Springfield Mil-Spec 1911: Best 1911 for the Money
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- čas přidán 19. 11. 2021
- George discusses the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911. From price to authentic design and reliability, Springfield's version of John Moses Browning's century-old creation is perhaps the best value on the market.
Brands discussed in this video: Springfield Armory, Wilson Combat
#sawtoothtactical #Springfield #milspec #handgun #1911
I was a colt guy for a long time but the quality went down the tubes and customer service is non existent. I bought a commander 45 ronin and I love it. They actually answer the phones when you call, and in my opinion they build the best production 1911s on the market.
Yeah. I think Springfield makes great 1911s. My buddy has a TRP Operator and that thing is really high quality.
Awesome gun. Excellent quality too. I’ve had mine for 4 years now and love it. I run only Springfield mags in mine and have had zero malfunctions. Paid $700 for mine. Thanks for the video.
I haven't had any issues with either the Springfield mag that came with it or the Wilson Combat mags that I bought for it. I have had a couple failures to feed with the Promag 15 round stick mag that a friend of mine gave me. I've realized that it doesn't like that magazine if it is loaded with a full 15 rounds.
@@sawtoothtactical404 try cleaning and dry lube or dry oil n the magazines as well as the outshine. Plus, due to hurried production the spring might be backwards. Good luck on the promag. I heard loading up an unloading ten times is suppose to break in the mags.
Try running wilson combat magazines too you'll luv it
I’m not fan of magwell on the bottom of mags . I like flat bottom like Springfield & Colt mags .
My father bought me a Springfield Mil Spec for my first handgun when I turned 21. It was also my first conceal carry. Love that gun! Never had any real issues with it. Although, it did take a hundred rounds or so to “break in” but it’s been a trooper ever since! Would highly recommend this pistol.
That's awesome! I definitely recommend it, too. Mine didn't even seem to need any kind of break-in period. It's been pretty much flawless right out of the box. Makes me want to get more Springfield 1911s.
Aye Thy Art Is Murder
One time I read in a book by Jeff Cooper, he said the 1911 in .45 is like a well trained rhinoceros. I'll never forget that.
That makes a lot of sense, actually.
I’ve had mine since 2005 or so. It is stamped 1911 A1 Springfield armory. Says it was made in Brazil but it has been an excellent and reliable pistol. I swapped out all the fire control for ed brown and cylinder and slide parts.all the rest is bone stock including the grips. Rides in my pick up everyday. Great stuff thanks for sharing.
I think it's a great value. This one was my first Springfield 1911. I've since had a TRP in .45 ACP and I currently own a Ronin in 9mm and a highly customized and upgraded 4.25" Prodigy and they've all been great pistols.
I have the same one and am very pleased with the fit & finish . It is more accurate than all of the pistols I have owned and surprisingly the trigger is good right out of the box .
I agree, completely!
I love my Springfield Mil Spec 1911A1. I've had mine for a long time. I paid $500 brand new.
That's awesome! It's a great pistol. $500 is a really good price!
Do you remember the days when you could build your own Springfield Armory 1911-A1 from a kit (1990 ish) as long as you could mill the slide and frame parts or even hand cut with jeweler files ? I have 6 from those days.
@@sawtoothtactical404 I build at least one every winter. Been doing that since 1997. This year I need to get off my ass and get moving because by now I have all my parts per build.
@@ScottAT That's awesome! I don't remember that. I'd love to build a 1911!
@@sawtoothtactical404 The reason they stopped selling the Gunsmith Kits is because they were only purchased by competent gunsmiths and they were sold for a fraction the cost of a fully completed firearm. There was no profit margin, and the physical work needed to turn one kit into a completed gun was excessive. Definitely not for a hobbyist. Just fitting the slide to the frame alone was a major undertaking.
