1911 Part 1 - Colt Government vs Springfield Mil-Spec
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- Part 1 of the Great Affordable 1911 Comparison Series. We look at the Colt Government Series 80 along with the Springfield Mil-Spec 1911-A1 Style.
For info on more 1911 comparisons coming and for our definition of "Affordable", check out www.riders-range.com
Springfield Mil-Spec 1911-A1 !!!
20mm, thanks for your comment. The Springfield Mil-Spec certainly has advantages over the Colt Government Model.
Love my Springfield mil-spec!
I got my Defender for $499 in 2019, and I couldn't be happier!
Justin, that’s a VERY nice price.
@@RidersRange Go talk to your gun guy & tell him: "A friend of mine got it for $499; how close can you come to that? I'd like you to keep my business and not go to some random Joe."
Justin, my LGS gives me very good prices, so I can't complain about what I paid for my Mil-Spec. Unfortunately, that was shortly BEFORE Springfield came out with the lower priced Defender series.
@@RidersRange HaHa, shit happens... Just be happy you got it, Bro!
Nothing short of "outstanding" for your review. Probably the best handgun review, whether in person or TH-cam, I have ever listened to. Looking to purchase a 1911 similar to my first USMC issued sidearm......but I like a bit of a beaver tail, visible sights (old eyes), and a respectable trigger. Reliability goes without saying. "They all fall to hardball" Thank you.
Casey, thank you for watching and for your very kind comments.
Love my Springfield 1911a1 stainless steel its my first gun and its been great out of the box no malfunctions so far in the 2 months I've owned it shot 450 shots of standard ball ammo and 20 +p hollow points so far note its not intended to run +p all day but a couple shouldn't hurt it. Actually read the manual just to be sure before i ruined it.
The Springfield should run about anything you put through it and still last a lifetime. Thanks for commenting.
~I had to come back to watch this video again. I plan on buying the Springfield mil-spec sometime very soon.
~The Springfield's Trigger can be tuned to my liking, so it does not concern me.
Springfield has the best prices going now for 1911s.
I would pick the Springfield over the Colt
Danny, they each have plusses and minuses. Actually, I sold both of them. I'm happier with Dan Wesson. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I went shopping for a colt since I couldn’t find a magnum research desert eagle last year. The only colts at my store of choice was priced at $2500. Too rich for my blood. On the way home from clare, mi stopped at Dick Williams gun shop in Saginaw. It was on my bucket list to visit. They had a Springfield range officer target and I was able to get a military discount so I purchased it. First Springfield and no regrets. Replaced the front combat sight with a dawson precision fiber optic and accuracy was greatly improved for my elderly eyes. Still look for a good price on Colts and found my stainless steel desert eagle 45 acp 1911. Can do!
Will, thanks for adding your comments. It's interesting that you mentioned Clare, as I bought that Colt from Jay's in Clare.
Good review! I hate series 80, so Springfield wins for me, every time.
Pete, thanks for your comment. I’m not a fan of either the Series 80 or the Swartz system because of the extra parts involved, and therefore more to fail, but I’ve never had any problems with either. I’m going to run several different loads through the Springfield, maybe even try to work up a hand load specific to that gun. If I can get it grouping as tight as I like, the Sig will be looking for a new home.
Hey my names Peter too! serious question tho, why not buy a series 70 reproduction from Colt?
@@MrPeterjeong i have owned a Series 70 from Colt... the ejection port is not lowered and flared, but IS on the mil spec. My series 70 spit brass straight up or back in my face. I know that can be tweaked, but... gimme Springer for the win
~Great video and comments. I've subscribed.
~I'm a Graduate Civil Engineer and wanted to go to the SeaBees, but the Navy told me they were full-up at the time.
Das Piper, thanks for joining the Rider's Range "community" and for your kind comments.
The SA is more like an A-1, with improvements.The Colt is more like an original pre 1924 1911, as you mentioned. Except for it being a series 80. SA has a forged frame also. Colt now only has a 1 year warranty. Just bought the limited time SA for $459. Thanks for the video.
dccmadams44, thanks for your comment and thanks for viewing. $459 is a GREAT price. I should have waited just a little longer before I bought mine.
I think the Springfield mil-spec is a more serious faithful clone of the original the cult is a more incremental Improvement but I think Springfield Armory nailed it especially with the series 70 Fire Control as opposed to the series 80 and they almost nailed it by angling the rear slides serrations I think they missed an opportunity to have an authentic replica but I'm of the opinion that that was a design by committee feature at that was a deliberate conscientious choice on their part and very well may be forgiven by most
Very well done review and great details! I own an older Springer milspec and love it!
