Newbie in need of some info

echo5kilodelta · January 8, 2009, 12:41 PM

I am considering purchasing my first personal handgun. I am in the Marine Corps so I am no stranger to firearms, just have never actually owned one of my own. Attached is a pic, not sure exactly what model it is besides a 1911, went and checked it out yesterday and looks to only have had a hundred rounds or so through it. Any information offered would be greatly appreciated, from relative value to reccomendations as a home defense weapon.

hdawson228 · January 8, 2009, 12:46 PM

SA 1911s are pretty hard to beat.

Keltyke · January 8, 2009, 01:14 PM

That's a Springfield (as you know) and a very nice pistol. My wife has a V10 (compact, ported) that we both LOVE.

echo5kilodelta · January 8, 2009, 01:43 PM

I've also noticed terms such as A1, Commander, and Government model. Is it possible to tell specifically which Springfield 1911 this weapon is from sight alone? Has it been upgraded, or purely stock? Would these questions be better asked of my local gunsmith?

Greg with a Glock® · January 8, 2009, 02:13 PM

I'd rather get a Kimber, if you're going with the 1911 route.

HisSoldier · January 8, 2009, 02:24 PM

I don't think you'll go wrong with the Springer, I'd also favor a Kimber or Colt or Dan Wesson over Springfield, but that's just my opinion.

ElectricHellfire · January 8, 2009, 02:39 PM

I have several Springfields, Kimbers and Colts. Colts are good but pretty expensive and Kimbers are pure overpriced garbage IMO. I love my Springers so I'd say get ya one.

echo5kilodelta · January 8, 2009, 02:41 PM

Any idea how much I should expect to pay to a private party for the Springer in the pix?

NGIB · January 8, 2009, 02:50 PM

The pic you posted is a Springer Loaded model but I can't tell from the pic if it's stainless or not. Here in this neck of the woods these in stainless have been going for around $700, less for parked models. A friend of mine sold his parkerized Loaded for $600 and it sold on a local forum in about 10 minutes. The grips on it are Hogues. I'm assuming it comes with box & papers and the stuff it came with new.

I have a Springer Loaded as well as Colts & Kimbers and the Springer is a fine choice...

DocDizz · January 8, 2009, 03:04 PM

Nothing wrong with a Springfield, but personally I passed up a Mil-Spec I'd reserved to get a Kimber. Shop around, don't get caught up in the brand bashing, and welcome aboard! Hah, funny thing about THAT is over half my time in the Navy's been spent with Marines.

But hey, if you want the Springfield and find a good deal, go for it!

echo5kilodelta · January 8, 2009, 03:07 PM

Big kudos to this site and all the enthusiasts willing to lend thier opinion and expertise. Today is my first day on here and by browsing the forums seems a wealth of knowledge. Just made the phone call and am going to pick up my new toy when I get off work. (Wonder how late the range stays open this evening?) Ohh-rah Doc!

NGIB · January 8, 2009, 03:12 PM

A word of advice on 1911s, two actually:

First they're addictive, hard to stop at a single one.

Second, only use quality magazines. I use Wilson's for carry and Chip McCormick's for range use. Cheap mags are the source of many of the 1911 reliability problems folks tend to complain about. Two of the mags in the picture look like Novak's and I've not had good luck with them.

Also, thank you for your service to our country!

jg0001 · January 8, 2009, 04:23 PM

How exactly would you know by looking at it that it only had "a couple hundred rounds through it"? My Kimber 1911 looked pretty much the same after round 1000 or so as it did after round 100 -- after cleaning. That is to say, it wasn't as immaculate as a brand new gun, but visibile wear and tear was minimal. I expect with proper cleaning and maintenance, it will look little different after 3000 rounds versus after 300 -- at least not different enough for someone to just guess at it.

To get a better handle on the possible upper end of rounds shot through it, maybe you should find out how old the gun is. If it's TOO new (<1yr), then I'd really worry that there may have been some defect that the prior owner couldn't live with, but which isn't otherwise notable.

Maybe I'm just living in fantasyland, but if I'm going to buy a gun and keep it for a very long time (if not forever), then I'm going to buy it new unless it simply isn't made anymore. If you plan to trade this thing in when you get bored with it (almost like a car on lease), then I suppose used is the way to go.

echo5kilodelta · January 8, 2009, 05:46 PM

I guess I misspoke, was just trying to convey that it had minimal wear, almost a pristine weapon. As far as the age, I called Springfield and found out that the production date was June of 2007. As far as the reason the gentleman was parting with the weapon, he stated that he lost his job and needed some extra cash.

hdawson228 · January 8, 2009, 11:27 PM

Another reason many choose Springfield is because of their superior reputation for customer service and their custom shop.

