1911 or 1911A1

[24JGFAN]

Hello all,

I am thinking about purchasing a Springfield Arms 1911. The problem is I don't know if I want an original or an A1. So, help me out. I definetly want to go with a GI and I am pretty sure that Springfield has a 1911GI and a 1911A1GI. Can you tell me which one was more prevalent in WWII? Also, can you tell me what are the differences between the two? Thanks for the help. Sorry if this is the wrong forum...let me know which is the right one if it bothers any of you too much. Thanks again and I look forward to your answers.

[Thompson]

I don't think Springfield manufactures a truly 1911 model. All of their military style models appear to be essentially 1911A1. If you go to the M1911.org home page and click on the history link, it will describe the changes made to the 1911 that resulted in the 1911A1.

If you check the Springfield Armory website, the Mil Spec and GI models are the most military styling and are 1911A1 type with the arched mainspring housing. The Full Size model has the flat housing but it also has the commander hammer and beaver style grip safety so it's not a 1911 either.

You can check the 1911 models link on the M1911.org homepage to see the models available from various manufacturers. I only checked Colt from that list but Colt does make a factory 1911 model (1911 WWI Replica) if that is what you decide to get.

The choice is personal matter but the above should provide some guidance for you to make a decision. I only shot a GI .45 (in 1966) once and the thing that I remember most is that it was hard for me to see the small front sight and there was almost no notch in the rear sight.

[allen268]

Here's a pic of my SA GI 45, It's suppose to be almost identical to the ones carried in WW2 other then the US on the grips (so I've been told), The one I have is a Champion ("4) but the full size GI is the same price.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/allen268/PC120008.jpg

[John]

As far as I know, only Colt offers a replica of M-1911. They also offer replicas of M-1911 A1, but so do other, like Springfield mentioned above, but M-1911, it only comes from mother Colt (unfortunatelly).

Rgds

[stans]

Only Colt has produced a 1911 and the most recent batch was limited to 1000 (I think). All other manufacturers produce 1911-A1's. Springfield is muddying the WW II thing by applying the designation to pistols with barrels and slides shorter than 5 inches and making some from stainless steel.

The real WW II issue 1911-A1 featured a 5 inch barrel and matching slide and they were blued up until 1943. About mid 1943 all new 1911-A1's were parkerized.

[24JGFAN]

Hey, you guys are the greatest. Unfortunatly, I don't have the pocket book for the colt. I do however like the look of the piece Allen submitted. I am not a complete purist. I am really just looking for a close faximile. I have seen an original Colt 1911. My neighbor, who recently passed away, was a Korean WAR (not conflict) vet who was an avid collector. Although most of his stuff was Civil war, he had this beauty. It is what really turned me on to the 1911. This piece was in such good condition, that the finish was not worn away anywhere. Not even on the magazines. The checkering on the grips was still sharp. Very nice piece. Anyway, thanks for the assist.

[canuck]

why not consider a vintage Colt that isn't quite so collectable?
mines a late ww11 with a not origanal barrel
shoots great,still has the mistique and didn't cost me a limb :p

[allen268]

Just thought Id post this link for you in case your interested in checking into it some more, I spent $430.00 for mine but I've heard from some people who got even a little better price. Let us know what you eventually decide on...

Allen


http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-GI.shtml

[cottontoptexan]

Allen268,
I have the same gun you have. The Springfield Champion 4" barrel. I have had no problems with approximately 500 rounds through it now. Also the gritty , kinda tough trigger has decided to smooth up. Still probably around 5 1/2 pounds now but not gritty. I used a formula from 1911 Tuner to smooth up the action. It consists of JB's bore cleaner and break free. I gutted the gun and applied it per his directions and then cycled it for 100 strokes. Then reapplied the formula and performed this operation again. It is used on the barrel and locking lugs and the slide. Then washed it up squeaky clean and reassembled it. It is smooth as butter and do like the results.
Cotton

[allen268]

Always nice to hear of someone with the same gun as me getting good performance out of it, I havent got to 500 rounds yet but so far so good. Im poundering with the idea of sending it in to the custom shop to have it hard chromed since the 4" GI don't come in stainless but I don't like the idea of sending her off for so long or if there are any cons to having it chromed, either way I love the gun and am happy with it.

I'll give your formula a try since i've been wondering what best to use..

Take care,
Allen

[cottontoptexan]

Allen268
On smoothing up the frame rails and slide. Here is what Tuner1911 sent me and it worked out very well.
Go get a small tub of original formula J&B Bore Cleaning Paste and a small bottle of CLP Breakfree.Put a teaspoon of the paste in a small cup and add CLP to it a little at a time mixing as you go . Keep adding a few drops of the oil until it will just start to sag off the end of a screwdriver blade without dripping.
Let it stand overnight in a place that dust and dirt won't get to it. Stir it up thoroughly before use. (I used a 35 mm film cannister, the plastic type)
Detail strip the gun and coat the locking lugs,,,,, lower lug and link,,,,, frame rails and barrel OD. Assemble the gun with the fram bare and the barrel and bushing in the slide,,,,, slidestop too. On the Champion you will not have the barrel bushing.
Hand cycle it about 100 times. Take it back apartwipe the used slurry out of the rails and reapply..
Hand cycle another 100 times.Wipe and rinse thoroughly with carburetor cleaner. I used one of the aeresol gun scrubbers for this like Shooter's Choice etc. Let it air dry for 30 minutes. Re-oil everything and put it all back together.Unless there are some serious problems with the gun it will feel like buttered glass. Curt

[allen268]

Thank you for the advice, it certainly sounds like something worth the effort. I'll give it a go before I go out to the range this next weekend.

Thanks again,
Allen

[24JGFAN]

Allen,
You hit the nail on the head. This is the piece that I have decided to purchase. Other than the non checkerd diamonds and the US stamp on the grips, this is as far as i can tell a great reproduction. It is my understanding that the non checkerd diamonds were only found on the original model 1911.

[allen268]

24JGFAN,
Congrats! I hope you enjoy your gun as much as I do mine, there are some pretty knowlagable people on here who can give you some great advice on breaking it in as you can see by the advice I have already recieved in this thread. Mine shot just fine out of the box but I know any concern that may arise will be quickly addressed by experianced shooters on here.

Well enjoy and be sure to let us know when you get it and have the chance to shoot.

Allen