Opinions on a Springfield 1911 GI?

[Kevin108]

I've held one and I've fallen in love with how it feels and looks. I like that everything I've read so far has said they are very reliable. I like that it doesn't have a ton of extras from the factory - just a plain vanilla 1911. I REALLY like the idea of getting to learn about the disassembly and reassembly, the different parts, and more importantly, the various modifications. I've yet to shoot this particular gun, however.

I've recently shot a Kimber Custom Classic and a Colt Commander. The Kimber was a joy to shoot and the most accurate gun I've ever had in my hand. The Colt stung like catching a line drive every time and it felt like the edges of the grip safety were sharp. I gave up trying to shoot with it and rented a Glock 21, which shot much nicer but had the worst trigger I've ever pulled.

Right now I have a G17 and a G26, both with 3.5 lb connectors and Glockmeister springs. I love both of them and these, fair or not, are the standards against which any other pistol shall be judged.

An uncomfortable grip safety is one aspect of a 1911 I'm worried the Springfield might also have but I'm not familiar enough with the guns to tell by looking at or holding them. What are my options if the factory grip safety is uncomfortable and I buy the gun anyway?

I guess my main question is this:

Is there a better 1911 to get in this price range?

[cjlandry]

Wish I could help, but I'm suffering the same dilemma. Saving up for a 1911. Right now the Springfield is what I'm leaning toward (either the GI or Mil Spec), but I'm keeping my options open while I continue putting my money aside for it. I'm gonna pay cash, and it's not gonna be one big withdrawal from my account.

I'm tempted to get the Rock Island Armory, because I can have it sooner, and those who own them seem to like them a lot. But I think I'd be prouder of the Springfield.

Then there's the Taurus, which has gotten a lot of good reviews. For a few dollars more, the Taurus has a lot of features that many end up adding to their pistols anyway.

Then there's the part of me that says I can hold off an additional month or two and get a 70-series Colt.

The fact of the matter is that I want a nice looking 1911 that I can carry with confidence. Something that I can shoot well, but not a precision target pistol.

I think the Springfield GI is probably the least expensive 1911 that will fit all my criteria.

If you haven't already done so, check out http://forum.m1911.org. Lots of good posts there. I've been lurking there a lot.

[Ljunatic]

I had pretty much decided on a Springer GI model. Then I went to my local guy, and the only one he had in stock had THE MOST horrendous thumb safety. It would hang up in the safe postion so badly that I had to push the detent in manually to release it. So, I walked out , undecided once again. I am thinking I might check out a Rock Island Armory Tactical model.

[1991]

All of my 1911s are Colts, but my son recently bought a Rock Island and it is impressive. The newest Rock Islands have extruded and milled slides, good quality internal parts, and are well fitted. I think the basic Rock Island is better than the Springfield GI and less expensive.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by 1991
All of my 1911s are Colts, but my son recently bought a Rock Island and it is impressive. The newest Rock Islands have extruded and milled slides, good quality internal parts, and are well fitted. I think the basic Rock Island is better than the Springfield GI and less expensive.

High praise, indeed, coming from a Colt owner.

[1991]

High praise, indeed, coming from a Colt owner.

My son's RIA shoots as accurately and reliably as my Colts. The RIA cost nearly exactly half of what I paid for my last Colt 1991 stainless (see my avatar), which I got at a good price. Out of the box, the RIA needed the extractor tensioned, as have my last 3 Colts, and a 1911 guru worked a little more magic on the RIA; here are his comments (http://forum.m1911.org/showpost.php?p=190157&postcount=9).

Of course, neither the Rock Island or the Springfield have a horsey on the side... if that matters to you.

[Kevin108]

Close in that price range I'm seeing the ugly Taurus with outlined letter (the stainless would be okay, I guess) and maybe a Kimber Custom with a few hundred rounds through it already.

[Glocks&Ducs]

Originally posted by Kevin108
Close in that price range I'm seeing the ugly Taurus with outlined letter (the stainless would be okay, I guess) and maybe a Kimber Custom with a few hundred rounds through it already.

I can highly recommend the Taurus over the GI. The GI is more of a nostalgic type gun to me, while the Taurus is more of an everyday type gun, maybe even a carry gun. That is how well mine works so far. The only thing is, I think you have to pick one up quick, as the price on them is going up fairly fast. I have bought two of them, one for $449, the other for $459. Both of the shops that I bought those from, now tag the ones they get in at $499 and they still go like hot cakes.

