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Old 03-31-2018, 08:07 PM
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Default 1911 Newbie: What Model Springfield is This???

I'm pretty green when it comes to 1911s, and know nothing about Springfields. (I'm not so green about 9mm and .38 sp. revolvers and know a modest amount about S&W, Browning, and Sig.)

Now I've done a modicum of reading about "value" 1911s and Springfield wins most of the accolades for build, reliability, and, of course, value.

My guy at my LGS agrees.

So I'm thinking about buying the one in the pictures.

And I have no earthly idea which model it is. Says "1911-A1" but it seems to have a couple of upgrades from a basic GI model: skeletonized hammer, lightening holes in the trigger; and much better sights....some sort of tritium, I should have looked closer for a maker's mark. Also has Pachmyer wood/rubber stocks, I think they're called the "American" model.

So, if those familiar with these guns could please help: what am I looking at here? They're asking $549. Is that a fair price? I'm a pretty good customer so I'll expect some wiggle room. Plus I'm probably going to trade one or two safe queens and that gives us both flexibility.

Bore looks good, gun is clean, and if there's a problem I'll have no problem with the LGS.

Much appreciate any advice, comments, opinions....especially if I should be looking at something else. I will not be carrying this, it's strictly for the range.
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Old 03-31-2018, 08:39 PM
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Most functional 1911’s are worth $400-500.

To me, the funky grips and trintium sights are detractors, but lots of folks love trintium sights and surely some one likes the funky grips.

Springfields are reputable guns.

I’d be most interested in good, reliable functioning in THAT gun, not so much the manufacturer’s reputation for producing reliable guns. Most 1911 manufacturers have good reputations for producing reliable guns.

If you like trintium sights and don’t mind (or like) the grips, it’s not a bad price assuming the gun works well.
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Old 03-31-2018, 09:16 PM
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Rest of the pistol looks alright but those grips would have to go before I walked out of the shop with it .

Eddie
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Old 03-31-2018, 09:21 PM
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I think it's a GI that's had the trigger,grip safety,sights,hammer and MSH swapped out.Any chance of shooting it before buying it?
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Old 03-31-2018, 09:32 PM
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As stated above, this is a Mil Spec or GI model that has had some things changed out. Before adopting it, check to see if the feed ramp is butchered.
Best wishes.
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Old 03-31-2018, 10:26 PM
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Yup, I agree with arjay. Looks like a GI model that's been modified by a previous owner.

IIRC, the Mil-Spec has a lowered ejection port. This pistol does not.
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Old 03-31-2018, 10:33 PM
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Somebody's idea of a custom gun. The grips are hideous, and I won't touch a 1911 in 45 with a standard ejection port. The improved sights are a good idea. Standard GI sights are not much fun, IMHO.
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Old 04-15-2018, 01:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LVSteve View Post
I won't touch a 1911 in 45 with a standard ejection port.
Odd remark!!!! Explain yourself. The government has (still is) used this basic pistol for 106 years, not to mention hundreds of thousands of civilian shooters. Relatively few civilians have seen the necessity of lowering the ejection port, and the government never! What is your problem with this gun in stock condition? Is it the little dents in the fired cases that bother you?
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Old 04-15-2018, 02:17 AM
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In case the OP is still wondering,

it is a GI model, look at the serial prefix WW. Basic model marketed as a repro of a WW2 era pistol. They were labelled as a GI Mil Spec (at least early on) but there are differences between the GI Mil Spec and the Mil Spec. Others have already pointed out some of those differences.

A GI was my very first pistol purchase and I still have it. At the time it was the most accurate repro I could find. It has an 8 lb trigger and the plunger tube came slightly unstaked. It was an easy fix and it still keeps plugging along.

A Springfield falls into the "value" category but don't let that fool you. They are more aptly called a "bargain."

Even if its been slightly customized, I would never be afraid to buy a used one without a trial. Grips are an easy swap, and any modded internals are fixable/replaceable if they aren't to your liking.

I am a Springfield fanboy though, so this is just my opinion.
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