Posted: 1/27/2005 8:50:31 AM EDT
| I'm probably going to pick up a SA GI model in a few weeks. I wanted to know a few of the particulars about this pistol first. I've read the reviews and I think it's the way to go, a good entry level 1911 that is versatile and simple. Do the mags drop free? That probably depends more on the mag though. What kind of accuracy is everybody getting? My XD-40 will do 4" or less at 25 yards, I would expect that or better because of the longer sight radius. How is the trigger pull? Heavy/light, gritty/smooth, I'm not expecting much because of it's low price but I've been surprised before. Anyway, if you want to add anything I didn't cover, go right ahead. Thanks everybody. MJD |
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+1 I just made pretty much the same decision a few days ago. I was aware of the GI version and had checked one out but felt it left something to be desired. It's not a bad pistol by any means, but as lefthandblack pointed out it lacks a few things which I felt were worth paying slightly more to get. I don't know all of the differences, but the Mil Spec seemed like a slightly better starting point in a 1911 to me. My mags drop free (GI probably does too) and the trigger pull is smooth and crisp. It is a hair heavier than I'd like but I don't see the need to go messing with it over an ounce or two. I haven't fired it yet but plan to today. |
or should.... If it's going to be your primary defense pistol, get the Mil-Spec (for the reasons mentioned above). If not, the G.I. is fine, especially if you intend on doing some customizing here and there. Personally, my favorite 1911s are Springfields, but I never liked the slanted cocking serrations. The G.I. model looks much better to me, despite the little sights. I've gone through 3 G.I. models now, and they all had average 1911 accuracy. All could shoot 4" or less at 25, and one shot 2.5" with Speer 230 gr. Gold Dot HPs. |
| I looked at the GI model and the Mil-Spec side by side the other day and I must say, the Mil-Spec is the superior choice in my opinion. It really opened my eyes. The GI sights were REALLY tiny, I didn't even know they were there when I picked it up. The Mil-Spec was a stainless model and was built on a national match frame. I'm told that all the Mil-Specs are being produced with national match frames now, not that it would really make a huge difference, but it just looked so sweet with the dark wood grips. I could totally see putting a beaver tail grip safety and a skeletonized trigger on it. It looks like I'll probably go with the Mil-Spec because it will be my primary defense gun and may see some action in 3 gun matches in the future. How well does it feed hollow points? MJD |
National Match (NM) frames is a term used to describe frames with oversized rails. Springfields for the most part have a serial number that starts with NM, but I would not put too much in that NM term on these guns. Their frames and slides are all made in the same place, and have the same rail specs. The G.I. and Mil-Spec guns are of the same quality, just have slightly different features. All Springfields have a barrel throat profile designed to feed hollow points. It should feed hollow points fine. Sometimes you get a lemon, but if it does not feed, send it back to the factory. If you do have the extra money, get a Loaded model. You will save money in the long run if you intend to customize it to that level. If not, the Mil-Spec is still a great gun , and will serve you well. |