[jonathon]

The grip safety is generally not the issue, rather it seems they like to put a knife's edge on every single one that goes out. It usually just leaves a red mark, not too bad. Hammer bite doesn't happen to most people, because you have to get your hand between the grip safety and the hammer. Soften the edges on the safety with a file, and send it off to a smith to be blasted and reparked and you'd have a comfy setup :thumbsup:

[domzilla9]

Here's what the GI grips safety of a stock springer Milspec did to my hand in 200 rds:

http://dombosco.home.insightbb.com/img/1911scar.jpg

[Glocks&Ducs]

Originally posted by domzilla9
Here's what the GI grips safety of a stock springer Milspec did to my hand in 200 rds:

http://dombosco.home.insightbb.com/img/1911scar.jpg

:laughabove: :laughabove:
Did you guys ever see that episode of the Simpson's? Where Homer keeps shocking himself? Bzzt, ow, Bzzzzt, owww, BZZZTT, OOWWW!

[neeko]

I have a GI model, doesn't seem to like HP remington value pack ammo. Thats all I've shot from it so far and it jammed up a few times on the HP. I hope it breaks in and becomes a nonissue.

[G36's Rule]

The reason the Kimber felt so much better is the beavertail grip safety.

The GI or Mil-spec have old style hammers and grip safetys. They will bite you if you have larger fleshy hands.

First thing I did with my Mil-spec was the cut the hammer back about .150" and that cured it.

I also did a rounding on the grip safety but that didn't do much for comfort. The hammer is what pinches the skin.

[Kevin108]

Is there a way to add the beavertail grip safety? Sorry if it's a dumb question. I can disassemble my Glocks in my sleep but I don't know 1911s yet.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by Kevin108
Is there a way to add the beavertail grip safety? Sorry if it's a dumb question. I can disassemble my Glocks in my sleep but I don't know 1911s yet.

I've been reading a lot about 1911's lately. Again, I recommend checking out the m1911 forums (http://forum.m1911.org). They have stickied articles on installing different grip safeties, which ones work best, etc. I think I'd go to a smith for such a job, just so it would look good. But it's not impossible to DIY.

Everyone says that parts don't just drop in and interchange with 1911's. After the reading I've been doing, I believe it.

Originally posted by 1991
My son's RIA shoots as accurately and reliably as my Colts. The RIA cost nearly exactly half of what I paid for my last Colt 1991 stainless (see my avatar), which I got at a good price. Out of the box, the RIA needed the extractor tensioned, as have my last 3 Colts, and a 1911 guru worked a little more magic on the RIA; here are his comments (http://forum.m1911.org/showpost.php?p=190157&postcount=9).

Of course, neither the Rock Island or the Springfield have a horsey on the side... if that matters to you.

Your link to that post has really gotten me interested in Johnny's posts. I've been reading his stickies and have learned a lot about the pistol that I want to own.

I may still decide to go with a RIA. Especially since I ran into an unanticipated expense today that will slow down my savings for a few weeks.

I can get a Tucker holster with the $100+ extra that I'd spend on the Springer.

[mike23]

I have owned a SA GI and a Colt Commander and a couple of Kimbers. The SA was a great 1911 for the price. A basic 1911 like the one I qualified with back in the day.

I would recommend the SA and it makes a good project gun too!

[Kevin108]

2 days in a row this damn gun has been the first conscious thought I've had when I woke up. I think I might have dreamed about it.:crazy:

I joined up over at http://forum.m1911.org/ to see what they have to say as well. I just saw the stickies there for the first time. I read so many forums that the stickies are always overlooked by my eyes like when your wife you to get something out of the freezer - right in front of you and completely invisible!

[Kevin108]

So the place that quoted me $465 still doesn't have it in stock and doesn't think they can get in any anytime soon. The next show is at the end of the month and they end up being $480 there. My regular dealer has them on the shelf NOW for $519 and it comes with a free year's range membership.

So yeah, I don't know why I wasted my time looking anywhere else.

[Glocks&Ducs]

Originally posted by Kevin108
So the place that quoted me $465 still doesn't have it in stock and doesn't think they can get in any anytime soon. The next show is at the end of the month and they end up being $480 there. My regular dealer has them on the shelf NOW for $519 and it comes with a free year's range membership.

So yeah, I don't know why I wasted my time looking anywhere else.

