I went to the range today with my new unfired 9mm Springfield Loaded 1911-A1 which I bought in EE from Jaybird a few weeks ago. I brought along 300 rounds of Blaser 115 grain FMJ. I loaded up the 2 stock stainless mags plus 4 more blued MecGars I bought from Marstar while waiting for registration to come through on the gun. Must have been lucky or hit a slow period (CFO, not Marstar) as all was complete in 10 days. The weather at POCO was great with some clouds and sun coming through now and again. I had range 4 to myself and clipped on my Serpa holster plus 4 Blackhawk mag holders.
First couple of shots were high and then low as I figured out the sights which I wasn’t used to. Black against black but soon I was on the money. As with any new gun I got close to the target at about 25 feet and ran a couple of mags through just to get comfortable with the gun. Then I went to about 20 to 25 yards and had a very pleasant couple of hours shooting. I had my Sig 226 Stainless as well to do some comparison and I realize the single stack is much better suited to my hands than the Sig although I really love that gun. The Springfield had a more natural point and shoot feel for me. I was able to draw and get in the eight, nine and ten ring on a fairly consistent basis and I think it is because of the better fit for my hands than the chunkier Sig which would jump a bit more on me on follow up shots.
The Springfield is very smooth to change mags and rack quickly. I felt confident right away that I could count on it to reliably and consistently chamber each round. Also, out of 300 rounds only 2 or 3 casings came back toward me. After the first hundred rounds I put in a mag and when I racked the slide it was slightly hesitant to go into battery. I got out my bore snake and gave it a shot of all in one cleaner/lubricant. 2 or 3 passes and it was back to smooth as silk. Same thing again after another hundred rounds as some residue built up. Even that was consistent. I noticed at one point the set screw for the rear sight has backed out but I had the right Allen key and just tightened it back down. I don’t know if all Springfields are as well made and smooth to operate as this one but this is definitely one of the nicest guns I’ve had.
First couple of shots were high and then low as I figured out the sights which I wasn’t used to. Black against black but soon I was on the money. As with any new gun I got close to the target at about 25 feet and ran a couple of mags through just to get comfortable with the gun. Then I went to about 20 to 25 yards and had a very pleasant couple of hours shooting. I had my Sig 226 Stainless as well to do some comparison and I realize the single stack is much better suited to my hands than the Sig although I really love that gun. The Springfield had a more natural point and shoot feel for me. I was able to draw and get in the eight, nine and ten ring on a fairly consistent basis and I think it is because of the better fit for my hands than the chunkier Sig which would jump a bit more on me on follow up shots.
The Springfield is very smooth to change mags and rack quickly. I felt confident right away that I could count on it to reliably and consistently chamber each round. Also, out of 300 rounds only 2 or 3 casings came back toward me. After the first hundred rounds I put in a mag and when I racked the slide it was slightly hesitant to go into battery. I got out my bore snake and gave it a shot of all in one cleaner/lubricant. 2 or 3 passes and it was back to smooth as silk. Same thing again after another hundred rounds as some residue built up. Even that was consistent. I noticed at one point the set screw for the rear sight has backed out but I had the right Allen key and just tightened it back down. I don’t know if all Springfields are as well made and smooth to operate as this one but this is definitely one of the nicest guns I’ve had.
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Again, I hope your Springer and you have a long and happy life together. Regards, Richard
