SPRINGFIELD 1911 45 ACP, WW2 GI SERIES

[razgriz76]

I just picked up one of these. I sold one a year ago and greatly missed it. My local gun shop had a 40% off sale so I had to get it. Great gun for $330

[ArtyukhinRetribution]

nice. i got my USGI model in 2005. $495 for it then. the grips are a lighter wood they use now (mine are factory walnut) and they seem to have replaced the "U.S." on the grips with the Springfield Armory Logo.

super fun range gun for a day of popping targets

[hallis1]

I've really been considering picking one of these up. One of the things that I really like about it is the parkerized finish. I got to handle one of these at the local Cheaper Than Dirt and I REALLY liked the weight and feel of it. So, come tax return I think i'll make this my first handgun purchase. To take to the range with my M1 Carbine :)

[88gapper]

whats the price

[xxuncexx]

lol grip safetly you said wasnt standard? wtf all 1911's always had grip safetys since UHH 1911? geez

[xxuncexx]

lol just because it doesnt have a full guide rod doesnt make it innaccurate. hell you dont even need one.

[barfingjake]

I really hate the grips on these guns. They are nothing like the ones manufactured in the day. I bought some antique Ithaca to replace those.

[rob1upon1gsxr1000]

i have this same pistol, and it is always on target. i think its you that cant shoot dude.

[TheHogger129]

@rob1upon1gsxr1000 - "Accuracy" of a gun is only as accurate as the shooter.

[rob1upon1gsxr1000]

@TheHogger129 yes sir, you are correct.

[Estrangler]

Anyone who has looked up the business end of a red 1911 will vouch for me when I say that it's respectable.

Rock Island or Kimber, the make and model is the last thing you're concerned with. You wont stick around to test the accuracy of any that starts sparking at you.

[MrColt45acp]

"it does have the grip safety which was not standard at that time" 2:29.

Are you sure about that statement?

[shooting44mag]

I perfer not having a full length guide rod they seem to be a little harder for disaesmbly..thats just me..looks like a good buy..good video.

[maddhatter1485]

by far my favorite gun ,thx for posting,with the high cal an 7 inch barrel make alote of fire power

[tenchufreak]

haha kimber magazine :D.i use original g.i and wilson combat

[14WhiteAmerican88]

I'm pretty sure this is a clone of the Vietnam era 1911 NOT WWII

[C6Steez]

@14WhiteAmerican88 they used the M1911A1 in WWII and Vietnam. The S.A GI is a Clone of the M1911A1. the M1911 was used in WWI.

[TheC0ON]

how much was it?

[SoapMactavish90]

The grip saftey was standered since it was desinged in 1911, hence the name

[Daytonaman675]

non ramped barrels don't feed Lead Wad Cutter (LWC) very well they will feed Semi Wad Cutters decently.

[megadeth22885]

so what youre saying.... take off the glitter and polish of the modern dressed up and modified... and you have this... the entry model, the basic, functional, practical 1911

[LuchadoreBob]

first pistol i bought also. modded mine tho. grips, polished feed ramp, compensator, full guide rod. still need a hammer, new trigger, and maybe few other things tho. good pistol to mod if you want to start with basics. love it.

[Samurai8989]

Grip safeties most certainly were standard during WWII. As far as I am aware the 1911 has possessed its iconic grip safety since its very inception.

[reaperflynn3]

These M1911-A1's are much more accurate than government models. There is a higher tolerance on them thus more accurate, but in military conditions meaning it will jam easier from dirt mud etc. The grip safety was on both the M1911 and M1911-A1 I don't know where you heard that they weren't around yet..

[TheHogger129]

@reaperflynn3 - WTF r u talkin about? Guns with a higher tolerance (looser fit) are typically less accurate because the lockup is not as tight, therefore the barrel/slide don't return to the exact same spot every time. It was designed loosely for maximum field reliability. And they never meant it to chamber hollowpoint rounds, etc. It was originally designed around the 230gr FMJ round aka "hardball."

[GunFreak270]

I've gotta agree. That gun might not be a nail driver but it comes close to being as accurate as a target 1911.

[TheHogger129]

@GunFreak270 - Accuracy is 99% the shooter, 1% the gun. I can shoot bullseyes with a Glock, can shoot pretty exceptionally with most 1911s.

On a bench, a "GI" 1911 is not as accurate as something like a Colt Gold Cup because the lockup is not as tight, therefore the parts to return to the exact same spot every single time. So you're not going to hit the same spot 100%.

I garuntee you that an Ed Brown, a Nighthawk, Les Baer will shoot 100x better than this on a bench.