Around here, there are two ranges that offer range membership. One cost $150 for a year, the other cost $125 for the year. Subtract that from the price of the gun, and I would say you have a pretty good deal. Especially if you make it to the range two or three times a month at least.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by Kevin108
So the place that quoted me $465 still doesn't have it in stock and doesn't think they can get in any anytime soon. The next show is at the end of the month and they end up being $480 there. My regular dealer has them on the shelf NOW for $519 and it comes with a free year's range membership.

So yeah, I don't know why I wasted my time looking anywhere else.

I think the range membership makes it well worth the price. My indoor range membership isn't cheap. And I'm planning to join a private outdoor range in addition to that.

[Kevin108]

Well, I did it!

http://www.kevin108.com/gun/gi01.jpg
http://www.kevin108.com/gun/gi02.jpg http://www.kevin108.com/gun/gi03.jpg

It was literally dripping with oil out of the box.

There was 1 hiccup in the first 50 rounds. The factory mag has a weird dimple on the follower and the last round hung up on it. The second time I loaded the mag, everything worked fine.

Unless you're shooting with snow as a background, GI sights are incredibly difficult to see.

It felt great to shoot though and I'm really excited to own this gun and get some more trigger time with it.

I've gotta learn to shoot it. I push to the left pretty badly. I do the same thing with my G26. Even after 50 rounds with each, most to the left and grouped poorly.

I picked up my first and best, my G17 and hollowed out the general area of the bullseye. That made me feel better about everything.

[Catbird]

I bought one soon after they were introduced a couple of years ago. I like it just fine -- I even like the tiny GI sights.

Mine does have some ejection difficulties on occasion due to the small/standard size ejection port.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y115/Catbird1/1911-Pics001.jpg

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by Kevin108
Well, I did it!

Awesome! It looks great! Thanks for showing the pics with the case and accessories.

I had a MilSpec and a Stainless GI in my hand today. I really liked the Stainless GI. Now I have to decide whether I want stainless or parked. I'm thinking stainless, because if I do any filing to ease any edges that bite me (if it happens), I won't have to worry about fixing the finish.

Originally posted by Kevin108
There was 1 hiccup in the first 50 rounds. The factory mag has a weird dimple on the follower and the last round hung up on it. The second time I loaded the mag, everything worked fine.

Regarding the dimple, did I tell you I've been reading a lot about these 1911 things?

Check it out: Magazine Function: The Dimple (http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=1959)

[1991]

Originally posted by Kevin108
The factory mag has a weird dimple on the follower and the last round hung up on it.

Yep, factory magazines are often a problem. But I like to tinker, so send me that magazine with the weird dimple and I'll send you back one with a nice smooth follower. :supergrin:

[Kevin108]

Originally posted by cjlandry
I'm thinking stainless, because if I do any filing to ease any edges that bite me (if it happens), I won't have to worry about fixing the finish.

Regarding the dimple, did I tell you I've been reading a lot about these 1911 things?

Check it out: Magazine Function: The Dimple (http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=1959)

Also in this kit are a manual, some Springfield propaganda, and a small ZipLoc bag with an allen wrench for adjusting the retention on the holster, 2 keys for the ILS, and some L-shaped thing that I don't know what is but it looks like it fits a hole in the grip.

I felt zero discomfort from this gun.
I have really big hands so YMMV.

http://www.kevin108.com/gun/gi04.jpg
http://www.kevin108.com/gun/gi05.jpg

As for the dimple, it was only a problem the first time the mag was unloaded. My dealer didn't have any new mags, but he threw in an 8-round scratch and dent with a smooth follower. It had a bent baseplate but he "re-engineered" it on the counter top.


You know what's funny? I'm considerably more nervous about handling this 1911 with an external safety than I am about my Glocks.

[1991]

I'm considerably more nervous about handling this 1911 with an external safety than I am about my Glocks.

Glocks are more tolerant about what your trigger finger does to the trigger than 1911s are. But neither weapon poses a problem as long as the primary safety between the ears is engaged.

[cjlandry]

Originally posted by Kevin108
Also in this kit are a manual, some Springfield propaganda, and a small ZipLoc bag with an allen wrench for adjusting the retention on the holster, 2 keys for the ILS, and some L-shaped thing that I don't know what is but it looks like it fits a hole in the grip.


I've read other posts about a "Loaded Coupon" or something to that effect. Anything like that in the propaganda? I'd like to know what exactly that yellow card is, if you got one with it.

I didn't know the GI had the ILS.

