Springfield Mil-Spec

[Houser52]

I'm wanting to get a reliable and less expensive 1911 (in case it's stolen)to keep in my vehicle all the time. After reading the "other" forums, some people recommend the mil-spec, not the GI, with the serial #'s beginning with NM. What's the thought here?
Can dealers special order them or do they not have a choice of what they get?

[lil toad]

Ijust purchased a Springfield mil spec in OD green. Shoots 230 gr JHP's dead center 2 inches high at twenty yards in a group of 2 inches. I am tickled pink with it and recommend it to anyone looking for a basic pistol. Only draw back is small hard to pick up front sight, other than that it eats every bit of ammo I've fed it including 152 gr SWC's.

[Houser52]

Glad you like your new Mil-Spec.
Is yours the GI model or the one above that?

[kotonk]

try check on davidson's site. you can look up a local dealer thru their site:

http://www.galleryofguns.com/

right now it looks like davidson's has one available parkerized version which any dealer can order(if they use davidson's as a distributor). if a local dealer can't get one you can always find one on gunbroker.com or gunsamerica.com and ffl transfer it to a willing local dealer.

but if you're worried about getting it stolen i'd get a used 1911 from a pawn shop. i'd be pissed if someone stole my new mil-spec. :)

[lil toad]

Mine is the GI mil spec. I saw the OD green finish in a magazine and went to the local dealer who couldn't get one any time soon, so I looked around and got the same results everywhere I stopped. All of the dealers were telling me they were selling the first day they were putting them out. To make a long story short, I took my kids to the movies which is located right next to a Gander Mountain store, so I stopped in and the guy just put one on display and I bought it. The fit on this gun is superb on everything but the rear of the slide and the ejector . It could have used a little blending. Upgrades for the future will be better sights and some trigger work. Other than that it is a solid pistol.
One other thing that deserves attention is the arched mainspring housing. It really feels comfortable suprisingly because I have small hands. I have always been told that it is a no no for small hands to have one of these on the gun.

[JJ45FAN]

I've had my mil-spec for about 2 yrs with no problems. It stays in my truck all the time now & the parcarized finish holds up great. With good wilson combat mags. itshoots any ammo I put in it without a hickup. Both my colts have it beat on accuracy but not by much. For an all around 45 that's accurate & reliable, at a good price, Springfield Armory mil-spec is hard to beat. Also a dab of glow in the dark sight paint on the front sight of mine helped the sight picture alot.

[Houser52]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the overall quality and function of your Springfields are great.
I've been looking on GunsAmerica and there's quite a few shops that have the GI and Mil-Spec listed. Would you prefer one dealer over another or just price?

[lil toad]

My advise would be to go to a shop that has the 1911's in question so you can feel and work the guns to get an idea of what you are buying. Alot can be learned from a good visual inspection and a couple racks of the slide.

[datruthab123]

hello room thinking about buying a 1911. Good price accuracy, and quality are most important to me opinions on best house gun, carry, and best all around 1911's help me, aand best upgrades. this sight seems to have the most experts on the 1911 and I am joining for that reason and using my resources, everyone s opinion is valuable and appreciated take care and "keep them in the ten ring" Jim scouten

[Houser52]

I finally did it. I found a shop with the Mil-Spec and got to look at and check them out up close. After checking out the ones in the show case, I'm the proud owner of a 5" parkerized model.
I've got to shoot it only 35 rounds so far, with different reloads I had laying around. Not one problem!
The fit and finish is perfect. It doesn't rattle when you shake it and the barrel locks up tight.
I may customize it later. Maybe bob the hammer and change the MSH and go with a lighter mainspring.

[Houser52]

I've finally got to shoot my Mil Spec a few more times and it still hasn't missed a beat. The way the new Mil Spec frames are more contoured, it really feels good.
I installed new Wilson parts in the MSH with a 19# MS. It really helped to lighten the trigger. I have a long Kings trigger ordered without holes to go in it. Hammer bite hasn't been a problem but I'm constantly thinking about it. I'll have it bobbed when I have the trigger installed. Hope to post pics after those few mods are made.

[lil toad]

My mil spec is going through some changes right now. I purchased the OD green model and instantly did not like the sights or looking down the green slide while shooting. I am dehorning the slide right now and plan to have it black parkerized. I also intend to have a dovetail cut in the front and a Mcormick drop in sight on the rear.
When I first bought the gun I intended to leave it stock. The sights changed my mind and I decided to go all out on it. The price was right for a starter gun, and it shoots great, so I'll just go with it and see where it goes. Besides, I'd rather alter this gun than mess with my Colts.