Good price for a used SA 1911 MC Operator?

[kabob983]

A local shop is selling a used Springfield Armory 1911 MC Operator with (OD green with the rail/Novak sights) for $799. It's got one 9 shot Wilson Combat mag and looks to be in overall good condition (although I've not gone crazy on checking it). Is that a decent price or should I aim lower? Anything in particular I should look for/look out for when purchasing this pistol?

I'm hoping to buy my first pistol (I've always loved the 1911's) and didn't know what to look for, but thought that this was a very nice looking handgun.

[aglocker1911]

Sounds like a pretty good price if it's in nice shape. Does it have the box and papers? I assume no factory mags since you mentioned Wilson (BTW, it can have a 7 round, it can have an 8 round, it can even have a 10 round Wilson mag, but I guarantee it doesn't have a 9 round.:supergrin: )
Just check it over like any other 1911. Does it seem to have had any home gunsmithing? That is the only thing to really worry about. If it is "factory stock", I say go for it. Good luck.

[ElConquistador]

:)

[kabob983]

Oops, I meant to say 8 round, but my fat fingers musta missed the key :P

Hrm, I'll try to check to see if it's factory stock (what would be some giveaways that it is not?). I'm no gun smith so I can ask and try to figure that out on my own, but I can't guarantee I'll be able to figure it out. Also, it looks like there's a little dirt or gunk or something just above the grips where the slide touches the frame. Is this something I should worry about?

What other things should I check before purchasing?

The pistol is at a relatively popular shop, so hopefully if something was seriously wrong with it they A) wouldn't have purchased it from the seller and B) would take it back if I found something to be seriously wrong.

Also, at another shop I found a Springfield 1911 that I can't identify (used, no box). I believe it's their stainless Mil-Spec, but I'm not sure. The trigger and hammer looked the same as http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PW9151LLarge.jpg this, but all it said was 1911-A1. It was used but also in pretty good shape (maybe a little residue in the barrel, but I couldn't tell as the lighting was iffy). They were asking $409 for it. Also a good deal?

[Trumpet]

If it's in good shape and checks out, it sounds like a pretty good deal. FWIW, I got mine NIB for $889 from Florida gun exchange.

[kabob983]

If only I lived in Florida...

[Trumpet]

I don't. FFL transfer baby, after shipping it still worked out to be a pretty good price.