[Glocks&Ducs]

I am pretty sure all the SA 1911s have ILS, and the L shaped piece of metal is for taking the mainspring housing off. It keeps the spring and plunger back there in the housing so it doesn't get lost. You can see the hole at the back where that piece of metal goes into as you are sliding the housing off. As far as the loaded coupon, all it does is give you a "discount" on some SA accessories for your gun. But that stuff is so over priced in the first place, you can easily find aftermarket at a better price, or at least higher quality.

As far as the safety is concerned. I know exactly what you mean. I had to retrain myself when practicing with the 1911s. I would actually forget to throw the safety off when doing a quick presentation after handling Glocks for so long.

[Kevin108]

Originally posted by cjlandry
I've read other posts about a "Loaded Coupon" or something to that effect. Anything like that in the propaganda? I'd like to know what exactly that yellow card is, if you got one with it.

I didn't know the GI had the ILS.

I'm going through it now.

There's 2 cards that say WARNING (zomg guns are dangerous, blah blah blah)
Instructions for the holster
Warranty Registration Card
Loaded Coupon

I attached a shot of the coupon.

[cjlandry]

Thanks, Kevin. :)

My local Springfield dealer didn't have any info on that, and no pistols in stock.

I'm gonna order mine in a few weeks.

[Fredman]

I got my GI back in October and have had some moderate failure issues. At first it was return-to-battery probelms, probably due to a rough chamber.

Now the prob is ejecting; the casing gets hung on the ejector.

The overall failure rate is 9 failures out of 1050 rounds, or 0.857%. Only 1 FTEject in the last 200, so maybe I'm over the hump. I've also got a questions about the feed ramp milling, it's plain to me that's it's assymetrical. Is yours the same way? (I need to email this pic to SA and see what they say)
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b296/forester1/DSC_0322.jpg

But I'm falling in love with 1911s, as my recent Kimber Pro Carry purchase indicates...

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b296/forester1/DSC_0328.jpg

Oh, ETA: I bought the limit of 10 of the Loaded Coupon mags; while they're unmarked I'm 99% sure they're metalforms. At $9 each that's a steal. Get some Tripp Research spring & follower upgrades for $7.75 each and you've got some fine mags for $16.75 apiece.

[Kevin108]

Originally posted by Fredman
I've also got a questions about the feed ramp milling, it's plain to me that's it's assymetrical. Is yours the same way?

Sorry, I don't have enough wear on mine to tell yet! I'll keep an eye on it though.

[Fredman]

Originally posted by Kevin108
Sorry, I don't have enough wear on mine to tell yet! I'll keep an eye on it though.

Oh, that's not wear that's showing, the ramp itself is assymetrically cut. If you look at the pic you'll see that the left side isn't cut as "deep" as the right side. Almost as if the frame was slightly canted in the milling machine (i.e. the ramp looks cut right, it's just not "square" with the frame)

The minor wear marks on the ramp are really just copper scrapings off the bullet nose.

[mdh]

I've had great luck with SA 1911's. The GI model's sights are on the smallish side but work fine. Recently I picked up a stainless SW1911 that I love. I was sceptical at first, cut I have zero regrets. Most accurate handgun I own.

[Kevin108]

Originally posted by Fredman
Oh, that's not wear that's showing, the ramp itself is assymetrically cut. If you look at the pic you'll see that the left side isn't cut as "deep" as the right side. Almost as if the frame was slightly canted in the milling machine (i.e. the ramp looks cut right, it's just not "square" with the frame)

The minor wear marks on the ramp are really just copper scrapings off the bullet nose.


I'll pull mine back out and inspect it in the in the daylight.

[Kevin108]

Mine looks about the same as yours. Sorry it took me so long to report back.

[Bert.40]

The Springfield G. I. has a good price range , for a Springfield. If you are young and your eye sight isn't failing, the small sight on the G.I. won't bother you. I'm breaking in a Charles Daly, even though I've heard bad reports about it. Same price range as a Rock Island. The more popular the 1911's are becoming, the price range is escalating. I remember when you could have bought a Kimber for a little less then $500. It's a seller's maket nad buyer beware.

[Bert.40]

One other remark: Don't "limp wrist" your 1911. You'll thik you have ejector problems; it's not , it's your grip.

[Kevin108]

Originally posted by Bert.40
If you are young and your eye sight isn't failing, the small sight on the G.I. won't bother you.
Unfortunately most of my range is pretty dark and they are hard to see in there. I'll see how my "mod" helps.

I'm breaking in a Charles Daly, even though I've heard bad reports about it. Same price range as a Rock Island.
It's my understanding that Armscor, Rock Island, and Charles Daly are all the same thing...

