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Old November 25, 2012, 02:26 PM   #1
willmc33
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Springfield Armory Mil Spec 1911-A1? Opinions...

I am looking at giving the 1911 another shot because my first full size 1911 didnt go so well (Para G.I. Expert) and its to popular a pistol to write off because I had a bad one. My question is are the Springfield Armory Mil Spec models worth the price they carry. I found one locally for $750.00 and its the kit that comes with 2 sets of grips,holster, mag pouch, 2 magazines, box and all. I know that price isnt a staggering good deal but its around what they are listing for on Gunboker. Anyone who owns one or has owned one are they worth the price? Good and bad points of it? Any inherent problems? There is also a Rock Island Armory for $400.00 but dont know much about these either. All help is appreciated.
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Old November 25, 2012, 02:35 PM   #2
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Just FYI my price for one is between $1000.00-$1200.00 so if there is something better in that price range dont hesitate to reccomend something else.
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Old November 25, 2012, 02:36 PM   #3
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I don't know due to a lack of research, is it a double or single stack? If it's a single, you'll undoubtedly get better results from a single stack than a double in regards to reliability as I'm sure you know...

I mean, to tell you the truth, if you've got a $1,000 range, I'd start looking at a Colt, IMO.
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Old November 25, 2012, 02:43 PM   #4
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There is a Colt here locally but the guy wants $1500.00 with one magazine and no box. If it was a rare Colt I would pay that but its just a standard Government model. The S.A. is a single stack.
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Old November 25, 2012, 02:53 PM   #5
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I would buy a used Colt, Springfield, or Kimber any day over a new Rock Island...

I've tried, but I'm not a big 1911A1 fan.
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Old November 25, 2012, 02:55 PM   #6
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At that price range, I'd also consider a wider variety of options. If you really want something traditional, the Colts these days are pretty good choices. Also check out the Springfield Range Officer.

If you want something that's been modernized a bit, look at the STI Trojan. I've got one in 9mm, and it's a phenomenal shooter, but you can get them in .45, .40, and .38 super as well. You might be able to find a used Dan Wesson at around $1200, which are great pistols.
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Old November 25, 2012, 03:00 PM   #7
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Almost forgot about this one but there is also a Sig Sauer Nightmare 1911 around here also fo $800.00
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Old November 25, 2012, 07:35 PM   #8
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I would try an A.O. G.I. model which is made in the U.S. and about as close as it gets to the Mil spec and i think around $500 or the Ruger SR1911 which is stainless and made in the USA ..

Myself i'm buying a RIA G.I. 1911 to start my collection as i have shot one before and really like it alot.
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Old November 25, 2012, 07:46 PM   #9
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In that price range ($1000 to $1200) I would go with a Colt 1991 if you are wanting one with traditional lines. A Colt XSE for one with modern updates such as beavertail, ext. safety etc. A Colt 1991A1 should only run you $900 to $1000.

The milspec is a good 1911. It should only run you $650 or so. I have owned one and it was a good pistol.

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Old November 26, 2012, 03:52 AM   #10
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Quote:
The milspec is a good 1911. It should only run you $650 or so. I have owned one and it was a good pistol.
+1, no reason that the Mil-Spec should be $750, that's way too high on that model. At that price point I'd be looking at a Sig, Springfield Loaded, or Remington. The upgraded sights alone on these models is worth the extra few bucks, GI style sights are not too great and are costly to upgrade/replace.
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Old November 26, 2012, 07:09 AM   #11
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Id get the range officer instead of the mil spec if you have the money.
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Old November 26, 2012, 07:39 AM   #12
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Springfields generally have a very good reputation, but that price seems quite high.
But accessories can really drive the price up, just like buying a car.
Around here, the MilSpec is kind of scarce and are usually priced about $550, for just the gun.
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Old November 26, 2012, 03:31 PM   #13
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My brother's girlfriend bought a Springfield 1911-A1 RO and i was very imlressed with it. It shoots awesome and has never failed. Shes currently going on 750 rounds or so. Its still fairly new at just 3-4months old but I love it and for the price, $700ish, you cant go wrong... good luck!