[CitrusLizard]

@TheHogger129 I was at a local gunshop and the guy working there told me that the gunsmith they have on hand there had a GI model he put about 100 dollars worth of wilson combat parts in and he put 20 rounds through the same hole and way out shot guys using multi thousand dollar 1911's. You're right it's the shooter way more than it is the gun.

[82abnoff]

I built a Race Gun from a Norinco. It took about 2 years. The frame and slide are original. A bald slide? OK. I can put a 45 bullet ??

Rich

[Timbonezs]

@2:37 Grip safety wasn't standard? It's always been standard since it entered active duty.

[tbird430]

Mine is in the mail!! Shipped with insurance for under $515.00!!

I can't hardly wait....

[Fun4Guns]

@tbird430 where did you get a deal like that? i've been looking for one

[buildingmotivation]

I just bought my first handgun today.. and it was this one. Its awesome.

[SaintLiam78]

I just got a mil-spec  springfeild 1911 and i am planning on carrying it.

[nilzlofgren]

Can you clarify as to whether or not this is a target 1911

[Kopis1911]

This is a reproduction of a standard issue sidearm for the military. It's built to be durable and rugged under combat conditions. Shortly, its a fighting gun, not a target gun. Although it can function as such.

[nilzlofgren]

Can you clarify as to weather or not this is a target pistol?

[momo671]

colt should really go back to making those again. full length guide rod, flared ejection port, not really needed. sights are tricky but can be as accurate as anything out there

[elw619]

Love Springfield, they make great affordable/quality firearms. the 1911 series rules ass!!

[winchester18862003]

Not a super accurate gun? I have the same gun and mine shoots as well as my friends competition model. Also Check you history the 1911 had the grip safety from when John Browning designed it. I carried a 1911 as a police officer and prefer not having a full length guide rod. I feel that is is more reliable in a combat situation. This is a gun from the stand on your hind legs and shoot era.

[mario18761]

@winchester18862003 all 1911 are acurate its u that isnt

[winchester18862003]

@mario18761 I never said it wasn't accurate. I said that my stock gun was just as accurate as my friends target version. Innacurate it is not.

[zeroflat24]

@mario18761 actually i have to say i have shot all kinds of 1911s. taurus, colt, springfield, kimber ect. i own this exact weapon and it isnt as acurate as a kimber or my other springfield. its the sights really. i have gotten better with it, but it takes dozens of boxes of ammo to get good with the low profile iron sights. a good set of sights on this weapon would make a world of difference.

[redneckman115]

how much does one of these cost

[amitus8]

@redneckman115 Your soul, your intelligence, a decade to life in a steel cage.

[TheHogger129]

@winchester18862003 - Any gun is as accurate as the person firing it. The lockup on this is not as tight as something competition-oriented, so off of a vise, this is not going to be as accurate as say a Colt Gold Cup or other target 1911s. Because your barrel isn't returning to the exact same spot every time.

That said, this is a "GI" spec model. It was meant to be as reliable as possible in combat.

[santoroyerdeantorcha]

I love those low profile sights, they make the gun look sexy.

[teerexify]

Good, gun but the 1911 always had a grip safety.

[drivepro]

your a smart guy.

[hammer101]

I carried this type of weapon for 4 years while serving as Military Police in the Marine Corp, this is Mil Spec and shoots just fine. Holds 2 and 3 inch groups well. The sights are more than sufficient. The grip safety has been around since ww1. There is a reason this weapon has been around 100 years. The design is actually 1906. Great weapon standing the test of time without any need for modern enhancement. Just my experience and humble opinion.

[MrColt45acp]

@hammer101 "The design is actually 1906"

The 1910 Special Army Model was actually closer to the 1911. There was no Model 1906.

[buzzclark]

Hello. At what range do you usually shoot it when at the range? I bought one and unfortunately I sent it to Wilson Combat and put a ton of $ into it in the form of mods. Really it did make it shoot better but looking back I wish I would have kept it the way it was. Oh one more question - when shooting which direction does it send the spent cartridge? To the right OR upwards. Strange question but I use a strap on brass catcher. Anyway you got a nice gun there my friend. Sincerely, JAMES.

[crashdummy40]

this gun holds 2 3 inch groups wtf u talking about look it up sights being low profile is the prob there hard to aim i hav same gun by the way wood grips shouldnt b to snug they will crack b warned

[SharpestShiksa]

For someone who doesn't know much about the purchasing of guns and gun accessories, what's a general price range for a custom grip? And by that I mean where the U.S. is on this pistol, something more personalized.