KyJim · January 9, 2009, 01:32 AM

The Springfield Loaded Model is a good value for the money. You get a lot of the "upgrades" over a standard Government model or even Springfield's Mil-Spec model at a very reasonable price. Better sights, beavertail grip safety (keeps the hammer from biting your hand), lowered ejection port, etc. Springfield has an excellent reputation for being good, solid guns.

You also asked about the difference in different models like Government and Commander (these are terms Colt first coined). The Government model generally means an all-steel gun with a five inch barrel and full-size grip frame (7 rounds in a standard mag, though 8 round mags are fairly common). This was what the government first commissioned from Colt. A Commander is the same except it has a 4.25 inch barrel. Many consider this barrel to be the shortest possible for optimum reliability in a 1911 style gun.

You will also hear of an Officer size gun. This had a 3.5 inch barrel and a shortened grip frame with one less round -- meaning six rounds in the standard magazines, though mags can be had now with 7 rounds. These guns are also referred to as Compact sized. Now, some manufacturers will shorten the barrel even further to 3 inches.

And just to complicate things further, some manufactures make a gun with the Commander length barrel (4.25 inches) and an Officer size grip frame (one less round) for concealed carry purposes. In addition, you may see references to a "Bobtail" version. This means the end of the backstrap has been bobbled and rounded off to conceal better without sacrificing the additional round.

Finally, some 1911s come with an alloy frame but steel slide. This lighter weight is popular in Commander sized, Officer sized, and the Command-Officer hybrid. You often hear of a "Lightweight Commander." Again, these are Colt terms and other manufacturers often use different terms. However, anyone familiar with 1911s will know what you mean if you use these terms.

From my collection:

Here's a Government-style 1911 (a Colt Combat Elite):

Here's a Commander style pistol with a bobtailed grip frame (Ed Brown Special Forces Bobtail):

A Colt Officer model (Ultimate Officer):

Finally, the Commander-Officer hybrid style with aluminum frame and steel slide (a Sig Revolution C3). It is my daily carry gun in cold weather:

January 8, 2009, 02:24 PM	#6
HisSoldier Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2007 Location: Oregoncoast Posts: 1,793	I don't think you'll go wrong with the Springer, I'd also favor a Kimber or Colt or Dan Wesson over Springfield, but that's just my opinion. __________________ CNC produced 416 stainless triggers to replace the plastic triggers on Colt Mustangs, Mustang Plus II's, MK IV Government .380's and Sig P238's and P938's. Plus Colt Mustang hardened 416 guide rods, and Llama .32 and .380 recoil spring buttons, checkered nicely and blued.

January 8, 2009, 02:50 PM	#9
NGIB Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2007 Location: Ft Stewart, GA Posts: 932	The pic you posted is a Springer Loaded model but I can't tell from the pic if it's stainless or not. Here in this neck of the woods these in stainless have been going for around $700, less for parked models. A friend of mine sold his parkerized Loaded for $600 and it sold on a local forum in about 10 minutes. The grips on it are Hogues. I'm assuming it comes with box & papers and the stuff it came with new. I have a Springer Loaded as well as Colts & Kimbers and the Springer is a fine choice... Last edited by NGIB; January 8, 2009 at 02:55 PM.

January 9, 2009, 01:32 AM	#16
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,149	The Springfield Loaded Model is a good value for the money. You get a lot of the "upgrades" over a standard Government model or even Springfield's Mil-Spec model at a very reasonable price. Better sights, beavertail grip safety (keeps the hammer from biting your hand), lowered ejection port, etc. Springfield has an excellent reputation for being good, solid guns. You also asked about the difference in different models like Government and Commander (these are terms Colt first coined). The Government model generally means an all-steel gun with a five inch barrel and full-size grip frame (7 rounds in a standard mag, though 8 round mags are fairly common). This was what the government first commissioned from Colt. A Commander is the same except it has a 4.25 inch barrel. Many consider this barrel to be the shortest possible for optimum reliability in a 1911 style gun. You will also hear of an Officer size gun. This had a 3.5 inch barrel and a shortened grip frame with one less round -- meaning six rounds in the standard magazines, though mags can be had now with 7 rounds. These guns are also referred to as Compact sized. Now, some manufacturers will shorten the barrel even further to 3 inches. And just to complicate things further, some manufactures make a gun with the Commander length barrel (4.25 inches) and an Officer size grip frame (one less round) for concealed carry purposes. In addition, you may see references to a "Bobtail" version. This means the end of the backstrap has been bobbled and rounded off to conceal better without sacrificing the additional round. Finally, some 1911s come with an alloy frame but steel slide. This lighter weight is popular in Commander sized, Officer sized, and the Command-Officer hybrid. You often hear of a "Lightweight Commander." Again, these are Colt terms and other manufacturers often use different terms. However, anyone familiar with 1911s will know what you mean if you use these terms. From my collection: Here's a Government-style 1911 (a Colt Combat Elite): Here's a Commander style pistol with a bobtailed grip frame (Ed Brown Special Forces Bobtail): A Colt Officer model (Ultimate Officer): Finally, the Commander-Officer hybrid style with aluminum frame and steel slide (a Sig Revolution C3). It is my daily carry gun in cold weather: Last edited by KyJim; January 9, 2009 at 01:42 AM.