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Old November 26, 2012, 03:49 PM   #14
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I have to agree with the "good guns, but the price seems high" statements above. That said, I don't know exactly what comes in the usual case, but I don't recall any of them coming with 2 sets of grips. Anyone who knows otherwise is invited to correct me on that.
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Old November 26, 2012, 04:42 PM   #15
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My mil-spec came with plastic and the wood grips in the case. I think I only got one mag with mine though. It has been a few years since I bought mine, but I only paid ~$600 for the stainless steel version.
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Old November 26, 2012, 04:44 PM   #16
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I bought a Mil Spec (parkerized) for $599 with the extra junky plastic grips and the junky plastic holster and the junky plastic box. The SS version with the throw away crap at the time was $699. If you are ever going to want a beaver tail grip safety, it's cheaper to buy a model that includes it from the factory than to pay to have one installed.
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Old November 26, 2012, 04:46 PM   #17
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I own the Nightmare 1911, and it's a great little shooter. With the fastback it conceals well in an IWB holster as well.

I agree the price seems high,and that doesn't sound like a typical package. If I were in your area shopping, I'd either get the Nightmare or look/poke around for a Colt as has already been mentioned.
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Old November 26, 2012, 04:49 PM   #18
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I bought a new Springfield Range Officer for $769, so I think $750 for a Mil-Spec is too high. The RO is a nicer gun than the Mil-Spec
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Old November 26, 2012, 08:55 PM   #19
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I bought a 1911A1 .45 Springfield for $350.00, BRAND NEW. Of Course..... that was back in 1989...
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Old November 27, 2012, 08:14 AM   #20
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I had a lemon of a milspec. $650 of gunsmithing later it's a really nice match pistol.

I wish I got the colt instead. I now have a colt rail gun (pretty much an XSE) and I would have been 100% happier with a model 70 repro or a 1991 instead of the milspec for about $200 more at the time.

I don't think I'll ever buy another Springfield.

J.
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Old November 27, 2012, 11:43 PM   #21
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The best advice anyone can guve you is to find the style and options you think you like, regardless of manufacturer. Then try to handle them to see which one you like better. You want something that feels right in your hand. Doesn't matter who makes it, how expensive it is, or how "cool" it looks, if it doesn't fit your hand, you won't enjoy it. Plus, after handling some, you might change your mind about what style or features your actually looking for.

As far as Springfield goes, they are pretty solid guns. If you decide to go with the Mil-spec, you won't be disappointed. However, the price does sound a little high but then again, they are getting harder to find.
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Old November 28, 2012, 12:49 AM   #22
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Yeah....that price is high. I bought my SA Mil-Spec for almost 700. Maybe 650.

If you're at 1k for a price range. Try Colt, SIG, or another priced Springer. Look online.
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Old December 10, 2012, 02:26 PM   #23
jeremy.francis35
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Springfield 1911 mil spec ss

I bought a new springfield 1911 ss for $750. I had it ordered by a pawn shop so I could make payments. Of course I had to suffer their 20% mark up. Anyway, so far Ive fired about 500 rounds with no misfires or jams and I still havent cleaned it (shame on me).I havent fired any hollow points so I dont know how they would feed although ive heard they do just fine. Im very satisfied.
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Old December 11, 2012, 07:17 AM   #24
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will, 12/11/12

I bought a SA stainless milspec 1911 about seven years ago. It now has 6065 trouble free rounds through it. I did have to change mag springs at about a 3000 round count. It feeds FMJ and JHP equally well. For the money you have to spend you could get a higher-end Springer but for my needs the milspec works well (range and house gun). I tried carrying it but at least for me it is too long in the grip and too heavy for a carry pistol (I prefer an alloy framed pistol for that use). Good luck.

Merry Christmas- oldandslow
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Old December 13, 2012, 09:53 PM   #25
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That is good to hear and I totally agree about it not being an ideal carry pistol. I'm looking for a carry pistol or revolver, there's so many options.
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