Maybe Springfield's GI 45 1911-A1 is the one for us!

[NYH1]

In my thread "Smith & Wesson or Springfield 1911 " I was asking about Smith & Wesson's SW1911 and Springfield's "Loaded FULL-SIZE 1911-A1" pistols for my dad and I. After thinking about it, I might be better off just getting us Springfield's "GI .45 1911-A1" WWII replica pistols. I doubt my dad will ever carry his and I carry either my Glock 22 or 27 depending on the weather. I carry the G22 75% of the time and the G27 the rest of the time because its easier to conceal in the warmer weather. I really love my Glock's!

So that leaves "plinking" with "hard ball ammo". I think the GI pistols will be just fine for what we'll use them for. Anyone have any experience with the "GI .45 1911-A1" WWII replica pistols? If I wanted to change the sights down the road is that possible? Whats the quality on these pistols like? Would you recommend them for what we'll use them for or no? Thanks!

[safari]

I have one of the Springfield WWII mil-spec 1911's and I love it. The sights are a little too small, and I plan to replace them, and I have been slowly adding  parts to fit my taste. Very reliable with whatever I feed it, I'd highly reccomend one.  The ILS key-lock mainspring housing was the first thing I replaced, I couldn't see the need for it, and I wanted a flat housing instead of the arched. With new Wolf springs from Brownells, and a little tweaking, it now has the trigger pull and shoots as good as any 1911 I've owned. It's definitely a keeper!

[greenjeans]

I have the full size and the Commander size and like them both. I also just use mine for plinking and target shooting. Haven't had any problems using them like this. The Commander size will occasionally not hold the slide back on the last round with Chip McCormick mag. but have no problems with factory and surplus GI mags. Sights can be changed out. The front sight is staked so probably need a gunsmith to replace or have a dovetail cut. I only shoot factory hardball and never had a failure. Buy them and enjoy.

[HouseofCash]

As far as the sights, yes you can change them. I would go "Novak low mount" Like the ones on the other SFs you were looking at. Like noted before they are tailed so you might want a smith for that one.

Other things I would change is, I would get a beaver tail. I have heard people say there hands get eatn up from the older style hammer and no beaver tail. I might change out the trigger too. But, for some fun times with you and your dad, they would be great. I like the US grips too.

                                          Dave.

[NYH1]

Thanks for your replies guys!

[gregg454]

Have the GI. Like the history part and look. Tight gun feeds all I have put thru it. shoots to the sights. Shoots well. Had dyed in the wool gun guys shoot it and give it a thumbs up.

[jakes10mm]

I started out with Springfield's in 45acp.  Mine (was two but now only one) came from the factory with the same sights you find on the current GI models.  That should give you an idea of the age of my SA.  Good shooting pistol.  I have handled several of the new GI's and they seem very well fit.  As far as sights go, make sure you check the SA specs on the stake size.  From what I can tell, there are three unique sizes.....small (original 1911 design), medium (SA design), and large (current on other manufacturers).  Stake on sights are fine as long as they are properly staked into position.  Dovetailing costs more (machining plus sight $$$), but give you more flexibilty in today's aftermarket parts world.  Rear sight......that's personal preference in my opinion.  I feel the Novak, Heinie, etc "Low Mount" rear sights destroy the traditional clean lines of the 1911.  I currently use a Colt 1991 Government model in USPSA competition.  It is still wearing the original Colt 3-dot sights.