GI .45? - AR15.COM

Handguns » 1911 Discussions

Posted: 9/14/2005 10:13:40 PM EDT

Just wanted some advice before I made any final decisions on buying a Springfield 1911 GI .45. I was going to get the 5" parkerized model. Since this will be my first 1911, and having no prior experiance with a 1911 what so ever, I was wondering if this is a reliable model for weekend plinking, if there are any general faults or negatives to this particular pistol, ect ect..... Thanks for the help in advance.

Posted: 9/14/2005 10:29:48 PM EDT

[#1]

Its a good pistol. The only faults are the ILS safety in the mainspring housing ($30 or less to swap) and the fact that its in GI configuration. Which isn't really a problem. I guarantee you'll end up tinkering with it somehow. I say you should go for it.

Posted: 9/14/2005 10:56:37 PM EDT

[#2]

They're a very good deal and you'd be happy with it. Until you feel the urge to modify it. But that's entirely up to you.

Go for it!

Posted: 9/14/2005 11:35:07 PM EDT

[#3]

I love it, it's on my hip CL right now. I did put a long trigger on it tho

Posted: 9/15/2005 8:00:07 AM EDT

[#4]

The sights on a GI leave a little to be desired. I'd definately upgrade them to something a little better like Novak, Heinie, or Bomar style sights/night sights. Many people also get "hammer bite" with the GI style grip safety. A beavertail will prevent this. You may want to think about getting either a 1911 that already has hese 2 features.

Posted: 9/15/2005 11:10:17 AM EDT

[#5]

My GI is reliable and accurate. For a plinker I think it is the best deal going however I do not reload .45 so the ejection port does not bother me and for target shooting I prefer the GI sights to the Novaks I have on my Loaded version because I can shoot better at 25rds or longer with them. I think it is because of the smaller front blade. Most people do not like the front sight. I also prefer the arched mainspring housing and the GI saftey grip and manual saftey. I guess I am just a weirdo. LOL

Posted: 9/15/2005 2:42:38 PM EDT

[#6]

I've got the GI champion (4"bbl. )

It will sling ball all day and ask for more.

Even with the smallish sights and my aging eyes it still shoots
Minute of tincan/badguy at normal distances.

Posted: 9/15/2005 4:47:44 PM EDT

[#7]

I think most will agree that they seem to be decent pistols. It would also seem that general consensus states the first thing you will want to alter, if you do, may be the sights. I see no reason why it wouldn't be reliable. Go, shoot and be merry!

Posted: 9/15/2005 5:06:29 PM EDT

[#8]

I've got one and like it.

Two problems, however:
1) Mine failed to eject 3 - 4 rounds per magazine. Fixed it by filing/tweaking a replacement extractor.

2) Incomplete machining of the frame resulted in breakage of one of the projections on either side of the barrel link.

Posted: 9/15/2005 5:48:53 PM EDT

[#9]

I've put about 300 rounds thru my new .45 GI Model......and it's had a few hickups...but it could be just my handloads not working right.

230 RN factory loads seem to work best....replaced the ILS Mainspring system.....and put on Hogue Repro Walnut Grips without the U-S Initial.

Should look more "Stock". Seems like a good deal, and with the Loaded Coupon, I'll get a bunch of Springfield Mags for way under list $$$$.

Posted: 9/15/2005 6:36:54 PM EDT

[#10]

I had to tune my extractor

Posted: 9/16/2005 12:20:56 PM EDT

[#11]

Thanks everyone for replying, think im going to pick the .45 up tommora.

Posted: 9/18/2005 9:16:34 AM EDT

[#12]

Yeah, mine got a Wilson extractor and runs like a top now.

Posted: 9/19/2005 4:32:05 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Yeah, mine got a Wilson extractor and runs like a top now.

I have noticed, over the years, that replacing a Springfield Extractor with a Wilson Bulletproof ( or equivalent ) right off the bat saves a lot of headaches.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - GI .45?

Handguns » 1911 Discussions

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