Author Topic: Springfield Armory "Loaded"? (Read 3492 times)

Norseman · « **on:** November 06, 2007, 02:56:31 AM »

Anyone have a Springfield Armory "Loaded" full size 1911? I was interested in this pistol in stainless, low mount adjustable sights and most of the bells and whistles such as titanium firing pin. lightweight trigger and hammer, beavertail grip safety with memory bump, match barrel and two piece guide rod etc. Instead of trying to upgrade my MILSPEC, it's cheaper to just get the Loaded model! Anyone have experience with this model? Accuracy, reliability etc? $:-\$ Your inputs will help me determine if I go for the plunge and get it.

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2007, 03:34:52 AM »

My limited experience with this type of pistol is that you get the material things that make a good gun, but you don't necessarily get a gun that's tuned for competition. It may still require a trip to the gunsmith to fix it if you need it for a competition purpose. For just having a plinker or a defense gun, then you could get get something decent for a lot less. My take on these loaded models is that they are more for looks and prestige than for any specific practical purpose.

I'm much more satisfied with guns that have started plain and been customized to a specific purpose. After the gun has the right dovetails for good sights, shaped ejection port, and checkered front and back straps, it's ready for final finishing by a gunsmith, and at a reasonable cost.

So what you need to decide is whether the Springfield loaded is competing with a low-end gun on basis of looks or on performance.

Savage · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2007, 01:17:15 PM »

You can go two ways: Buy the base model and add what I consider essential, decent sights, commander hammer, oversize safety, extended beavertail grip safety, lowered and flared ejection port, long trigger w/better sear/dis-connector, flared magwell, and perhaps some frontstrap checkering. Or----you can buy the loaded model which already has these mods for less money than it would cost to buy and modify the base model. Neither one is going to shoot the "X" ring out at 50 yds, but it will shoot better than 98% of shooters can hold. If I were buying a Springfield, it'd be the "Loaded" model.
Savage

lonewolf5348 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2007, 02:02:48 PM »

I think back then before I purchased the mil spec: The loaded model was some were around $850.00 that was with out tax
I paid $599.00 for my mil spec I think I have another 75.00 dollars in up grades but was lucky to do all the work myself.
I would not want to think what a smith would have charge me on my upgrades.I think I would of spent more then what a loaded model would sell for.

popplecop · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2007, 06:11:26 AM »

I had one and liked it. Trouble is so did my daughter, and she couldn't afford to buy one with 2 teen age boys to feed. So I gave her min til she could afford on and that was 3 years ago. Never did get it back, so I repaced it with a Taurus PT 1911 and am happy with that.

45acp2go · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2007, 03:45:36 AM »

Quote from: Norseman on November 06, 2007, 02:56:31 AM

Anyone have a Springfield Armory "Loaded" full size 1911? I was interested in this pistol in stainless, low mount adjustable sights and most of the bells and whistles such as titanium firing pin. lightweight trigger and hammer, beavertail grip safety with memory bump, match barrel and two piece guide rod etc. Instead of trying to upgrade my MILSPEC, it's cheaper to just get the Loaded model! Anyone have experience with this model? Accuracy, reliability etc? $:-\$ Your inputs will help me determine if I go for the plunge and get it.

Hi Norseman,

I have had a Springfield loaded full size model (Black Stainless w/adj night sights) for several years. I have the Crimson Trace laser grips on it. Its a great 45 and for the the money it has quite a few extras on it.

I use it for concealed carry occasionally and also use it for handgun deer hunting during deer gun season here in Ohio. Have bagged several deer with it. I usually carry my Springfield Micro 45ACP or Kimber Ultra II Covert.

Its a toss up with me between Springfields or Kimbers. They are both great handguns.

