Quoted:
This is going to be my first 1911.
Having done some research and handled several 1911's in all of the stores within a 2-hour drive of me I have come to the conclusion that I want a Springfield. Now, the question is...should I get a Mil-Spec or a Loaded? It is going to be several weeks before I can afford either gun at this point...a few more before I could grab the Loaded. So, I have decided to plumb the depths of knowledge here. Which do you folks think I should get? Again, this will be my first 1911 and at this point I'm not looking to do a lot of customization. My biggest concern with the Mil-Spec is the sights. I want to get some night-sights for it...but I think that would require some cutting of the slide. Am I correct? Thanks all!
I'd vote for the Mil-Spec as the best value, but if you have your heart set on night sights, you should opt for the Loaded.
There are night sights available to fit the G.I. dovetail, but the options are limited. The front sight would have to be replaced as well, and if you went for the post sight with a night sight vial, that should be installed by a pro as it's pretty easy to break the tritum vile, A dovetailed front sight would even be more expensive. You'd have as much invested in a night sight equipped Mil-Spec as you would in a loaded, so equipped, and still not have all of the Loaded upgrades.
I personally believe night sights are over-rated for non-professional use, as they are not particularly hi-viz in normal or near daylight, in comparison to white dot, or other non-glowing slight configurations. Personally, any shooting I do in very low-light circumstances will be with a flashlight in
one hand and a pistol in the other. Just an opinion.