One thing for sure. Springfield makes fine 1911s. Got a Springfield TRP in standard government myself. Even their low end is excellent. Didn't care for the two piece full length guide rod so went GI with flat wire recoil spring. No issues after probably around 2000 rounds. Running Wilson 47 since day one. Thanks for the video. Nice pistol. Enduring legacy.
I totally agree. This was my first 1911, but I've had a Springfield TRP since then and I currently own a Ronin and a Prodigy double-stack and they have all been fantastic pistols!
Bought one of these in stainless steel about a month ago! My best firearm purchase yet! Nothing else quite like it! GET ONE!
Totally agree! I love this 1911.
Thinking about getting one for youth competitions
Love my mil-spec,a true representation of the iconic 45 acp.💝💥
Yep! It's a great 1911!
Been looking at that baby! Thanks for the video! Love my 1911's! Great feeling shooters for sure
I love 1911s, too! I'm looking at a couple other ones now, as well. There are a lot of good ones out there right now.
@@sawtoothtactical404 Hey! Yeah I have a Ruger SR1911 full-size that’s like a Cadillac (to me anyway) and I have an old Remington Rand from WWII and that one doesn’t get shot. So you can never have to many right? Thanks for the reply!
My wife got me this pistol for my birthday last year. I love it! Bare bones 1911. Only thing better is my vintage pre- WWII Remington/Rand 1911.
You've got a keeper, for sure!
Great review. Thank you
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Unfortunately where I live most Springfields were out of stock and long shipping dates to come in for new ones. So my first edc is a .45acp Kimber Lw Shadow Ghost 1911. Beautiful gun all around especially with the Wilson combat 10 round magazine sticking out. Solid locking holster for owb open carry.
Timber's are absolutely beautiful. Some of the best looking 1911s, for sure.
I just got this for Christmas! I am literally beside myself.
Right on! That's an awesome Christmas present!
Great vid Saw, I enjoy your channel- not your average doom & gloom/paranoia guy. I’m with you, in general the 1911 is my sought after firearm from the start and it’s my favorite gun to take to the range. My son and I shoot the two examples that I have and the one you’re holding now I plan to buy for him as a end of college celebration gift. He doesn’t know it yet but a trip to my local fun shop is in the making and while he’s filling out the form I’ll be choosing the paper we plan to destroy! Springfields entry level 1911 added better sights, match barrel, SS bushing “should be black”, lower ejection port, longer beaver tail, slanted serrations and rosewood grips. Can’t wait to grab one.
I think you'll be very happy with it. Since making this video, I've had a Springfield TRP and now I own the Ronin and the new Prodigy double-stack 1911 and all of them have been really good guns!
20yrs loving
Mine.
That's awesome! This was my first 1911 and I've had a few since. They are my favorite pistols.
I added a beavertail and commander hammer. It's eats any ammo and has been as accurate as I needed it to be.
Yep! I haven't had a single issue with it that wasn't magazine related. I've been considering upgrading parts, but haven't "pulled the trigger" yet.
Springfield Armory has certainly upped their quality control compared to their output in the 1990s. I worked in a gunshop in the first part of thr 1990s and sold truck loads of their base model 1911s. Priced at $299, they went out thr door fast. But boy, did we send them back to the factory for lousy quality issues. Slides that were cleaned to th4 frame with a vise instead of milling the final stages, bushing that won't move even with a bushing wrench and a cheater bar, slides that wouldn't come off thr frame, etc.
But I'm happy to see how nice they are now. I have owned a stainless TRP and recen5ly bought a Ronin governemtn in. 45. Very happy with thr Ronin.
I agree. I have a friend who has a stainless TRP and it is a beautiful gun. It was actually what inspired me to purchase a Springfield 1911. I like the Ronin a lot, too. I'm starting to think about getting a nicer one and right now it's between the Ronin, the Loaded or the new Garrison. They all have some upgraded features that the Mil Spec just doesn't have. As to their current base model: my barrel bushing comes out fairly easily by hand and the slide to frame fit is superb. It's been nothing but reliable and I have no complaints.