Terry

Norseman · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2007, 03:03:08 AM »

Well boys, here it is. I decided to keep my Milspec, I couldn't part with it and guess what? I just received my Springfield Target in stainless (PI132LP). I took it to the range and after setting the sights with a rest went through 200 rounds of match .45. Never in my life have I seen such an accurate pistol period! I am retired military and currently law enforcement, so I am no greenhorn. At 25 feet (no rest)I am putting 7 rounds consistently through the same hole. I thought I was seeing things!!. Nope-same hole. 50 feet almost as good. Not a single jam! The slide has zero lateral or vertical side play. Fit and finish perfect. Trigger is excellent but through more usage should slick up so am am not going to fool with it just yet. Just a very slight creep but still damn good. I am highly impressed and awestruck by my new pistol. I got it for $809. It is so accurate at this early stage it's scary!

Savage · « **Reply #7 on:** November 28, 2007, 01:35:27 AM »

Norseman,
Great choice! You have an excellent range gun!!
Savage

nilescoyote · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2008, 10:34:05 PM »

I had a blued "loaded" and was impressed with it. It was accurate (under 3" at 25 yards when I did my job behind the trigger). Only got rid of it because a friend of mine liked it more than me and was willing to buy it for the same price I paid for it. Used the funds (and some extra) to get a Kimber eclipse that shoots even better. The only problem I encountered with the Springfield was the staked on front sight came loose after about 2000 rounds. It was a easy fix.

nilescoyote · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2008, 10:37:24 PM »

I need to add that the two piece guide rod would keep coming unscrewed as it was fired but a little lock tight fixed that.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2008, 12:18:47 AM »

that two piece rod is made to make dissasembly easier. I wouldnt lock tight it. the ones i have with them i usually just make a habbit out of tightening them with my fingers every couple mags. For the most part i tend to stay away from full lenght guide rods anymore and just replace them with the old military setup. Ive never seen where they improved anything on my guns and it sure makes takedown easier.

myronman3 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2008, 03:28:16 AM »

Quote

I am highly impressed and awestruck by my new pistol. I got it for $809.

glad you got a good gun. but $809? yikes!

your dealer put the screw to ya, i have NEVER seen them that high! dad bought his i think for 560? i think? seems to me mighty high.

sculbert1 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 13, 2008, 11:35:18 AM »

I bought one in 9mm about 6 years ago and my wife promptly took it over as her "range gun". It has ran flawlessly for thousands of rounds. I replaced the recoil spring on it last year.. just because I thought it needed it. After she took the 9mm over I bought myself one and have ran around 1500rds thru it and it just keeps getting smoother. I would recommend one to anybody!

myronman3 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 14, 2008, 09:11:14 AM »

Quote

glad you got a good gun. but $809? yikes! your dealer put the screw to ya, i have NEVER seen them that high! dad bought his i think for 560? i think? seems to me mighty high.

my bad. i got sideways somehow, and was thinking you said you paid 809 for a taurus....how i reached that conclusion i havent a clue..... i just re-read the posts above and realized my mistake. hope that clears it up.

irold · « **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2008, 04:55:14 AM »

Might as well throw my recent experience in ........I had bought a GI 1911 ( Springfield ) early last year, performed well until a month or so ago, was jamming every several rounds...I couldn't figure out why. After e-mailing Springfield with my problem, they said send it in. After doing so, assuming they could fix it, I called the custom shop ( springfields ). I explained to them my pistol was in for repairs, afterward I would like to have some work done to it. They told me the GI, Mil-spec, and loaded models all have the same basic frame and internal parts, hence their custom work should make it ( my GI model ) perform as a Loaded model. The prices they quoted me are as follows : Trigger work- $75, ejection port flaring and lowering - $45, extended extracter-$40, refinishing the slide after the port work-$70, also they informed me any custom work would include Wolf springs through out, if my math is correct-$230...since they already had my pistol doing warranty work, I assumed there would be no return shipping charges. I had already paid $60 to UPS for shipping it to them for the repair.....As it turns out, Left hand has no idea what right hand is doing..the repair dept returned my pistol to me....now if I want to proceed with the custom work, I have to foot another 60 bucks plus the return shipping, assume it to be the same...add 120 on to the custom work...total $340. I'm sure there's a few other things the loaded model has that would not have been included in my custom job....But $340 is cheaper than buying another gun, unless you want two 1911s . Just thought I'd share that with you, didn't mean to ramble on.....Good shooting !

