added. The cost also falls in the middle. Not on the CA approved list sadly. US finished only.

Loaded: Your enhanced modern 1911A1 from Springfield. Has all the typical modern features, high ride beavertail safety, ambi large paddle safety, Novak sights (Tritium typically), and forward cocking serrations. A very good choice for something you want to be perfect out of the box with little to no work necessary to give it all the bells and whistles. CS parkerized and stainless as well. US and Brazil finished.

Operator & TRP Operator: There are a lot of different models in these categories with different styles and features. All the Operator and above series are all US finished only and are considered semi-custom pistol. Extremely well build and quality pistols. You can look at the features and check out what works for you. Some of the TRP model pistols have a heavy bull barrel design that doesn't utilize the barrel bushing.

There are your basics, good luck!

Thanks for the break down, I was looking for this info too!