[af22raptor23503]

Springfield Armory GI or Mil-Spec models make great base to create very interesting and accurate pistols. I build a MEU SOC pistol out of Mil-Spec model that has kicked the hell out of a couple of Kimbers and SIg 1911s.

[NickPech]

Prolly a really stupid question, but I was wondering what does MEU and SOC stand for / mean?

Last question= do u have a vid of it?

[af22raptor23503]

I dont have vids yet. USMC Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operation Capable is the Marines that go out to sea aboard the Amphious Assault Ships and are the first responders to most of the worlds hot spots.  The Pistols are setup to be 100% reliable using Tool Steel Parts that are made to Match specs. Springfield MC Operator is one of the Pistol the MEU use. DET ONE special ordered some from Kimber that are now being sold as the Warrior.

Hope that helps.

[buddyayres]

this is going to be my first hand gun as well. i curently have it on lay-a-way. cant wait to pay it off.

[PACER2320]

nice review cant wait to get one.

[shaokem]

Not sure what you mean by the guide rod not being full length some how makes the 1911 GI not that accurate. Nice GI though. I'm placing an order for a SA 1911 GI micro compact!

[TheHogger129]

@shaokem - The FLGR is all looks. It's intention is to keep the recoil spring from binding. I've had the GI-spec guide rod in my Springfield Loaded for four years and have never had my spring bind. Honestly, the GI-spec one is better. Takedown is much easier, doesn't require the use of an Allen wrench.

[allenbrowning]

beaver tail plam grip is standard ww2  your has the extended one due to the ww1 boys complaining that the standard flush one let the slide and hamer pinch the web of there hand , mine is the same thing you got groups are at .00234 inch at 50 yards, stocks issued in ww2 were of black polymer, wood was rare and few issued with that the 1911 ww1 issue had smaller front sight it was hard to see for target site

[dblgonzo]

A full length guide rod is not needed to make a 1911 more accurate. The barrel lockup and the trigger is the most important features on an accurate 1911. The reason the original 1911 did not have a full lenght guide rod, is the ability to chamber a round with one hand. You can push the bottom front of the slide and chamber or clear a jammed round. You may not always have use of both hands in combat. I have a 1911 GI and a Kimber Custom Crimson Carry II. Both shoot tight groups.

[MrColt45acp]

@dblgonzo "The reason the original 1911 did not have a full lenght guide rod, is the ability to chamber a round with one hand."

Are you sure about that statement?

[dblgonzo]

@MrColt45acp Well I am not sure if I can point you to where I read that. But it makes sense, if you think about it. I own four1911's. I can cycle the slide on my SA GI by placing the plug against my belt and push down quickly and chamber a round. My two Kimber's have no way of doing that. I might be able to put the front sight against a hard surface and attempt it.

[unklesam81]

Junk? you are an idiot zill, go back to playing with your airsoft crap, and wishing you were man enough for the real thing. Most every major customizer uses this very pistol as a starting point because it is such a SOLID foundation. There are more accurate/reliable weapons available at the same price point, but if a 1911 is what you want, and you have 5 or 6 bills to flush, this is the way to go hands down!

[jsv650675]

Watch you got hotshot.

[HiCapacity]

ok.

[emgduncanman]

haha i used mine for my ccdw class as well. i was the only one with a 1911 and a true to history 1911 at that.

[buzzclark]

Hi. Thanks for the info. What is the shooting distance for this basic 1911?? Springfield has a Olive Drab Armory Coat finish model available - do you remember if this came from the Army?? I don't. If you know I'd appreciate the info.  Thanks for the neat video. I subed. Sincerely, JAMES.

[jsv650675]

Shooting distance for me is about 15-20 yards. At that distance I can hit a paper plate.....I am sure there are plenty of guys out there that can shoot better. Not sure about the olive drab color but that sounds really neat. Thanks for the sub I will have some more vids soon. Take care

[guitarbum722]

@buzzclark Definately not a sniper :). It's the perfect distance for a self defense situation. That's all any 45 pistol is good for in MY OPINION. MY GI 45 is my primary carry. I would trust my life with it. Remember, if you're far enough to need a highly accurate pistol passed 25 yards... you're probably far enough not to shoot anyone.

[freeze427]

@buzzclark hickok45 can hit 200 yards with this.

[LordAidenWolf]

What do you think of the Hi-Cap version of this hand-gun versus the XD .45 ACP 4" Service with 13+1 rounds? I'm doing comparisons to decide which would be better for concealed carry and personal defense. I'm a former soldier and it seems like I would be extremely familiar with how to use the 1911

[jsv650675]

I would go with the xd for carrying, this gun is fairly heavy. The sights are old school as well. Technology wins for me.

