Is Springfield Armory .45 Mil Spec. worth buying?  I love 1911 style pistols but I can't afford to pay $800 or more for Wilson Combat, Kimber, and Para Ordnance.  I can get this Mil Spec one for under 500 bucks.  I guess my question boils down to what is the most affordable 1911 gun to use as basis for customization?  I gradually want to customize it.

I forgot to mention it but I want the full size version.  I hate compact guns.

just picked one up a couple days ago.. very nice!.. have read other positives from other members.. sounds like many use the mil-spec for customized base.

Bravo5-2

I think SA makes a great 1911!

thanks guys

Nothing wrong with Springfield 1911's. I'm not sure if the mil-spec auto's handle hollow point ammo really well or not though. But with ball it should be very reliable. Accurate too. A lot of people use to use the Norinco 1911-A1 as a platform for customization. They were cheap. I'm not sure what the price is on those now or even if they are easy to find, but there were a few floating around a couple of years ago. I have seen mil-spec Springfield's going for $500-$550, some of them even used. So if you can get it for a good price and want a 1911, you will probably be pleased with it.