Basic Bare bones GI 1911

[tsoiky]

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.

In the old days, the frame was forged in Brazil. The gun was fitted in US. If you call SA customer service now, they will tell you it is not the case anymore, it is all US made.

I got a SA mil spec last year. Fit n finish are great. The gun is very tight and there is no rattle at all.


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[Randomnamerealquick]

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

My bad for not being clear, the Springfield comes with 4 mags, it also comes with a brownells case (looks like a pelican case), my M&p just has the factory 2. Luckily hammer bite isn't a huge issue with me for some reason, never had a problem with my old sistema (really regret selling that gun even if it wasn't a "real" 1911)

[Souske]

I have the Springfield GI and really like it, never gotten a chance to handle a RIA though, so i cant compare the two

[billofrights]

Buying a Rock Island was the best sub-$500 I ever spent. It quickly became my favorite gun to shoot. I plan to invest on a really nice 1911 eventually ($2k and up) but I don't shoot well enough for it to matter yet, and the RIA is so good that I don't feel motivated to replace it anytime soon.

If you go that route, get the Tactical instead of the Mil-Spec, the beavertail makes a huge difference in comfort.

[Snoopy47]

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?

http://www.colt.com/Catalog/Pistols/1991%C2%AESeries.aspx

It's basically a Mil Spec. It is on the California Approved List.

model # O1991
MSRP $974 (not cheap)

In regards to reliability, the ones I've played with My Model 70, and a friends SA GI, they tend to smash the brass. Meaning, contact is made enough to crush the brass sometimes when the slide is cycling, ergo, a propensity to get caught up.

What I am saying is if you get a lowered ejection port you can shoot more than just 230g FMJ ball ammo reliably.

[Snoopy47]

If you go that route, get the Tactical instead of the Mil-Spec, the beavertail makes a huge difference in comfort.

This WHOLE thread reminds me of my introduction into 1911's.

For the life of me I wanted a SA Mil Spec or GI. I couldn't find one. I ended up getting a 1978 made Colt 70. So it was the spitting image of a military issued 1911 but blued. It is now the least shot firearm I have. I couldn't tell you how many years it's been since I shot it.

It is not easy to shoot well.

As time passed I found I likes shooting more than I like collecting firearms.

Unless a 1911 is some sort of collection piece I will never likely buy one without:
1) Novak or Bomar sights (or similar quality)
2) Beaver tail
3) extended safety
4) Checkered front strap
5) I then replace the grips with VZ (always Diamond Backs)

THIS


or THIS



They truly are different shooting pistols, and it's not because one is a Les Baer.

There is an allure to the old school 1911. I don't think you'll regret owning one if you get other 1911s.

But one ends up being hard pressed picking up a sub $700 1911 with all the perks I mention above and out shooting a $2000+ 1911 with the same options.

[wamphyri13]

My bad for not being clear, the Springfield comes with 4 mags, it also comes with a brownells case (looks like a pelican case), my M&p just has the factory 2. Luckily hammer bite isn't a huge issue with me for some reason, never had a problem with my old sistema (really regret selling that gun even if it wasn't a "real" 1911)

Okay, so trade value is about equal.
But, I never said anything about hammer bite. I said it rubbed my hand raw. A BTGS sweeps up while a G.I. GS turns downward. Just a little, but enough. But it doesn't really matter. Your Sistema didn't bother you, so you should be fine.
If you want to do it on the cheap, just to have a gun to take to the range and have fun with, to have a gun YOU HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF UPGRADING, then save some money and get the Rock Island. Don't ever change anything but the springs and the grips, and you'll be money ahead. I'm not knocking RIA at all, I have a 2011 Tactical that I had Cerakoted, I'm just saying that any major upgrades to a GI RIA will probably cost more than the gun. If you want a gun to mod later, get the GI or Mil-Spec. They make awesome base guns for custom builds. I bought a Mil-Spec and sent it to Chuck Rogers at Rogers Precision. You wouldn't even think it's the same gun.
I'm back up to owning about a dozen 1911s again. If it were me, here's what I would do.....
For a basic range beater with no mods to ever be done, to stay in GI mode, Rock Island Armory.
For a basic range beater that might get modded down the road, SA GI or Mil-Spec in park.
For a traditional looking showpiece type gun that can be shot, either a stainless Colt or a SA Mil-Spec with white grips.
To me, this is one of the most simple, yet beautiful 1911s I can imagine. (post #68) http://forums.1911forum.com/showthre...t=87134&page=2
Granted, I couldn't shoot it much like that, but I'd still love to have one look like that that I can shoot on occasion.
Ryan