That was my experience with 5 Springfields I owned back several years ago. Misfitted slide and frame and subpar small parts afflicted the brand like the plague. Hope these later production are indeed better. I might buy one soon and see for myself.
How could that be .they where STILL better than junk COLTs cause at that time I didn't know shit about 1911s I had all COLTS 3 size and a TRUE 1911 dude point all the flaws of the COLTS Plastic parts, series 80 and a few other things he told me these COLTS would never be worth shit in the future .so I MADE THE SWITCH TO SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911s.and never looked back now when I see colts I tell people they are junk
I’m a fan of milspec 😊
Yeah. It's a great pistol!
Excellent choice. I have one on the way.
Right on! I've had three other Springfield 1911s since owning the Mil-Spec and they've all been great pistols.
Love the 45 APC cartridge. I have several. Love em! I bought mine from a guy that worked for me when he was fired from his day job. Gott it really cheep. It is a Colt 1911 in SS! I only paid $250.00 for it. Now that was over 35 years ago.😉
I do too!
Very cool
Thanks!
Love my mil-spec 1911. I’m most accurate with this pistol of all the pistols in my collection. It’s a keeper for sure.
Yeah. I'm a big fan of Springfield 1911s. I've had four of them and they've all been great guns!
Does the Mil Spec come in a series 70 or Series 80?? I have watched every video doing a review on this pistol and nobody have said what series it is. Thanks
It's a Series 70. No firing pin block or anything like that.
everybody always complains about the 1911 sights. the pistol wasn't designed to shot flies off the wall at 100yds.it's an "up close and personal" weapon. it was used issued to frontline units and rear echelon types.most people are unaware that there was a BIG push to switch form the 1911 pistols to the M1 carbine during 1943. (it had better range, more rounds, easier for all troops to shoot and was easier to manufacture.
The M1 Carbine is a rifle. The 1911 is a pistol. That's like comparing apples to oranges. Although the original sights on the 1911 weren't great, they generally come with really good sights now and are some of the most accurate pistols you can buy. I have a double-stack "2011" with an optic on it and I can shoot it accurately at much greater distances than any of my other handguns.
I got lucky on a trade of my sig P320 with only 100 rounds and traded it for a Springfield Armory Ronin 45 5” with tang bag, 150 rounds of ball ammo, 25 rounds hollow point with extra 2 mags from Wilson Combat on a even trade from a guy he didn’t like it. But I did.
Thats an awesome deal! The Ronin is a great pistol!
@@sawtoothtactical404 I would like to do some Wilson combat parts in it and replace the front sight for a night sight setup.
@@MHSMOKEEATER Can't go wrong with Wilson Combat and Night Sights, for sure!
@@sawtoothtactical404 thanks you got another subscriber.
What!!!!!he was a jackass to let the Ronin go.
I carry my g19 sometimes and I also carry my 1911. I feel like I’m way more proficient with my 1911 because of how easy they are to be accurate with.
I agree. I shoot my 1911 faster and more accurately than any of my other pistols.
I would like to try the Wilson Combat magazines but I shy away from any plastic and they seem to have plastic followers. What other brand magazines have you had success with.
They do have plastic followers, but they're anti-tilt followers, so they're actually more reliable at feeding than most metal ones. I've had nothing but good luck with them. I've also used Springfield factory 1911 mags in both .45 ACP and 9mm, and had success with them, as well. I have an extended 15 round .45 ACP 1911 Promag, and it sucks! You definitely can't fill it to capacity and expect it to feed reliably...
I have the Wilson mags for years with no issues.Try Chip McCormick or
Mec-Gar magazines, can’t go wrong with either one.
Really can appreciate your passion and appreciation of the 1911 especially this/the original gi style, because I feel the same way.
Wish you had shown some close-up of the pistol while you talk about it, though.
I'll make sure to get more close-ups in the future. Thanks for the constructive advice!
