Springfield GI 1911A1: Worth it?

TheWharGoul

TheWharGoul

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So, Ive got my wheelgun now I need a 1911.. Its just what needs to be done!

So being the history guy I am, I immediately want the GI. Any yes or no's? I don't have a huge amount of cash but I would like something reliable and similar to a war time 1911 and the SA GI seems to fit the bill fairly nicely.

Anyone have one? Comments or complaints?


Thanks,

I searched but didn't find anything.. I hate making these types of threads! they just seems so noobish.
 
TheWharGoul said:
So, Ive got my wheelgun now I need a 1911.. Its just what needs to be done!

So being the history guy I am, I immediately want the GI. Any yes or no's? I don't have a huge amount of cash but I would like something reliable and similar to a war time 1911 and the SA GI seems to fit the bill fairly nicely.

Anyone have one? Comments or complaints?


Thanks,

I searched but didn't find anything.. I hate making these types of threads! they just seems so noobish.
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Oddly enough, it would be a noob that would respond. Buy a Norinco M1911A1 from Marstar, send it to Gunnar at ARMco for a complete reliability overhaul. Best 450 you ever spent.
 
Invidion said:
Oddly enough, it would be a noob that would respond. Buy a Norinco M1911A1 from Marstar, send it to Gunnar at ARMco for a complete reliability overhaul. Best 450 you ever spent.
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Good call, new guy. :)
If funds are a factor - this is a good move. I ain't no Norinco lover, but they do make a decent 1911 - seeing as that the technology to make a good milspec 1911 is almost 100 yrs old.
 
I actually have a question of my own (and I'm quite sorry to ask this on your thread, however I always feel so ####ty to make a completely new one for a single response answer) but how long does it take once you've walked in and said "I want that handgun" to recieve it? I've hear it takes up to a week, or something like that.
 
Invidion said:
Oddly enough, it would be a noob that would respond. Buy a Norinco M1911A1 from Marstar, send it to Gunnar at ARMco for a complete reliability overhaul. Best 450 you ever spent.
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Norc's not a bad choice for a first time 1911.... but doesn't exactly fit his criteria:

....and similar to a war time 1911 and the SA GI seems to fit the bill fairly nicely.
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Unless you get the Norc refinished in park..........

My .02..................

If you want something GI looking without breaking the bank for a real-deal USGI then the SA GI model isn't a bad choice................
 
Invidion said:
I actually have a question of my own (and I'm quite sorry to ask this on your thread, however I always feel so s**tty to make a completely new one for a single response answer) but how long does it take once you've walked in and said "I want that handgun" to recieve it? I've hear it takes up to a week, or something like that.
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If you have your R-PAL it's usually only a day or so if you buy from a BC dealer.... ;)
 
Springer GIs are excellent pistols but if I were buying one, for the first time, it would be a Mil Spec or Loaded. In the end, these two pistols offer a lot more value. In regard to Norinco 1911s I am a big fan but the Springer Loaded is probably a lot more cost efficient. Regards, Richard:D
 
I wouldn't buy the GI; if you want a bone stock 1911 for less than1/2 the price you can have a Norinco... Or for the same price as the GI you can have a loaded 1911- Taurus (another Brazilian 1911 ;)), or even the RIA. If you must get the SA I'd say go for the Mil-Spec...
 
unless you're into nostalgia, do lots of shopping around- i've got an ORIGINAL remington-rand issue and there are numerous improvements thant can and SHOULD be made, not the least of which is the SIGHTS- for what i paid for a custom job , you can get all the bells and whistles now, even less if you SHOP AROUND- if you go usgi repro i think you'll be disappointed with the performance- my other 45 is a colt mk 4 series 70 , but it's mostly a wilson
 
Invidion said:
I actually have a question of my own (and I'm quite sorry to ask this on your thread, however I always feel so s**tty to make a completely new one for a single response answer) but how long does it take once you've walked in and said "I want that handgun" to recieve it? I've hear it takes up to a week, or something like that.
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Just curious - how can you recommend a particular pistol to another shooter and say that it's "the best $450 you'll ever spend" when you have evidently never owned ANY handgun (let alone the gun in question) yourself?
 
Unless your REALLY into the original GI scene, you should check out the Rock Island 1911's offered by ArmsEast. They have most of the bells and whistles that you would want for a range gun, and at a reasonable price. A Chicom 1911 costs almost as much, and you will probably still need to get it worked over, costing extra money.
 
haha, looks like I opened a can of worms with his one.. I should have known! A 1911 topic is never cut and dry.

Ok, so my options are the SA GI, AO, Norc and Rock Island.. Or an original which is sorta out of my price range (I'm trying to keep it closer to $600 then $1000 - but not an easy task when talking about 1911's it seems)

I'm really looking for a shooter, but something that wont look to out of place in a WWII holster. I don't mind the small sights too much but I can see it being a problem later on. I have no doubt this wont be my last 1911..
 
Guess, it all really boils down to what the guy really wants....

If it's a GI type pistol, then pay out the $$ and get a 'real-deal' WWII vintage USGI.... or go with the SA GI model....

If he just wants a 'starter' 1911 as a 'shooter' then go for the Norc 1911A-1 and get an Armco tune.

If he wants something with some bells & whistles to start at a relatively modest outlay, then something like the Taurus 1911 fits the bill.

Something more pricey? Then go with the STI, Kimber or the like.

Or go all out, throw out $4,000'ish and get a Wilson from the get-go.

Geez, there's lots of choices out there............................:eek:
 
A few years back when I was searching for my first 1911, I set my mind on a USGI model. But when I got to the store and the owner handed me both USGI and Loaded versions, I went for the Loaded version since I am planning to load it anyway (change safeties, magwell, trigger, sight, etc.). I guess my point is, do not buy your 1911 just for today, buy it for tomorrow.

but if you are a real history buff, my brother bought his Remington Rand (1943 made) for only $450. But this is way back in the mid 1990's. I do not know if you can still get them at that price.
 
ishut1911 said:
but if you are a real history buff, my brother bought his Remington Rand (1943 made) for only $450. But this is way back in the mid 1990's. I do not know if you can still get them at that price.
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Only the "beaters".... For a nice shape USGI expect to pay easily $650 + for them now. And for an actual USGI Colt probably $1,000 or more unless someone is being extremely generous or just outta touch as to what they are selling for now........
 
A real nice Remington all correct like new or ex will cost you about 1500 to more!

Your Rock Rivers(philipines)Spring Fields (brazile cast) actually all of the Except the Norinco(forged ) are not the best buy!

I hate to say it but the Norinco is the best buy ,because even the best gun smiths will gladly take it for customizing!

It's real steel.

Bob
 
I had one of the Springfield GI's. I t was ok but I soon found myself trading up for a Kimber. Keep in mind that you would probably want Gunnar at Armco to sort it out/tune up for it to be Ideal. Mine was finicky (with mags) and Gunnar mentioned that the stock trigger pull was bad. It was a not bad gun that needed some fine tuning out of the box.
 
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