Originally posted by Bert.40
One other remark: Don't "limp wrist" your 1911. You'll thik you have ejector problems; it's not , it's your grip.
I've put thousands of rounds through both of my Glocks before this and never had failures with either so I'm not a limp wrister. :thumbsup:

[WolfiePacker]

So far 450 rounds through my Kimber TLE II with 0 failures of any kind. Cleaned her at 100, 250, and 450. I'm consistently shooting 1.5" groups at 7 yards with her. And shes so pretty she makes me wanna go buy a digital camera, just to show her off on GT.

[Kevin108]

What does your $1000 Kimber have to do with our $500 SAs?

[Alaskapopo]

The Milspec is a fair value for what you get. However the sights suck. Personally I don't like bare bones 1911's . I like the little extras that make the gun easier to handle and shoot.
Pat

[anyplainjoe]

Originally posted by G36's Rule
The reason the Kimber felt so much better is the beavertail grip safety.

The GI or Mil-spec have old style hammers and grip safetys. They will bite you if you have larger fleshy hands.

First thing I did with my Mil-spec was the cut the hammer back about .150" and that cured it.

I also did a rounding on the grip safety but that didn't do much for comfort. The hammer is what pinches the skin.

Could you pls detail how you went about cutting the hammer. Do you need special machinist tools?

[Kevin108]

I gave my GI to my buddy from work. He put a hundred rounds or so through it over the weekend. He did drift the sights on it considerably. The gun, from the factory, shoots VERY left. Should I sent it back to SA or just live with it like it is?

[thisone]

Originally posted by domzilla9
Here's what the GI grips safety of a stock springer Milspec did to my hand in 200 rds:

http://dombosco.home.insightbb.com/img/1911scar.jpg


That might not happen if one keeps a proper grip and their hand out of the way........ouch

:tongueout:

[thisone]

.

[richardoldfield]

thisone, you are wrong, hammer bite happens when people, with meaty hands, take a high hold on a Government Model. I am lucky because I have large/thin hands. Regards, Richard:supergrin:

[jspm]

I purchased my GI partly for the nostalgia of shooting an exact copy of the gun carried by US troops in WWII, partly for the price, and partly because of how much I liked it when I handled it. I do not have any hammer bite problems, the sights are fine to me, the gun is as accurate as it can be with me as the shooter. I shot some nice groups with it right out of the gate. I feel you can't beat it for the price. I have heard SA's customer service is great, so I wasn't worried about dealing with them in the event of a problem. I use the mag it came with as well as some metalform mags I got from the dealer. I really got what I wanted with it. If I did it all over again I would also consider the Mil-Spec. It has a lowered ejection port, but still the nostalgic feel.

[darwin-t]

Originally posted by cjlandry
Right now the Springfield is what I'm leaning toward (either the GI or Mil Spec)

What's the difference? The label on my case says I have a GI, it's a Champion, the Commander clone.

[Glocks&Ducs]

Originally posted by darwin-t
What's the difference? The label on my case says I have a GI, it's a Champion, the Commander clone.

I am sure the SA website shows the differences, but I will give a quick run down. They are both Mil-Specs, the GI one just has lesser features.

The things the Mil-Spec has, compared to the GI Mil-Spec:

Lowered ejection port
Stainless steel barrel
beveled magazine well
different slide serrations
taller, 3 dot sights

[darwin-t]

Originally posted by Glocks&Ducs
I am sure the SA website shows the differences, but I will give a quick run down. They are both Mil-Specs, the GI one just has lesser features.

The things the Mil-Spec has, compared to the GI Mil-Spec:

Lowered ejection port
Stainless steel barrel
beveled magazine well
different slide serrations
taller, 3 dot sights

Thanks for the reply. The ejection port bothered me when I noticed it (this is my first 1911), but my brass doesn't seemed to have any dents, so I guess it doesn't matter.

As for the sights, I wonder if SA would sell me a set of the 3 dot sights? Are they adjustable? The "loaded coupon" offers "SA adjustable sight, Novak cut", but I assume I'd need to replace the front sight,too. Are these sights 3 dot or something else? I'm not a big fan of 3 dot, but anything would be better than what I have.

What I did right now was paint the rear of the front sight flourescent orange and painted a white outline on the rear. I haven't tried them out yet. I went to the range this morning, but it was about 13 degrees with a stiff wind, so I didn't stay very long.:sad: