Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Thoughts on Springfield 1911s

I'm looking for a 1911. I really like the options on the "loaded model"
But have a few questions to those of you who own them, or are 1911 saavy

•how do they stack up against Kimbers etc?

• any major common issues witj Springfields, such as FTFs, finicky regarding magazines, and such?


Some other basic things i'm looking for

I'm not necessarily concerned with commander lwngth over Govt length-3/4 inch les in length just doesn't seem like big deal to me

Night sights are a must

I'm not concerned about alloy frame versus steel either

Springfields and Kimbers aren't Commander-length (4.25"). They are 4 inch barrels.
We've had several in our rental program for years without a problem. Springfield has moved production of all 1911's in-house. That's why they've reduced their number of models.

I have a couple of Springfield's and had no failures to feed or fire. The loaded model is a good choice IMHO.

The Loaded model with tritium sights is a very nice gun for the money, & in IMO, is better out-of-the box than most Kimbers are.

I don't have a loaded, but I do have a TRP (& Kimber & another 10 1911's) & it's a fabulous shooting gun that's smooth as glass, though a fair amount more $$ than a Loaded. Do yourself a favor & at least look at a TRP.

MM

I really can't justify the cost of a Kimber right now, although I do like that Master carry series. The Loaded, with Tritiums is the one i'm thinking of

It's going to be my wedding gift from me

I bought a Lightweight Loaded Bi-tone when I GFY'ed myself, too......

I'd say for the money, the Springfield Loaded models are the best 1911 on the market, today.
I own lots of 1911's from Les Baer, Colts, Kimbers, STI's, Spingfields, and various other Mfg's.
The one I shoot the most is my Sprinfield Loaded Model. It's ultra- reliable and has put many thousands of rounds downrange with never a hitch of any kind. And it's almost as accurate as my Les Baer 1911.

Buy the Springfield, and never look back, is my best advice. You won't regret it, IMO.

Then what's another $400 bucks or so?.........don't skimp, get the Springfield TRP & never look back.

MM

gitem, I got a TRP last year and hot rodded it up a bit. It's a really nice gun. I've maybe maybe got $1700 in it now, the way it sits. I can't see a Wilson being another $1400-1800 better than this gun.

I also have 2 Kimbers, both nice guns. One govt and one Commander. I've lathered them up, too.

Like 'em all, but I'd take the TRP hands down, given a choice.

I can send you pics of all three, if you need more help making a decision. TRP is blued. Kimbers are Classic Stainless and Classic Stainless II. No external ejectors.

I've owned a Loaded Model for a number of years now. No FTF, FTE, etc. No issues whatsoever. They are a good gun and I recommend them without hesitation. I have never owned a Kimber due to considering them to be too high-dollar for what I thought you were getting with one. So I can't comment on Springfield vs. Kimber.

Other than that, I've owned probably a half-dozen Springfields over the years and never had an issue with any of them.

I've owed and worked on a couple of Mil Specs that had barrel problems, either poorly finished ramps or fixture dents that showed through in the rifling.

http://www.thesixgunjournal.net/springfields-mil-spec-1911a1/


http://www.thesixgunjournal.net/springfield-milspec-problem-child-2012-edition/


Worked over a Loaded Black Stainless for a cop buddy, barrel was just OK in that one but not up to the quality of Colt OEM barrels.

My favorite Springfield was an old 1911A1 from the late 80's. I honestly think you'll be happier if you buy a Trophy Match or TRP from the outset.

Are you saying that all Springfield 1911's are now made in the USA instead of Brazil? Just asking...........

I've seen some Springers that needed tuning to run, out of the box, which annoys the hell out of me with any pistol. But IMO they have a better batting average than Kimber, so if you like it, go for it. I think Colt, Dan Wesson and maybe S&W are better, but will probably cost more.

If I wanted a 1911 it would probably be a Springfield.




Travis

My only 'shooter' 1911, is a Springfield 1911 A1 GI.
To me it's perfect.

> http://sgcusa.com/images/large/SA_1911_GI.45_Parkerized_PW9108LP_A.jpg <

I see a lot less Springfields come across my bench in need of repair than I do Kimbers. The newer guns are simply great products. I've had the chance to shoot a couple of Range Officers after doing trigger work on them and they have been very accurate pistols. The frame to slide fit on the newer guns is generally very good for a production gun and all the bushings and barrels I've fooled with have been a good fit as well.

you might want to take a look at the Spfd.XDM i just bought one, they were designed by a Match competition shooter. i like mine it shoots real well with that 5.5 competition barrel. Can be purchased for under $700

Yeah, frames aren't stamped "Imbel Brasil" and all the serial numbers start with "NM". I noticed it and the next time a Springfield rep came into the shop, he confirmed it. That's why they got rid of the cheaper GI models and others.

G. I have a plain jane model, and it has never give me any issues.. Also have a Para it is a bit more touchy with handloads..
the Springfield is my favorite..

I've had a Kimber TLE for over ten years now (about 13 I think), and it was a great pistol at the time for the money. I'm not impressed enough with today's Kimbers at today's prices however, and would buy a Springfield if starting over. I'd then send it to Sprinfield's custom shop for any repairs or upgrades I wanted.

Option#2, I'd buy a new Les Baer (I did) or a lightly used Wilson Combat if funds were strong.