Springfield Made in Brazil!!!!

[Bluegrassstate]

While browsing at my local gun shop, I checked out a GI issue 1911, stainless model...to my surprise, I noticed on the frame was etched, "made in Brazil"....Just wondering if all Springfield Armory 1911's are made in Brazil..Isn't that where the Taurus 1911's too are manufactured...any connection? how's the quality of a GI stainless model..it was priced at $529.00 while the same parkerized model was $489.00..from a beginner's 1911 standpoint, is the Springfield a good buy for that price or should I shop for another manufacturer? If so, what other manufacturers would offer a 1911 equal in performance in the same price range... any and all help will be appreciated....many thanks..

[DennisE]

I believe at least some of the Springfields are manufactured from Brazilian steel, which by the reports I've seen has a good reputation for quality. Dennis

[msjdgman]

Yes, the Springer GI`s and most of the Mil-Specs are made and assembled in Brazil by Imbel. Do a search and "Read all about it". Short story is the firm that manufactures them is top notch quality and the Brazillian steel is superb. Many, including me, think it`s a premium to have the gun come from this fine establishment.

[DuckRyder]

It is a fairly well known fact that Springfield Armory 1911's are manufactured by Imbel in Brazil. It has been discussed in great detail here in the past. Some of them may not be marked "brazil" due to the amount of finish work completed in the United States.

I would suggest looking through previous post if you would like to learn some of the intricacies of the whole thing.

Springfield makes a fine pistol, IMO it is head an toes above a Taurus and they (SA) have well documented Excellent Customer Service should you need it. Taurus does not get the same rave CS reviews.

There a two models of the "basic" SA pistol the GI (or Milspec GI) and the Milspec (Not GI). My suggestion is to get the Milspec (no GI) if for no other reason than the sights.

I am not completely up on SA prices but those prices sound good and if the stainless is a Milspec (no GI) it is probably very good.

It is no secret I am a big lover of Colt and if you can afford the price difference I would strongly suggest you look at one, but Springfield offers a lot and is a good value.

[Tom]

Isn't that where the Taurus 1911's too are manufactured...any connection?
That's like saying Fords and Chevys are the connected because they are made in the same country. No, Springfield's slides and frames are fabricated by a Brazilian company called IMBEL. They've been making quality firearms for decades. Taurus, on the otherhand, bought Beretta's Brazilian plant around the time of the M9 purchase. Beretta had to make the pistol in the U.S. but many of their makers, already uprooted from Italy, didn't want to move yet again. So Beretta sold the plant to Taurus, which is how Taurus makes their own M9 clone, the PT92.

We own three Springfields. They have been excellent pistols. You could spend a bunch more to get something of lesser or equal quality.

[cliff731]

...from a beginner's 1911 standpoint, is the Springfield a good buy for that price or should I shop for another manufacturer?

BLB, is that you? If so, it's great to see you over here.

The Springfield 1911A1's, as everyone has related, are great pistols. Tom is quite right, as you can spend considerably more and get less.

I'll agree with DuckRyder too on his opinion regarding Colt and add that having one or two of both is like being in the catbird's seat.

Those prices you quoted for the stainless and parkerized G.I. 1911A1 pistols are actually lower than typical for where I live. They do sound sweet to me.

Springfield's stainless G.I. is a rather nice example of the 1911A1 pistol and all G.I., along with all Springfield, are well built using forged frames, slides and barrels. None will have the Series 80 type firing block system and are like the Colt Series 70 in that regard... which is a big plus for many.

It's good to see you here and welcome to the forum!!!

[jimster]

My 2002 mil-spec was put together in Brazil, and is as good, and better than some series 70's colts I've had. I've been real happy with mine.

[TGO45]

Originally Posted by msjdgman:

Short story is the firm that manufactures them is top notch quality and the Brazillian steel is superb. Many, including me, think it`s a premium to have the gun come from this fine establishment.
Couldn't agree more. The Brazilian government called in the world's finest experts to "set up" their steel manufacture, processing and QC - namely the Germans and also the Swedish if memory serves. The various production model Springfield's that I've owned were all marked Brazil and they were all of excellent quality and proved to be utterly reliable over an extended period and many "K" rounds later.

[Bluegrassstate]

Many thanks for all the fast and friendly feedback...and Cliff, so glad to hear from you..I believe my local gun shop also had a Colt for about $150 or so more money..not sure if it was the 1991 A1, new series 70, or which Colt model...I do know it was blue instead of the stainless GI model....I'll ask them the difference in price for the mil-spec SA....since my gunsmith experience consists of only replaceing a pair of grips, I would rather purchase a pistol with better sights than try to put them on myself...once again, many thanks for the valuable info....happy trails from the Bluegrassstate..

[cliff731]

...I would rather purchase a pistol with better sights than try to put them on myself...once again, many thanks for the valuable info....happy trails from the Bluegrassstate..

BLB, you can't be faulted for thinking like that! There are a few places that will sell and install your sights though... I think King is one. You just ship your slide off to them and they do the work for you.

King's Gun Works 1911A1 Sights (http://www.kingsgunworks.com/newcatalog/page02.html)

Springfield uses a different diameter tenion that almost any other 1911A1 maker... which results in some difficulty in procuring an exact fit for those who desire DIY sight replacements. As far as I know, King has front sight replacements to fit the Springer though.

If the Colt you saw is a Series 70, that just might be is a sweet deal. The Springfield Mil-Spec deals I've seen in gunstores typically price out at about $70 to $100 above the equivalent G.I. model (i.e. - same finish). If you find one for less difference, there you go!

Not only the taller sights, but you'll gain the Mil-Spec's lowered and flared ejection port... and the slanted slide cocking serations too.

Springfield prices have crept up in the past year or two and in my local gunstore a Mil-Spec is getting awfully close to current Colt "1991A1" prices found online at places like Bud's Gun Shop (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php)... which is located right there in the Bluegrass State!