[LordAidenWolf]

Thanks, I think I'm gonna go with the XD for a few reasons:

More reliable

Lighter

Ships with two 13 round mags

More accurate

Can be equipped with tritium night sights

Can fire +P+ rounds (not sure if the 1911 can)

[huntz2471]

@LordAidenWolf glock are way better!!!!!make a short story shorter i have a glock my freind had a xd he shot my glock now he wants to trade hes xd for a glock :)

[ChrsGuit]

@LordAidenWolf I checked the SA out, but with the extra capacity, it felt like you were holding a coke can. I shopped around for 1911's and I settled on a Taurus PT1911. It ended up costing a little more than the GI S.A, but it has enough upgrades to make it awesome to shoot (Dead on accurate at 50 yards). I wanted it to still look completely traditional and stick with the heritage look of our great service-men's 1911's from ww1- vietnam so I went with blued finish/ walnut grip (no tac rail)

[voodoo4u1975]

I just started to look for my next pistol. was at the gun shop today. to a look at this gun. and like it. any problum's with the gun beside's it not likeing cheep ammo?

[MrDabutts]

got one 3 weeks ago. took it out fired 128 rds 230 ball. every mag had miss feeds. took it home, got the dremel out , pollished the ramps, polished the chamber hood, and a lite sanding of the rails. next sunday back to the range and fired 56 230 ball rds. still screwd up. pistol comes with a 16 pound recoil spring,and i replaced it with a wilson 18 pounder spring. it works outstanding now.some work, and replacing and its a go. total rounds fired till it was right was 323.

[palerider1775]

That sucks. I've shot a little over 200 fmj's through mine and haven't had a single misfeed, jam or otherwise. I've heard it needs about 400-500 rounds shot through before the spring is broken in though, so that might have been it?

[millerusaf]

Nice Springer.

I own a Kimber Custom II, but I wouldn't mind having a standard 1911 design also.

[jsv650675]

How do you like your kimber?

[millerusaf]

Very smooth shooter. Overall, I am pleased with it.

[worldwartwoman]

How much is this Pistol, the Springfield Gi .45?

[palerider1775]

I got mine a few months ago at a gunshow for $580 (before taxes).

[shaokem]

shop around... Find a dealer online and have them ship it to a local FFL.

[terrabomb]

I'm looking at it for my first pistol and went to the gun shop down the street. Sold out due to a gun show yesterday but the guy said somewhere around 450 before taxes (but i'm in CA so i'll be fucked with those).  Can't wait to get my hands on it.

[JohnCG27]

469.99 here in Jax, Fl

I just purchased the Para-Usa GI Expert 1911 .45....But i don't have it yet. when ordered there was a 4 week wait. My friend shoots the one you have in IDPA matches..He loves it!!

[666wang]

Nice handgun! Unfortunately, I have too many 1911 auto pistols. 3-Colts, 3-Springfield-Armory, plus a Kimber. I don't think I need anymore. Thank you.

[em0r0x0rz]

is that a shamwow?

[theARMORYchannel]

i think that guns very accurate!! mine is anyway!!

[camaroz28555]

that gun is perfect fot costomizing

[4638JL]

Tough lookin gun, I like it!

[DapperDon1985]

I wonder if you could put 2 dot sights on it ?

[jsv650675]

Yes it can be fitted with night sites

[DarkheartTheHeritic]

would this be a good houce gun? like a keep under ur pillow gun? cuz its half the price of the almost identical colt model and it seems a little to good to be true

[jonsairsoft]

colts way overrated

[PigHunter375]

Absolutely.

[ishbla]

i am picking one up thursday, but i am swapping some the parts out for some wilson combat parts. mainly a two piece guide rod, skeletonized hammer and trigger. for now, that would be all, but i do plan on getting a compress barrel bushing, actually don't know yet kinda still thinking about that one and some desert grips or black diamond

[9mmFitsmeBuddy]

thanks for the info, i am planning on the compact version but one question i seem to not be able to answer for myself is, what is the finish of this gun? in some instances it looks black, in others, light green and in others dark green.. any help you can give me I would appreciate!

[jsv650675]

The finish is a flat black color, this model is parkerized.

[clogspecialist]

I want to get one here soon, will have to sell or trade the winchester model 12 though.

[jsv650675]

You guys will not regret your purchase.

[USAWARRIOR9MM]

i just bought the springfield 1911 gi in 45acp for $550, im going to pick it up in 6/23/09 i can wait