Why do SA 1911's get such a mediocre response?

UncleWalther

UncleWalther

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I am still in the market for a 1911, and am having a tough time making up my mind. I am leaning towards buying a Springfield Custom loaded model from Wolverine Supplies. This model in particular:

http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PX9109LLarge.jpg

I've noticed that the SA 1911's do not get a "bad" rating around here, but it seems to me the general consensus is that they are fairly mediocre pistols, and not on the same level as Kimber or STI.

Why is that? Is there something about quality and reliabilty of SA pistols that I should know about before buying?
 
IIRC there are/were 433+ companies that have /had produced a version of a 1911. They range in price and quality. Companies like Springfield Armoury make good quality pistols.

They are all still basically the same, and the more expensive model you get, the more expensive the replacement parts are.

You also have to remember that they are the "Harley Davidson's" of the pistols... There are a lot of Harley drivers who swear by their product and would drive nothing else... same thing here.

If it makes you happy then that all that matters... I am happy with my Norinco 1911. If I had a SA I would be happy with that. There are so many flavors of 1911's that it is sometime hard to choose.
 
Popurhedoff said:
You also have to remember that they are the "Harley Davidson's" of the pistols... There are a lot of Harley drivers who swear by their product and would drive nothing else... same thing here.
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Geez Pops, bad analogy... At least the mainstream 1911 pistols are reliable. Too bad the same can't be generally said for HD motorcycles... :p
 
personally the regular priced Springfields (Loaded / Mil-Spec) are just not as high quality as STI or Kimber. The finish and fit is not as good. If i were to spend the same $ i would get a STI or Kimber. I would only buy a very high end SP ..TRP OP or TGO.
 
I love my Springfields, and I think they are as good or better than Kimbers - I really see no difference. I have one of the loaded models PX9152L, and the TGO1 both are excellent pistols. The loaded model has everything you need, is very accurate and will take anything you feed it.
 
Popurhedoff said:
You also have to remember that they are the "Harley Davidson's" of the pistols... There are a lot of Harley drivers who swear by their product and would drive nothing else... same thing here.
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There a lot of "crotch rocket" owners who spend every chance they get crapping on nice Harleys, even though all they know about them is that they don't have one.

SA (not TRP or custom shop) is the middle market 1911; certainly better than any Norinco or Witness. In the same league as Sig, Colt and Kimber (based on manufacturing process) and not as high quality as the Brown/Baer/STI/Wilsons.

I have one in 45 - I've never had a complaint about it.
 
Freedom Ventures said:
There a lot of "crotch rocket" owners who spend every chance they get crapping on nice Harleys, even though all they know about them is that they don't have one.
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If one wants to know what it's like to own a Harley just go to Cdn Tire, buy a litre of oil & dump it in the driveway... there you have it... :p

Grotto said:
One good thing about the 1911 is that you don't have to continually tighten down the bolts from it shaking itself apart like the Harley.
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Or be on a first name basis with a 'wrench' for when it breaks down... ;)
 
Scarecrow said:
1911 isnt exactly cutting edge technology no matter who makes it. Its like people fighting over the best made abacus.
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Scratch one large Double Double over the keyboard and monitor... thanks Scarecrow... that is the funniest analogy I heard in awhile. :)
 
Scarecrow said:
1911 isnt exactly cutting edge technology no matter who makes it. Its like people fighting over the best made abacus.
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Oh, but what an abacus it is! I'd take it over a slide rule, scientific calculator or digital calipers any day of the week... ;) :p
 
Strange that the 1911 design dominates the action shooting sports.

At least the top third.

:p

(sorry for the drift Uncle...I have two 1911s (and a raft of others) and I will never give them up.)
 
I have owned a pair of SA 1911s and the fit and finish is hit-or-miss. One was quite well fitted and pretty tight, while the other had more "give" to it. When comparing it side by side to a Kimber or S_I, you can FEEL the difference. Even the tight SA I owned was not as tight as any Kimber or STI I have owned.