@@sawtoothtactical404 Great. Thanks. 👍🏼
Thanks for convincing me to get one 😂
Right on! I've had four Springfield 1911s and I've only had issues with one, a Ronin in 9mm, but it runs perfectly now. My very favorite handgun that I own is my Springfield Prodigy double-stack 1911, but I did really enjoy the .45 ACP Mil-Spec. It's a great value for what it costs.
I just traded a used, gen 3 Glock model 22 plus $50 for a brand new Milspec.
I think you got a great deal! You'll be really happy with your new 1911.
How does the Springfield Mil Spec 1911 compare to the Colt Traditional Series 1911? I'm on the fence between the two.
Honestly, I think you can't go wrong with either one. Both Colt and Springfield are well known for making high quality, reliable 1911s. I have a lot more experience with the Springfield, but I have put quite a few rounds through my friend's Colt, as well. His wasn't the Traditional Series, but it was a beautiful Colt 1911. It's hard for me to recommend something that I don't have a ton of experience with, though, so I have to say the Springfield. I've been VERY happy with it!
@@sawtoothtactical404 Just seeing your reply many moons later for some reason. I've finally made the decision and I'm going for the Parkerized Springfield mil spec and some Wilson Combat mags. Now, to find one! Thanks for the perspective.
I own both. The colts have only two mid parts. Sear and disco. The Springfield has all mid parts excluding the barrel,frame and slide if that matters to you. It does to me. It cost me almost 300.00nto replace all that mom shit.
Just bought one. Paid $620 with taxes included total. Ohh, the only .45 ACP pistol with a 15 round mag is the FN FNX 45 or 45 Tac. Hence why I bought the mil-spec. If I have to pay $1,200 for a 1911, might as well buy another FNX! It simply beats the PANTS off of the 1911! But this one? Price much cheaper and it scream the 1911 history! Can’t wait to shoot it!
Right on! The FNX 45 is a pretty awesome pistol. I looked at one at my local gun shop and the thing is really big, but it's pretty sweet. I think this Mil-Spec 1911 is a great buy. A lot of "bang" for your buck! I just posted a video last night, actually, comparing this 1911 with Springfield's TRP 1911, which costs about twice as much. I think I came to the conclusion that for less than $700, the Mil-Spec is a pretty sweet deal.
Best bang for the money as far as quality
I completely agree!
im considering buying an m1911 as my first pistol, purely because of the "americana" mystique of the weapon, and its legacy. im thinking springfield is the way to go as a good compromise between price and quality, if anyone sees this and has anything to say about this product or any other manufacturer i should consider, please let me know!
Springfield Armory 1911's don't have a lanyard loop. Springfield does sell them. Wilson Combat has a very good video on how to change the mainspring housing that has a lanyard loop. Recommend that you watch Wilson Combat's video. If you don't do it correctly you will need a capable gunsmith to reassemble the pistol. I put a lanyard loop on my S.A. Mil-Spec. Along with an M-7 shoulder holster. Looks too good for school.
That's awesome! Unfortunately, I don't have the Mil-Spec anymore. I sold it and got a Springfield Ronin. I'm picking up a Prodigy double-stack late this week. I just love 1911s!
That's a beautiful spot. Who's the lady?
She's the one who's been helping me edit videos and such. It really is a beautiful area up here!
Don't mean to rain down on fans of Springfield, but based on actual experience of owning 5 of them, inspect carefully ANY Springfield 1911 you want to buy because they are plagued with mismatched frame and slides.
This can be seen by looking the guns at the BACK. See that there are no unsightly uneven gaps. Sure they have forged frames, slide, and barrels but where Springfield dropped the ball is on FITTING of these parts. Some cheaper brands like Tisas, Rock Island, Taurus, Citadel etc. are fitted better.
I've complained to Springfield on several occassions but all I got was " its in spec ". " Sure, we can blend them better, but you have to pay ".