GE WELLS, thank you for your kind comments.
Man...that was a great damn review
Darold, thanks for the compliment.
I own both and love them both! Can’t go wrong with ether.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
I like the loaded chamber indicator on the Springfield. No one seems to mention this feature, as you say, not a dealbreaker but worth mentioning. A great revue of both manufactures, the Springfield Range Officer all around works for me, I like the bump on the grip safety, the extended beaver tail, but dislike the sights. Hard to line up on a target with a dark center with a front sight that is dark. A little touch of paint works until change.
I sold my Springfiel Mil-Spec, but I don't remember any loaded chamber indicator.
@@RidersRange It's the small hole at the rear of the chamber opening viewed from the top. You can look at it and see the brass. Some of the steel cases with them being painted is not so obvious. As I said before, I like your unbiased reviews. Thanks for the reply.
Thank You for a very informative and well done review. It was quite a pleasure watching your comparison of the Colt and SA 1911 models!
TheGV50, thanks for watching and for your kind words.
I believe the only thing I would like to mention to those that are unaware, slide to frame fit means very little to accuracy. In fact I have had rattily Colts out shoot tighter framed guns. Barrel and barrel bushing fit is more important.
Colt does have a little higher resale than a Springfield
Either is a good choice as a platform for a custom build
other that that either is a great gun.
John, the Colt name does seem to hold more value. Also, total barrel/slide fit is what determines accuracy - bushing at the front and locking lugs toward the rear. And from my experience, those “rattily” guns are more forgiving of neglect, lack of lube, etc., than the precision fitted slide-to-frame guns, but not necessarily less accurate.
Thanks for watching our videos, and many thanks for your comments.
Yes, I own two Colts from 1912. A 3-digit and a 4-digit. Both have barrels from 1918. (New Wolff springs throughout.) They feed any ammo I give them and shoot sub-2 inches at 25 yards. They don't get much range time, of course, and no +p. The design just plain works, though. My 1945 Remington Rand -- 100% original - also runs like a champ. Glad to see the new Colts and Springfields seem to be faithful to their heritage.
Springfield hands down is the better gun, with colt your just paying for the name...Love my Springfield Range Officer Elite Champion my personal favorite hand gun
512TEXAS GEAR, Springfield is definitely the better value in 1911s these days. Colt isn't what it used to be.
Great video. I’ve been debating on what I want to get and this helps tremendously
Harold, thanks for watching and for commenting. Part 22 of The Great Affordable 1911 Series is scheduled to go up this evening.
Love your presentation style and pace.
There are or were 2 different parked Springfield Mil-Specs. One is the regular one that has been around for a good period of time. The others is the Defender, which is cheaper. There's also the stainless versions of the Colt and Springfield.
Filippo, the Springfield Defender series were (are) a great value entry into 1911s. Hard to beat at the price.
I have the same the guns and share your findings. The SA sights seem a little taller which I liked better.
I dont get a hammer bite with either.
I shoot 1911s with a real high grip, so anything without a decent beavertail bites me good.
Thanks for watching and for commenting.
Seriously thinking about picking up a SA Mil-Spec right now. Been a 1911 fan ever since I fam fired one in bootcamp back in mid-85. Have since and still do, owned Colts, SWs, Sigs, AMT, RIAs, etc., but never a SA for some reason (my EMP doesn't count).
Thanks for watching and commenting.
I guess it depends on what you want me I personally like Springfield over colt and I enjoy your reviews
Darrell, thanks for watching and commenting. I have a review on the Springfield Emissary coming out this Sunday.
Springfield for the looks but colt for the history and performance.
Good points. Thanks for watching.
I cannot decide between these two guns. Colt is selling their "traditional" line in 70 series now, and all i want is a GI style gun. Can't make my mind up.
Colt 1911 (not an A1 style) MSRP $799; Springfield 1911-A1 Defender Series MSRP $549.
Very good point...
Well I walked into my local range to practice with my edc and they had a Springfield sitting front and center that wasn't there before... Took it as a sign and now i am the proud owner of a Springfield Defender!
Some things are just meant to be. I'm interested in your thoughts after you spend some quality time with your new Springfield.
@@RidersRange Will do sir. Only 50 rounds in so far.
