Help me pick a 1911 carry gun

[Capbyrd]

I'm dead set on a Springfield but don't want to spend anymore than 650 or so out the door. Why is the Mil-Spec better than the GI or vice versa and why should pick whatever you think is better?

Thanks for the advice.

[Guest 10mm4me]

The Mil-Spec has a stainless barrel,high prof 3 dot sights,lowered,flared ejection port,beveled mag well, for carry though you are gonna want a commander size(4") gun.If u r dead set on carrying a Springfield 1911 and want to do so extendedly, I would suggest the Loaded Ultra Compact Stainless.It is an officer size(3.5").It will run about $850 though.They just don't have a carry size gun for $650 unless you wanna carry a full size.The get the mil spec for around$650.They also have a commander size operator w/accessory rail and aluminum frame that would also be a good carry gun but again you are looking at a price tag of $800-$900.

Edited January 11, 2010 by 10mm4me

[jcoosi]

I paid 620 plus taxes and background check at The Great Outdoor Store in Jackson TN.

They had another one when I picked mine up.SA MilSpec

[Capbyrd]

The size doesn't bother me. I know that I will be getting into a 5 inch barrel and I'm okay with that. Thanks for the replies.

[Guest 10mm4me]

Well if size does not matter then I highly recommend the SA Mil-Spec.I shot one Sat. and put about 300rds down range w/no hiccups of any kind.Crazy accurate gun.Reliable as hell.Slow fire,rapid fire,double taps,controlled pairs.This gun does it all.Good choice and good luck.

[Guest HexHead]

Also check out the Para GI Expert, it fits in your price range. It's made in the US.

Alternatively, look for a used Colt.

[Guest Ae-35]

+1 for the Para GI Expert, I've owned a Mil-Spec for 5 yrs. Shot the Para my friend has, he cleaned it, shot 50rds.,then i got a chance, put 50 rds. through it. He put another 400 through it that day, better stock trigger, better sights, overall best buy under 800 in a 1911. If I ever sell mine, I'll get a Para GI.

[Guest 10mm4me]

The Para has a horrible finish though. In almost every review I have read, the finish looks to have 3 or 4 years worth of normal holster wear on the muzzle in just a few range sessions.I have heard from several Para owners that while they like the guns, they wouild only ever buy a stainless Para because their parkerized and blue finishes SUCK!!

[Guest HexHead]

The Para has a horrible finish though. In almost every review I have read, the finish looks to have 3 or 4 years worth of normal holster wear on the muzzle in just a few range sessions.I have heard from several Para owners that while they like the guns, they wouild only ever buy a stainless Para because their parkerized and blue finishes SUCK!!

You gonna look at it or shoot it?

[Guest 10mm4me]

You gonna look at it or shoot it?

Well hell, why they do they even put finishes on guns?

[gunsablazin]

I'm dead set on a Springfield but don't want to spend anymore than 650 or so out the door. Why is the Mil-Spec better than the GI or vice versa and why should pick whatever you think is better?

Thanks for the advice.

I like the plain jane GI. The sights on the Mil Spec are bigger and maybe better, but they snag more on clothing etc. if you can see pretty well the little sights on the GI are fine, at typical self defense distances it won't make much, if any difference. I don't think you will get a better gun for your money with either pistol. I carry a GI everyday and use it as my primary home defense gun as well, I trust my and my families life on it, that is as high a praise as I can give a gun. If you do your part the GI will do its.

[Capbyrd]

Thanks everyone. I think with my eyes I might need the larger sights of the mil spec. However, I really like the OD green GI. I know its a little ricer but I think with the mil spec grips, the OD green would look pretty darn good. I don't know what I am going to do though since they seem to be sold out everywhere.

[Capbyrd]

So after checking around, it isnt that expensive to have SA refinish a gun to OD green. I may just buy a milspec and send it back to them to have it refinished after I get bored with the standard parkerized finish.