Basic Bare bones GI 1911

[Randomnamerealquick]

So right now I currently own a 1911 and want to own at least one and would like it to be a simple GI retro 1911. Right now I'm debating between the Springfield GI (discontinued I believe but I found one) and a RIA mil spec. Anyone have an opinion on these two guns?


Also would you say trading a M&P9c for a LNIB Springfield with 4 mags is a good deal?

[Che762x39]

I would like the Springfield but I got a Rock Island GI. I like the small military sights especially since most of my range time is 15 yards or closer. I changed the plain wood grips to Hogue and I do have some antique 1911 grips if I want to go with the retro military issue look.

[Randomnamerealquick]

Yea I'm really just looking for a simple GI 1911 that I can shoot the crap out of and not worry about it's finish, if anything I want it to get that used and abused look.

How you you rate your rock island vs a Springfield?

[bombadillo]

I'd go RIA. Springfields are great, but I've actually seen more issues with the basic Springfields than I have the RIA's of all things. Bizzaro world anymore.

[Che762x39]

I got my Rock three years ago and the one thing I noted was the recoil spring was weak because my wife could easily rack it and I had FTF and FTE issues. I put a Wolff 16.5# recoil spring and it has been 100%. Currently I am at 4000 rounds thru it.

[RR.44]

I would get whatever one I could afford, the RIA is as you know made in the Philipines, where as the Springfield is American made, if that makes no difference to you then you should get which ever one makes you most happiest.

[rdfact]

I have the Springfield 1911 A1 Milspec, which is a bare-bones, no frills 1911 from SA. Over 1300 rounds fired and not a single failure.
I also have a Ruger SR1911. One day at the range I had both the Ruger and SA. I was shooting my own reloads. Several rounds would not chamber in the Ruger because I did not crimp enough and remove the case mouth flare. Those same rounds that wouldn't feed in the Ruger had no problems in the SA. I think the SA has a slightly larger/more generous chamber so it eats anything. The Ruger does produce slightly tighter groups however.

[Randomnamerealquick]

I got my Rock three years ago and the one thing I noted was the recoil spring was weak because my wife could easily rack it and I had FTF and FTE issues. I put a Wolff 16.5# recoil spring and it has been 100%. Currently I am at 4000 rounds thru it.

Interesting because that's the biggest complaint I see about the Springfield GI, I have no problem buying a $7 spring to fix the issue, I'd rather not have to but it's not a huge deal



Anyone have an opinion on trading a m&p9c for the springer and some mags?

[Randomnamerealquick]

Regarding the trade, will it make you happy? How much do you like your M&P?

Looking at the trade value, it looks to be about even, give or take $25 - $50 either side

Yea not a huge fan of the M&P...trigger is terrible, I just don't want to take too big of a loss on it

[lanzer]

Typically on the secondary market Springfield would sell a bit better for its brand name, so if this is an intermediate gun then that's something to consider.

Otherwise compare features such as whether or not one gun has adjustable sights VS the other, if one has a rail VS the other, etc. Swapping out rears could cost you $60 and another $30 for fronts if you want fiber optic fronts. These things add up quickly and usually the RIA come standard with them.

I would also suggest the trade but only after you've rented and shot a 1911 and know that you want to part with your polymer. Though I know that personally I would easily keep a 1911 VS a M&P.

[Snoopy47]

The older (pre 1980s) Colt Model 70's will be pricey relative to what you get, but have the same form and function.

Or go a little older with a Colt Commercial

The biggest functionality difference between the GI version and the Mil Spec version will be the Mil Spec will have a lowered ejection port. So it will be less prone to ejection problems and be able to shoot a wider array of reloaded power charges.

I'd go with a Mil Spec, you'll have a little less hassle with it.

[Randomnamerealquick]

Typically on the secondary market Springfield would sell a bit better for its brand name, so if this is an intermediate gun then that's something to consider.

Otherwise compare features such as whether or not one gun has adjustable sights VS the other, if one has a rail VS the other, etc. Swapping out rears could cost you $60 and another $30 for fronts if you want fiber optic fronts. These things add up quickly and usually the RIA come standard with them.

I would also suggest the trade but only after you've rented and shot a 1911 and know that you want to part with your polymer. Though I know that personally I would easily keep a 1911 VS a M&P.

I'm not really concerned with the resale value, I find that for the most part I hang onto old school firearms much longer than newer ones, it's hard to explain but it's almost like they have more personality and history.

I've had a sistema before and sold it to my friend, mostly because he really wanted it...they've since gotten significantly more expensive. I don't really want to change anything out on the basic GI model, I want it to basically be as close to an issued pistol without it actually being an issued pistol (if it was issued it would be an actual piece of history and I'd feel bad shooting it)

Right now the only handguns I have are a few CZs (that I love), a few revolvers and the M&P...I just can't get over the M&Ps trigger

[Randomnamerealquick]

The older (pre 1980s) Colt Model 70's will be pricey relative to what you get, but have the same form and function.

Or go a little older with a Colt Commercial

The biggest functionality difference between the GI version and the Mil Spec version will be the Mil Spec will have a lowered ejection port. So it will be less prone to ejection problems and be able to shoot a wider array of reloaded power charges.

I'd go with a Mil Spec, you'll have a little less hassle with it.

I'll have to look into a colt, do they make a GI type model?

I don't reload but reliability is pretty important to me, is the mil spec more reliable with factory ammo too or just reloads?

[himurax13]

I would get whatever one I could afford, the RIA is as you know made in the Philipines, where as the Springfield is American made, if that makes no difference to you then you should get which ever one makes you most happiest.

I believe most of the Loaded and lesser Springer 1911 models are still being made in Brazil.

You should rack every 1911 at a gunstore but save the Rock Island for last. It will leave you wondering why the cheapest 1911 is also the smoothest with fitment that comes close to high end models.

[wamphyri13]

The price difference between the G.I. and the M&P is negligible, but you say it has 4 mags at at least $30 a pop. How many mags does the SA come with?
You really can't go wrong with any of the 3 choices, RIA, SA G.I. or SA Mil-Spec. All 3 have a strong reputation and following. Just be aware that these guns are not for everybody. I for one can't shoot one without a beavertail for very long as it rubs my hand raw. Have you considered that? I love the look of a classic 1911, I just can't shoot one as much.
Ryan