I just found the Springfield armory 45 at my local gun shop. It was about 440 I believe give or take some. The slide was extremely tight with absolutely no wiggle. The trigger had a very clean and crisp break. I do agree, the short trigger is not the best. I am comparing it to others such as the kimber custom II 2 tone. Both feel amazing and balanced in my hand. Even though the kimber has a better trigger and some extra features, it is almost double the price. So I'm kinda torn between the 2.
Jesse, Springfield has a GREAT deal going on the Mil-Spec right now, but it’s a basic gun. If you added the features found on the Kimber, you would probably be priced right up there with the Kimber. Thanks for watching, and thanks for your comment.
@@RidersRange basic is what I need at the moment
Very helpful to me coz I’m thinking of adding MilSpec to my pistol cache? Thanks for sharing brother!
Thank you for watching.
I just put one on layaway recently. Will be payed off on the 7th. So exited
Jesse, which one are you getting, the Colt, or the Springfield?
@@RidersRange Springfield. I'm also going to get a longer upgraded trigger, possibly a full length guide rod and a different hand safety with a longer tail on it.
Just curious, why do you want a full-length guide rod?
@@RidersRange thinking about it, don't really need it
@@RidersRange I heard it reduces the recoil
I really like that Colt color scheme! is that color scheme still available? Is that Colt Model a special edition?
Don, as I recall, that was a TALO Special Edition. I don’t see it listed anymore on Colt’s website. However, I put that on consignment at Ann Arbor Arms and it may still be available.
@@RidersRange WOW!, thank you!
I've owned both and in my opinion Springfield is a better firearm all together
Colt isn't what it used to be. Thanks for watching.
I would take a springfeild anyday over a colt just paying for a name.
Chisim 44Hill, thanks for weighing in. I don't believe Colt quality is what it once was.
@@RidersRange Earlier this year I picked up a new production Colt Series 70 Gold Cup National Match- the blueing on it is stellar and it is one of the smoothest functioning pistols I've ever fired. Not sure how it compares with an original era GCNM.
Gus, I’m sure you’ll like your Colt. Please let me know after you put a few hundred rounds through it.
@@RidersRange So far I've put just over 500 rounds through it without a bobble. One thing I've noticed though- Colt 1911 magazines are kinda flimsy, and don't always lock the slide open on the last round. Compared to my Dan Wesson Razorback the slide to frame fit on the Colt is much looser, the DW is very tight but it did have malfunctions out of the box and needed a break in period to get it running right.
Gus, thanks for the update. I don't get all that excited about slide-to-frame fit, as my Colts aren't fit as tight as my Dan Wessons, but they seem to be just as accurate. The sights are on the slide, so barrel-to-slide fit -- at the bushing, locking lugs and barrel hood -- matters more for accuracy. The looser fit on the slide/frame often means better reliability.
I haven't had any problems with Colt .45 mags, but I do prefer Wilson mags. Someday I may get my hands on an original GCNM to try out, but the good ones are pretty pricy.
Great review but might be something out there better for the money? I walked away with my new Springfield 1911 for $474.
I don't think so.
Matt, thanks for commenting. Shortly after I bought my Springfield they came out with the Defender Series - substantially lower price than I paid for mine, but it appears to be essentially the same gun. A GREAT value 1911.
Just stumbled onto your video.love the content.subscribed!
Thanks for watching and for subscribing.
Where did you get your shooting gloves? I can't find any padded gloves designed for shooting.
I have the Mil-Spec, did a few mods which for me make it easier and better to handle and shoot but set the trigger pull at 5 pounds. I didn't want to go any lighter for a carry gun.
Thanks for the great video! Gave it a "like" and subscribed!
Henry, thanks for watching, liking, subscribing and commenting. Much appreciated.
The gloves I used in that video are "PIG Full Dexterity Tactical (FDT) Alpha Gloves" from SKD Tactical. They aren't padded, but they are great for shooting.
I have both the Colt and the Springfield mil spec guns. I like the Colt better.. but it is not overwhelming. Fit and finish is nicer on the Colt... and.. it says......'Colt' on it LOL both shoot really really well and function well.. the edge in accuracy from a bench? goes to Colt.. but not by much. Both guns run around the same price. I would take either one and not feel cheated
Doran, I've found that in general, Colts are more expensive than comparable Springfield 1911s, and Springfield recently ran a promotion that had their base 1911 priced close to the price of a Glock.