January 8, 2009, 12:46 PM	#2
hdawson228 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2006 Posts: 1,301	SA 1911s are pretty hard to beat.

January 8, 2009, 01:14 PM	#3
Keltyke Junior member Join Date: April 6, 2008 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 2,933	That's a Springfield (as you know) and a very nice pistol. My wife has a V10 (compact, ported) that we both LOVE.

January 8, 2009, 01:43 PM	#4
echo5kilodelta Junior Member Join Date: January 8, 2009 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 5	I've also noticed terms such as A1, Commander, and Government model. Is it possible to tell specifically which Springfield 1911 this weapon is from sight alone? Has it been upgraded, or purely stock? Would these questions be better asked of my local gunsmith?

January 8, 2009, 02:13 PM	#5
Greg with a Glock® Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2008 Location: FREE California! Posts: 217	I'd rather get a Kimber, if you're going with the 1911 route.

January 8, 2009, 02:39 PM	#7
ElectricHellfire Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2008 Location: The Woodlands, Texas Posts: 2,271	I have several Springfields, Kimbers and Colts. Colts are good but pretty expensive and Kimbers are pure overpriced garbage IMO. I love my Springers so I'd say get ya one.

January 8, 2009, 02:41 PM	#8
echo5kilodelta Junior Member Join Date: January 8, 2009 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 5	Any idea how much I should expect to pay to a private party for the Springer in the pix?

January 8, 2009, 03:04 PM	#10
DocDizz Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2008 Posts: 257	Nothing wrong with a Springfield, but personally I passed up a Mil-Spec I'd reserved to get a Kimber. Shop around, don't get caught up in the brand bashing, and welcome aboard! Hah, funny thing about THAT is over half my time in the Navy's been spent with Marines. But hey, if you want the Springfield and find a good deal, go for it!

January 8, 2009, 03:07 PM	#11
echo5kilodelta Junior Member Join Date: January 8, 2009 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 5	Big kudos to this site and all the enthusiasts willing to lend thier opinion and expertise. Today is my first day on here and by browsing the forums seems a wealth of knowledge. Just made the phone call and am going to pick up my new toy when I get off work. (Wonder how late the range stays open this evening?) Ohh-rah Doc!

January 8, 2009, 03:12 PM	#12
NGIB Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2007 Location: Ft Stewart, GA Posts: 932	A word of advice on 1911s, two actually: First they're addictive, hard to stop at a single one. Second, only use quality magazines. I use Wilson's for carry and Chip McCormick's for range use. Cheap mags are the source of many of the 1911 reliability problems folks tend to complain about. Two of the mags in the picture look like Novak's and I've not had good luck with them. Also, thank you for your service to our country!

January 8, 2009, 04:23 PM	#13
jg0001 Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2007 Posts: 551	How exactly would you know by looking at it that it only had "a couple hundred rounds through it"? My Kimber 1911 looked pretty much the same after round 1000 or so as it did after round 100 -- after cleaning. That is to say, it wasn't as immaculate as a brand new gun, but visibile wear and tear was minimal. I expect with proper cleaning and maintenance, it will look little different after 3000 rounds versus after 300 -- at least not different enough for someone to just guess at it. To get a better handle on the possible upper end of rounds shot through it, maybe you should find out how old the gun is. If it's TOO new (<1yr), then I'd really worry that there may have been some defect that the prior owner couldn't live with, but which isn't otherwise notable. Maybe I'm just living in fantasyland, but if I'm going to buy a gun and keep it for a very long time (if not forever), then I'm going to buy it new unless it simply isn't made anymore. If you plan to trade this thing in when you get bored with it (almost like a car on lease), then I suppose used is the way to go.

January 8, 2009, 05:46 PM	#14
echo5kilodelta Junior Member Join Date: January 8, 2009 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 5	I guess I misspoke, was just trying to convey that it had minimal wear, almost a pristine weapon. As far as the age, I called Springfield and found out that the production date was June of 2007. As far as the reason the gentleman was parting with the weapon, he stated that he lost his job and needed some extra cash.

January 8, 2009, 11:27 PM	#15
hdawson228 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2006 Posts: 1,301	Another reason many choose Springfield is because of their superior reputation for customer service and their custom shop.