Posted: 3/22/2016 5:34:57 PM EDT
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I’m having a hard time deciding between the SA 1911 MilSpec and the SA Loaded (9109LP model). It’ll be used primarily on the range, with a secondary use for home/carry (I have other primaries for HD/SD). I have a couple of points and questions regarding the differences.
The ambi safety is no big deal- I can take it or leave it. I do like the beavertail/grip safety. I know the Loaded has a longer/lighter trigger pull. Is it that much better than the MilSpec? I do like a lighter trigger pull, but the specs between the two are not that much different, on paper. How are the sights on the Loaded? Are the tritium’s good? I am leaning towards the MilSpec- I figure I can always purchase and install new sights, that’s easy enough. Is the beavertail/grip safety easy enough to replace? Overall, would it be more cost effective to make the mods on a MilSpec or just buy the Loaded? Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. |
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I went with the loaded because it had all the features I wanted right from the get go. The only thing it didn't have that I wanted was a standard GI recoil setup and a regular MSH (something GI also lacks). So for $75 more I had the exact gun I wanted. To make a GI into what I wanted wouldn't have been smart from a cost perspective.
Now if you hate the front serrations go with a GI or Range Officer. |
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Buy the loaded model. The slides on the mil-spec aren't dove tail cut so that really limits your sight options
Quoted:
I’m having a hard time deciding between the SA 1911 MilSpec and the SA Loaded (9109LP model). It’ll be used primarily on the range, with a secondary use for home/carry (I have other primaries for HD/SD). I have a couple of points and questions regarding the differences. The ambi safety is no big deal- I can take it or leave it. I do like the beavertail/grip safety. I know the Loaded has a longer/lighter trigger pull. Is it that much better than the MilSpec? I do like a lighter trigger pull, but the specs between the two are not that much different, on paper. How are the sights on the Loaded? Are the tritium’s good? I am leaning towards the MilSpec- I figure I can always purchase and install new sights, that’s easy enough. Is the beavertail/grip safety easy enough to replace? Overall, would it be more cost effective to make the mods on a MilSpec or just buy the Loaded? Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. |
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Another vote for the Loaded. I love mine. Got it used with unknown round count but it sure wasn't a safe queen. Only problem I had was with the extractor, which was easy enough to replace (I recommend Wilson Combat Bulletproof). The Loaded has dovetails cut for the front and rear sights which will allow more options should you want to change the sights, although you'll likely be happy with the Novaks. Mine eats everything from WWB to HPs to LSWC handloads.
All that said there's nothing wrong with the Mil Spec. I'll likely add one to my collection at some point but for now I'm waiting for the USPS to deliver my GI model (finally found one at a good price on Gunbroker last week  ).
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Having owned both I would say it just depends on what you want up front. If you're wanting to customize later on down the road I would go with the mil spec. If you want something you don't really have to mess with get the loaded. Both of mine functioned flawlessly. I sold the loaded to fund a Colt rail gun but I kept the mil spec because I still wanted a more traditional 1911. The beaver tail on the loaded is more comfortable to shoot. My mil spec is still a work in progress but it's last trip to SACS I had them bevel the edges on the grip safety.
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I was recently going through the same decision. I have owned a Mil-Spec and a TRP...went with the Loaded this time. I would agree with others, it depends on how modified you want to go.
If you want a gun that you are pretty much just gonna shoot as it comes from the factory, I'd go Loaded. The sights on the mil-spec were pretty meh, and the cost to get Novak cuts for the front and rear sights can be pretty expensive...easily the cost difference between the two weapons. You basically get the rest of the Loaded's mods for free. You can buy a Loaded, replace the FLGR with a GI setup and disable the ILS and you have a great pistol for not a lot of money. If you plan to go pretty crazy with the modifications you can go with either. The biggest cost savings of going to the Loaded are the sights and the extended beavertail. Everything else will probably be replaced on either gun during a full build. I went with a really well fit together Loaded. I plan to install a S&A MSH and magwell, have the front strap done at 25LPI, GI guide rod, some new grips, trigger job, and maybe counter-sink/shave the slide catch and have the barrel cut flush to the barrel plug. Then either re-parkerize, BlackT or SA's kote. The gun ran me $950 OTD, the cost of the gun done will be around $1650-$1800 depending on the finish I pick. About the same cost as a TRP in my area...and while I loved my TRP I hated the 20LPI front strap checkering...so hopefully I'll like this gun as much or more. |
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I recently had this problem also. I just happened to find a 9109 in stock at a shop today. It happened to come home with me. Fit and finish is great, I will more than likely change the guide rod setup and mainspring housing out as well, but it is not needed, just want it to be easier to field strip.
Jeremy |
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Had a loaded and sold it.
The stupid humped grip safety was so sharp it hurt my hand to even hold, much less shoot. My friend whom I sold it to loves it. (he has giant Mongo hands). For the cost of changing out the grip safety to something decent it was cheaper to just sell it and buy another Kimber. |