Its like buying a new car, then finding out the bonnet or running boards are not fitted properly and there are huge gaps like those on Tesla cars. The thing runs, but man, do a better job of putting them together. Lots of fanboys get offended when this is pointed out by lashing out at other brands (Kimber, Sig, etc). We are already deep in the 21st century and CNC machines are being used almost everywhere. The people working in the assembly line of Springfield should do a better job of fitting parts.
Appreciate the advice, because I am thinking about getting another Springfield 1911 soon, more of a higher-end one. Maybe I just got lucky, but the slide and frame on this one is a perfect fit. How long ago did you get yours? I have heard of issues in the past, but from what I've heard, their quality control has really improved in the last few years.
@@sawtoothtactical404 4 were from the late 90's to mid 2000's mostly Imbel Brazil. But my last milspec was made in the USA bought in late 2018 and still with an ugly mismatched slide and frame. Hope the newer batch are better made.
P
Mis matched slides and frames...no malfunctions, so who cares.
@@JMark-zk5pj So, you don't care if the bonnet or fenders in your new bought car (whatever the brand) is out of alignment as long as the vehicle is running?Hope you are not working as a QA inspector in any industry.
That recoil anticipation was the star of the show lol
Yeah. That was pretty bad. This was one of the first videos that I ever made on the channel...
That's a lot of recoil anticipation 😳 😬 you had at 0:15, will cause your shots to hit lower than expected.
Yeah, I know. That was a bad flinch. Haha
Has anyone put night sights on their mil-spec?
I'm sure someone has, but I remember looking at them and thinking that they would be much harder to change out than most other sights that I see on guns. If I remember right, they're not really dove-tailed in the same way. I've actually sold this Mil-Spec 1911 since this video and purchased a Springfield Ronin that has a front fiber-optic and blacked out rear sight.
Smart with your money.
Trying to be. It's hard because there are so many guns I want to get. hahaha
Try putting your thumb on top of the safety. Helps stabilize the 1911 pistol.
That works well with the enhanced grip safety. With the grip safety on this basic model, my grip doesn't actuate it tight enough to keep the safety disengaged the entire time I'm shooting. I tried that, believe me. It works well with higher end 1911s, for sure.
The Tisas 1911A1 is the better gun for the money at $350 when I bought mine.
I've heard those are good and $350 is pretty hard to beat!
@@sawtoothtactical404 If you can find one.
I just dont understand why they dont make the GI model anymore? If its a mil spec and we are going for looking like the original then why completely change the color on the finish and the grips? I might get lucky and find one of the older ones if I wait or I can just go buy an Auto Ordnance for a 120 dollars less and get exactly what Im looking for , or I can go Turkey and get the Tisas for almost half the price.
The Turkish guns are actually really high quality for the price. Not a bad way to go, at all.
Designed in 1905 !!! Adopted in 1911
True...
Its not the most accurate version of an original 1911 available today. First it's based on the 1911A1 design, which came out after the original 1911 used in WW1. Also the SA version has taller rear sights and a stainless bushing, not found on the original 1911. SA is a low-end 1911, with all internal MIM parts, and around $550. Entry level 1911 dude.
I still love it, and you're right, it is entry level. That's why I bought it as my first 1911. I'm sure there are better, more expensive ones in my future.
If it's not the most accurate version of the original, which one IS the closest, and available today?
He’s talking about configuration and he’s right, please show me who’s making these in the old configuration? They are also forged upper and lowers etc, they are affordable but they are very quality, I bet you’re a Kimber guy lol.
You sound like Matt Jones lol
I'll have to look up Matt Jones... haha
No beavertail = no bueno. The 1911 Garrison is better IMO.
I do agree with you. I got this pistol before the Garrison came out and now I do plan to get that one.
Can not beat the warhorse 1911...Enjoy..,I like my Auto ORDNANCE 1911a1 Army.
I agree!
She’s the producer. Haha
Killing it!