JeffG · « **Reply #15 on:** February 10, 2008, 12:23:42 PM »

I bought a "parked", Loaded 5 inch just recently. The gun shot very well right out of the box. It was a great value, and is now my exclusive off duty gun. I would recommend it to anyone, without qualification. Good score Norseman, I hope you enjoy it!!

j two dogs · « **Reply #16 on:** February 15, 2008, 02:24:39 AM »

I have had several springers. Only once did I have a problem with one that their service dept. said they could not fix. "Alloy frame that would not take anodizing" so it would not feed hollow point ammo, it was a used gun when I got it. They eventually made it right, gave me a new MC operator.
I now have bought a used "Loaded" stainless, have not had a chance to shoot it yet, but fit and finish are excellent, she sure was pretty sittin' there with a pair of Walnut grips, this gun was 98%, you could tell shot very little, and the price was right 550, so it was one those you just could not pass up. She's at the smiths right now sweetin' up the trigger a bit, then she be ready to roll.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #17 on:** February 16, 2008, 01:00:31 AM »

I know threres alot of fans of springfields here but im just not one of them. Ive had 6 now and its seems that they either are accurate and dont function relibily or are reliable and dont shoot well. Every one of the 6 i had made at least one trip back to the factory. I chuckle at guys that run from kimbers with external extractors. Ive had two and shoot the crap out of them and never have had a problem with them. dont get me wrong ive had kimbers go back for tuning and repair too. But if a gun wont run right or isnt accurate it doesnt stay in my possession long. Right now ive got two good kimbers two good colts and one good sti and would have to get one hell of a deal on a springfield to even consider bringing it home. As to having to spend 300 bucks upgrading a gi to get it to run right, i think is rediculous. If it didnt run they should have footed the bill to make it run. I shoot alot of ppc and the most seen gun there seems to be a springfield loaded. I chuckle at some of them. Theyve saved there money and think theyve finally got the cadilac of guns. Ive seen guys with them putting down my kimbers and colts even after theyve shot 2 or 3 rounds of ppc and didnt make it through one without a malfuntion. they will allways have an excuse. Either there gun didnt llike the ammo or there reloadng technique that week was flawed. Bottom line in my experinece is springfields quality contol stinks and they pump out guns so fast that they dont properly test them before shipping. there kind of like ruger in that aspect. I think they figure the average guy will probably shoot a couple boxes of ammo through a gun in a lifetime and if they have a malfuction dont relate it to the gun and its easier to fix the guns that people complain enough about then to just do them right the first time. Im sure ill get roasted for these comments but as usuall i dont post anything that doesnt come from my own experience. Yours my vary but when i go 6 for 6 with defective guns I know i cant be the only one having problems with them. Im sure a bunch will pipe up and say theyve got maybe 500 trouble free rounds through there guns but to me thats not a test. When you get up to 5000 trouble free rounds you can honestly say youve got a good 1911. The guns in my save have a round count (except for the one new colt) of well over 50000 rounds and i know there good guns. If they werent they would be there.

j two dogs · « **Reply #18 on:** February 16, 2008, 08:01:37 AM »

I agree 100 % Lloyd! And if this springer don't shoot it will go back and back and back and back. Till they either get it right or they replace it, I will not tolerate my hard earned cash for a poj. They could not fix one, and ended up replacing it with an mc operator that was one of the most accurate 1911's (and reliable) that I have ever shot, and I have shot a few. I definitely do not put the rounds through one that you do, but I do not think you have to put 5 k through a gun to count it reliable.

