Need some help: Ported Springfield V10 Ultra Compact

[Redcoat3340]

Local LGS has a Springfield V10 Ultra Compact for $465. It's seen a bunch of use outside but seems in good, but not pristine shape. Which is no problem, except I'm not sure about the price. Seems a bit high for the gun's condition, but it is an all-steel 1911. Any opinions?

Also wondering if anyone has had any experience with these. Potential carry piece, although I don't like cocked and locked IWB.

I have no problem shooting .45, I shoot my S&W 4513TS better than just about any gun I own, but I kinda like the idea that it's all steel and ported as it's not a "big" gun. (And I've read the arguments about shooting it at night with the flash up front.)

I guess I'm also wondering who else has an all-steel 1911-style compact or smaller. I've got a S&W 1911SCe which is commander sized, but the Springfield is smaller still, the porting makes recoil usually found in these small guns a bit easier to handle.

Opinions and suggestions are encouraged.

 

[Grayfox]

If you like it, grab it. These are hard to come by and usually very expensive. Cosmetics can always be touched up. But, I would haggle the price.
I'm not a big fan of the 3" 1911s. Its hard to get them to run right. I do have an older 1996 Springfield Ultra Compact .45 that I bought used some years ago. But it took a good bit of tweaking to get it reliable. However, I hear that the V-10 is an excellent gun.
Also consider that Springfield no longer makes an Ultra Compact .45.
There was a LNIB stainless V-10 listed on another forum I visit for $1500. It did sell.

 

[armorer951]

Caution, opinion follows: Rust on the grip screws and, I would guess on the frame under those rubber grips is a sign of neglect. May not be a big deal, but this would be a red flag to me. Based on what is on the outside, I'm guessing there will also be oxidation inside, which may necessitate the replacement of parts/springs, etc.

I would also agree with the others concerning reliability of the shorter barrel, "ultra compact" guns, especially in the 1911 configuration. Sometimes a problem getting them to be reliable to the point where they can be counted on for carry.

 

[bbgun]

I could not get mine to be reliable, & shot it once with out hearing protection,was so loud i sold it. just my experience.

 

[mckenney99]

I have had a S.A. 3 1/2 in. unported Ultra Compact 45acp for many years. I also have 2 - S.A. 3 in. Micro Compacts, one of which I have carried daily for over 15 years. I read all the reports of how unreliable these little 45acp guns are supposed to be and I have never found that to be the case. All of these little 45's just keep perking along with my handloads (200gr SWC/ W231) and ball. They do require a bit of testing to find which hollow points they will run 100% with but all of my Micro's gobble up Remington 185gr Golden Sabres. The Ultra Compact will eat anything. Several years ago, I had accumulated a gallon ziplock bag of mixed grundgy 45acp ammo & I didn't feel like pulling the bullets, so I headed to the range with the steel framed Ultra Compact and the bag-o-ammo. After it was all over I had about half a dozen rounds that didn't go off at all, 1-squib load that required a couple taps with a range rod to remove, a filthy gun and pile of brass. I don't recall there being a single failure to feed or extract.
All these little 45's do required more frequent recoil spring replacement but that's not a big deal.
I would suggest an offer somewhat below what they have it marked at due to the apparent lack of maintenance of the pistol and it surely needs a good cleaning and replacement of springs.

 

[Mdclinks]

Seeing how they priced the other used handguns I'd probably make a cash offer below asking price. It looks like they mark them at almost new prices.

I've never been a fan of a 3" 1911 but the few that I'd had the chance to shoot went bang every time and were surprisingly accurate.

 

[OldChief]

Great price, don't pass go, buy it. Also, if you're thinking of carrying it, get a set of Crimson Trace grips, then you shouldn't have to worry if you have to use it in the dark.

 

[Old_Cop]

My son has/had a used one of these with issues feeding and extracting. I took it a part and found a cut full size recoil spring. Of course there were no local replacements. I called Springfield for a replacement and they sent one right away. Turned out it was a nested arrangement and completely different from what we found. The gun worked ok after that but I don't know if he kept it. For me the ports were a distraction when firing.

 

[hardluk1]

bbgun It was loud with no hearing protection so you sold it !! What did you expect . The sound of a fart ? HA . Better stay with BB Guns

 

[stansdds]

I am not a fan of porting on a handgun that is intended as a personal defense firearm. If you ever have to fire with pistol positioned low, below your face, you may get a face full of burning powder.

 

[SAFireman]

I had one of the non-ported versions. It was more accurate than I expected and it never had any failures. I wish that I had kept it. I got 100% of the original new sales price back when I sold it.

 

[gdogs]

I had one exactly like that one, wish I still had it but long ago traded it off for a West German P226. Created one hell of a fire show at night! At that price, I'd likely buy it.

 

[Grayfox]

BTW: if that gun has the captured dual recoil spring set-up. Springfield makes a small plastic tool to hold it back to make field striping and reassembly easier. Give 'em a call and they'll send you one for free.

 

[Maddog 521]

They are great pistols. Can you show the porting slots?