What!!!!! No concealed carry for you? with the GI mil-spec 1911. Man u are miss out.I carry mine with the 8rd Willson combat 8+1 ready to draw and two 10rd Willson combat mags for extra.
Right on. I just carry a smaller gun concealed on a regular basis.
@@sawtoothtactical404 please tell me in not a GIRL GUN u carry hellcat, sig p365 and 43x and Smith & Wesson Shield
Tisas is also very same but $429
Yeah. That's a damn good deal! I'm actually looking at a new 1911 in my local gun store that I think I'm about to get this month. It's a Springfield Ronin for $899 and it is beautiful!
You cant go wrong with anything if its American made you are buting quality
Buying quality
That's usually true. I've had four Springfield 1911s by now and they've all been really good pistols!
You make a good presentation. I'm still not convinced. After owning and shooting 1911s since I was a teenager, I got sick of the high-maintainence clunkers and dumped my last 1911 more than 25 years ago. Aside from the mechanical issues, they don't fit my hand properly.
It's me and my L-frame Smiths and my Ruger GP-100s til death us do part. BTW....shooting double action accurately ain't rocket science. Like everything else in life, it just takes practice.
Good luck to ya, but I remain firmly entrenched in the "1911 sucks" side of the issue.
I get it, for sure. I've got different pistols for different things, myself. I love the 1911, but I also have a few more modern style guns, as well as a few Ads and an AK on the way. I trust my life to my Smith & Wesson M&P, but I love shooting the 1911, none the less.
Interesting you mentioned high maintenance..years ago I was assigned to a DEA task force & on of the Agents mentioned that he used to carry a 1911 but that he was always having to fix or replace something on it to keep it reliable...so he eventually gave up & went with a SIG P226 and said he was happy because he never had any problems with the SIG...odd, since the 1911 was designed to be reliable & functioned well under extreme combat conditions ...
@@jefflockaby702from what I understand 1911s originally had very loose tolerances which made them rattle traps and more reliable in dirty conditions. Also back then magazines were considered generally disposable. Nowadays many 1911s have tight fit and tolerances. They've also modified things about the recoil systems and trigger systems thru the years....
Had two of these one parkerized, one stainless sold both. Neither one would shoot more than 20 rounds without fowling and not returning into battery. Tried changing barrel bushings and different return springs. In the end you get what you pay for, there is a reason why a quality 1911 costs more than these.
What do you think was the issue? I've blasted hundreds of rounds through mine and never had a stove pipe or any typical 1911 malfunctions.
@@Darklordkime I never had a F.T.F. or F.T.E. as stated after 20 or so rounds the slide would hang up and not go completely into battery. Lightly pushing on the rear of the slide or just jiggling the firearm and it would go into battery. I tried new bushings, new return springs, polished the barrel and bushings. Nothing really solved it. In the end I traded them in and bought a better quality 1911 can shoot it all day and carry it without hesitation.
Wow! I'm sorry about your luck. Mine has never had a single malfunction that wasn't related to a cheap, extended magazine, so now I just don't use that magazine anymore. It's actually been extremely reliable and I've shot TONS of rounds through it. I've found it to be very high quality, just lacking in expensive features that a lot of other 1911s come with.
Are thing with mine. It's been extremely reliable for me!
@@sawtoothtactical404 Yeah I liked them. Always been a fan of the G.I. model 1911 without the enormous beavertail I guess it just wasn't in the cards for me
Please for the love of God keep your finger off of the trigger.
Except when it's time to take a shot.
He can’t operate the 1911 safety. Lol.
I am perfectly safe with a 1911.
Made in turkey? Very bad metal.
Made in Turkey? It's a Springfield, not a Girsan... Springfield 1911s are made in the U.S.A.
You have 0 trigger discipline. That was seriously careless handling of a firearm. I could never really take you serious.
Any new shooters watching this, please go watch a video of proper gun saftey now
Internet RSO?