Kimbers a great gun, that plastic main spring housing just gets to me. I guess that's just one of my quirks.

texagun · « **Reply #19 on:** March 22, 2008, 08:40:16 AM »

I've had a Springfield Loaded for several years now. I've never had a problem with it. I replaced the 2-piece guide rod with an Ed Brown G.I. rod and plug just to make it easier to take apart.

Two401Pm · « **Reply #20 on:** April 01, 2008, 07:10:53 AM »

I know I will probally get chewed like you Lloyd I also have a stainless Loaded Springfield and the Rock Island Armory $350. pistol is much tighter then the Springfield and consequently more accurate. I shoot the RIA more then the Springfield because of that very reason. Oh well live and learn.

Norseman · « **Reply #21 on:** April 03, 2008, 01:14:44 PM »

If my Stainless Loaded Springfield were any tighter, dandruff or knat crap would lock it up! Not a good gun for running around the desert with though. Zero play in the slide either vertically or horizontally. The only thing I did to it was put Ebony Grips on it from Ahrens (outstanding by the way). I have had lemons in the past. Or... with having to send a gun back since I am a perfectionist, (as well as some of you all are). This from various manufacturers. Things happen. All I can say is, with the various 700 rounds of ammo through it so far, this has been one outstanding piece. The most accurate pistol I ever owned. (My new CZ-75B stainless is runner up though). It is a keeper for sure and I would now recommend it to anyone. The Springfield Loaded Target .45 I give a happy two thumbs up and a smile! Check out the CZ-75B as well. I now think I have the two best autoloaders (besides a Browning High Power) ever made.

j two dogs · « **Reply #22 on:** May 11, 2008, 09:24:53 AM »

Revisiting after several sessions at the range with my Springfield (Loaded). Have shot several boxes of ammo threw it. Both hands loads of cast boolits and cooper jacketed.
I cannot count the pistols I have owned and shot, from glocks to smith's to kimbers. Please believe me when I tell you this IS the most accurate pistol I have ever owned, and without ONE feed jam, and for $550.

I am sure there are some springers that are clunkers, but this ain't one.

The only fault I have with it is the two piece guide rod. I think it could be replace with the GI issued plunger.

Norseman · « **Reply #23 on:** June 03, 2008, 12:28:32 PM »

Well... MY Springfield Loaded Target model is currently logged with 950 rounds through it (mostly 230 Gr Ball) and I truthfully say not a single jam and it's a tack driver! This puppy, from the time I pulled it out of the box has been one of the best pistols I have ever owned. I am VERY impressed with Springfield Armory's quality! I have spent 20 years in the military and currently in law enforcement as well as shooting for over 30 years or so, and I think that I can safely say this is an unbiased opinion and I highly recommend it.

SharonAnne · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2008, 02:05:15 PM »

6 for 6 bad springfields in a row is astounding. I don't know anyone else with such rotten luck. That said we each have our experiences and preferences. I was in a biker/leather shop ordering some riding pants for my partner (Harley rider). I don't know why it came up but another customer loudly stated "never by a Kimber, they have hair triggers". Not wanting to get into it I let it pass and went about my business. I know most people mean a hair trigger is one that goes off with almost no pressure. Knowing this I am sure this gentleman was unaccustomed to a proper 4# crisp trigger. At the range I would have debated him, not in a biker/leather shop. I am sure he would have had a hissy fit with my race guns 1.75# trigger!!

Broom Rider · « **Reply #25 on:** June 06, 2008, 02:10:05 PM »

There's a lot of people out there with too little correct accurate knowledge that are too willing to tell everyone everything they know (nothing) about everything. The guys that show up where I shoot always put down my 1911's in favor of their Kimbers.
On another note (B flat) my new deerskin riding jacket & glover are ready for pickup so by this time next week or close I'll have my jacket & gloves and can start riding again. (already replaced the helmet)

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #26 on:** June 06, 2008, 02:23:56 PM »

How many cc's is that broom?