[himurax13]

In the old days, the frame was forged in Brazil. The gun was fitted in US. If you call SA customer service now, they will tell you it is not the case anymore, it is all US made.

I got a SA mil spec last year. Fit n finish are great. The gun is very tight and there is no rattle at all.


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That explains a few things. Although the fit and finish have improved, the last 3 loaded models and mil spec model I played with in the store need a lot of work. The slide was gritty and it felt like all of the diconnectors were getting stuck. The triggers had a lot of grit and creep in them as well.

[beretta929mm]

To op, Auto Ordnance makes a nice 1911 GI, made in USA

[Randomnamerealquick]

Okay, so trade value is about equal.
But, I never said anything about hammer bite. I said it rubbed my hand raw. A BTGS sweeps up while a G.I. GS turns downward. Just a little, but enough. But it doesn't really matter. Your Sistema didn't bother you, so you should be fine.
If you want to do it on the cheap, just to have a gun to take to the range and have fun with, to have a gun YOU HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF UPGRADING, then save some money and get the Rock Island. Don't ever change anything but the springs and the grips, and you'll be money ahead. I'm not knocking RIA at all, I have a 2011 Tactical that I had Cerakoted, I'm just saying that any major upgrades to a GI RIA will probably cost more than the gun. If you want a gun to mod later, get the GI or Mil-Spec. They make awesome base guns for custom builds. I bought a Mil-Spec and sent it to Chuck Rogers at Rogers Precision. You wouldn't even think it's the same gun.
I'm back up to owning about a dozen 1911s again. If it were me, here's what I would do.....
For a basic range beater with no mods to ever be done, to stay in GI mode, Rock Island Armory.
For a basic range beater that might get modded down the road, SA GI or Mil-Spec in park.
For a traditional looking showpiece type gun that can be shot, either a stainless Colt or a SA Mil-Spec with white grips.
To me, this is one of the most simple, yet beautiful 1911s I can imagine. (post #68) http://forums.1911forum.com/showthre...t=87134&page=2
Granted, I couldn't shoot it much like that, but I'd still love to have one look like that that I can shoot on occasion.
Ryan

Awesome thanks for the info, I'll have to think on it and decide whether or not I really need the Springfield

[wamphyri13]

Awesome thanks for the info, I'll have to think on it and decide whether or not I really need the Springfield

DOH! Buying guns isn't about needs........
Ryan

[bombadillo]

To engrave, or not to engrave.......???? Hmmmmmmm

[SoCalPI]

Check the For Sale section here first, you might find a good deal for less than LGS. No sales tax on PPT.

[rm1911]

DOH! Buying guns isn't about needs........

Ryan

No truer words!!! Except, I needs more guns.

I have four 1911's. Three are "tactical" models, with beavertail, sights, etc. My first 1911 was a 70 series GI model that I had a beavertail, sights, etc done on it. Those features do make them far more shootable. But that being said, nostalgia is powerful and the lure of a GI model is strong. Just to have one, if for no other reason. Would kind of partner nicely with my garand, eh??

I own three ria 1911's. I really like them. Their GI model is nice and well priced.

[KrisDSA]

I would buy a RIA.. Not a fan of the 1911 but after shooting some high end 1911 and the GI. I would have picked the RIA over the others