Presumably, the TRP and higher lines from SA would be alot tighter with more attention paid to fit and finish but then you have to ask yourself why buy that SA when an STI can be had for the same or less...

In the end, alot still comes down to personal preference and what feels good in your hand. Even though the 1911 design has been reproduced many times over, there is still alot of variation between manufacturers. Actually, come to think of it, when reading some of the 1911 forums, I have read the comment a few times where a person did not like Kimber/SVI/etc but when they felt an SA, they fell in love with it. Take that as you will....
 
Here's one very important consideration, and a big one; Springfield casts their frames and slides, Kimber forges. You get better steel even in a Norinco than a SA, and I have seen a broken SA frame.

As for overall quality? Springfield's decent, I'd say dead on par with Colt, maybe a hair under. They rattle if you shake them, just like Colt. Kimber, STI, SVI, whole different ball game, and just racking the slide you can feel it. I've had everything but the STI's/SVI's (borrowed a couple, very good stuff) and so far Kimber's my pic and has a resident spot in the collection. I like Colt best for the name, but none shoot better than Kimber, and SA is just so so.

Go for a Kimber for sure if you're buying new, no doubt. Talk to JR at TSE, he's busted just about every handgun you can name to some degree, but the Kimbers keep going strong without the replacement of a single major part.
 
Springfield 45 Mil-spec

Maybe I've been lucky, but I've found the Springfield to be a great buy. I have an older Springfield Mil-Spec in the blued finish manufactured 1990-1991 and it has been by far the most consistently accurate pistol I own. The slide to fit is superb and is the tightest 45 that I have owned. The trigger is OK, but I haven't felt the need to do a trigger job, so I left it in stock form. It shoots point of aim and the hi viz sights presents a nice sight picture. I haven't looked closely at what Springfield produces today, but at that time it was one of the altenative choices to a Colt.
 
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Detective Special:

Like you, maybe I've been lucky as hell, but my Springer that I just sold to some lucky Alberta CGNutter was the best 1911 I've ever spent money on. Right outta the box, NO FTF's or FTE's even when I was trying the "limp wrist" technique to force a FTE. I suck !

I'll buy another Springer anyday... then again, I cannot afford a Kimber or STI (yet). Springfield Milspec , I mean. That's about my price point.... Save your money... What's in your wallet ?

Cheers,
Barney
 
I've gone both ways. I have a fully customized Norinco that I hav about $1,300 dollars in. Now has:

Brilly Match Grade Barrel & Bushing
Smith Alexander Beavertail
Cylinder & Slide hammer & sear
Dlask Long Trigger
Checkered FLMH
2 Piece Guid rod
Heinie Tigicon Front Night Sight
Heinie Fixed Rear

Frame, Slide, Safety, Slide Stop and MAg Release Norinco

Gun is outstanding both in function, fit & accuracy. Gun at some point will be dehorned & reblued.

I also have a Para SSP that cost me $1,100 is outstanding, fit, function & accuracy.

The only reason for the Para is I would like to go Stateside for some IDPA shoots and the Norinco can't cross the line.

For a production gun I think the Para is better than SA Loaded & Colt & a cut below the STI Trojan which is closer to the Para Ltd series guns.

If I were you I would go Para or Dlask Tactical 1911. Both are better buys than the SA IMHO.

Take Care
 
Personally, I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for". Springfield is a little cheaper than most other 1911's. How do they achieve a lower price? They do it by making their guns in a cheap labor market (Brazil) and use lower quality materials (cast frame, cast/MIM internals).

I can't comment on how they shoot, but I wasn't particularly impressed by the fit and finish of the stainless Mil-spec I handled recently. It's hard to describe it, but it just felt "crude". Personally, I'd rather spend a little more and get a Colt or a S&W. In fact, that's what I intend to do.
 
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