Not long out of the service circa 73-74 I purchased & carried a Colt series 70 government model while working part-time on our small county seat PD. Had the chamber polished (throated) for JHPs & had a higher fixed rear sight affixed. Had about one factory load (185 gr.) available for carry back then....... My question is; why did Colt put that half-cock feature on them ?
Cleon, it is my understanding that it's sort of a redundant safety, or "fail safe" mechanism so if the hammer slips off the sear, it won't hit the firing pin, unless the trigger is pulled. If I'm wrong, I trust a viewer will correct me.
I am also distracted by the three dot system, but a little black felt tip application rectifies that.
I've pretty much learned to ignore the dots. Thanks for watching.
Love the SA Defender . The Oldest Name in American Firearms.” An important distinction: oldest name, not manufacturer. 🔥💣
I recorded that more than two years ago, but I seem to recall that I did make that distinction. At least I HOPE I did. Thanks for watching.
Sad grips on that Colt. Funny that Colt charges more for a 70 considering it has less parts. We're either of these 2 pistols furnished with plastic mainspring housings or grip safeties?
Henry, I agree that the Colt grips were pretty plain. That gun needs a good set of G-10s. I’m guessing the lawyers say the lack of the Series 80 firing pin block warrants charging more. Metal mainspring housing and grip safeties on both. So far I’ve only seen plastic MSH on Kimbers.
Rider's-Range Colts competition series comes with a plastic MSH. However my GCT and M45A1 MSH’s are Metal.
Hey would you mind doing a break down and compare of the two pistols? Reason I ask is Colts are normally a little more than the SAs and would like to see the inside of the guns. How does the inside of the slides and frames look and compare?
nonya biz, that is a great idea for a future video. I'm too much of a wuss to spend much time outside shooting when it's cold, so that may be a project yet this winter. Thanks for the suggestion.
I was a Colt man back in the day and had several of them until someone pointed out that colt used series 80 and a lot of plastic on them.once I got home and disassembled them to see what was pointed out.I WAS PISSED..so when the next Gun show rolled around I sold all 3 of them colts and switched to Springfield and never looked back.thats why when I go to al the GUN SHOW my famous question is WHO MAKES THE BEST 1911.and I not talking about them high dollar ones like Wilson Combat Les Baer Ed Brown and other. And most of the time I hear Springfield but nothing about Colt anymore.so now I have 3 Springfield the Mil-spec , Champion range officer and a TRP.all in 45
I agree that Springfield has pushed Colt out of the market - unless one wants the famous Colt name. For basic mil-spec type guns, I do like Springfield, but for anything a little more "advanced", I don't believe anything beats Dan Wesson.
Course of all great video you were very thorough and obviously know what you’re talking about. In Arizona it’s very difficult to find a cult for under 1000 and in 2022 they’re usually going for about 1100. Also, I am talking about the government model which is what I carry every day. The Springfield is going for about 800. The only thing I have to comment on when it comes to the video is I’m always blown away when people say something about hammer bite. I have shot thousands of rounds out of colt government models and I have never gotten hammer bite.
I’m going to know how this happens to people, is it something with hand size or fat in between the thumb and the pointer finger? Is it something to do with the grip? It’s quite astonishing but I can never figure it out. Mine looks just like yours it is a colt government model Siri 70 with from what I can tail and identical slide and hammer and grip safety.
Lex, I have medium-size hands, but I shoot 1911s with a high grip and my primary thumb (right) on top of the safety. I only get hammer bite with the original 1911 style, not with the 1911 A1 style. It is my understanding that hammer bite prompted the change in both hammer tang and the limited beavertail (along with other changes) that became the A1.
@@RidersRange yes I agree as to why they grip safety was extended, I have just never had it happen and only use gi models most of the time! Must be the grip indeed.
I have a Mil Spec and a COLT Gold Cup.
And I love both!!
Ahh, I long for a Gold Cup from the '70s. Thanks for watching.
Why do some of the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec 1911 A1's say "MODEL 1911-A1 CAL .45" and other 1911 A1 Mil-Specs just say "MIL SPEC" on the side? I'm trying to order one that reads "MODEL 1911-A1 CAL .45" on the side but I can't figure out how to specify that in my searches. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks for your time.
Jake, I can't find any rationale for the changes in Springfield roll marks. If I were looking for a particular slide marking, I would spend some time on an auction site, such as Gunbroker, and look at all the photos I can find. There are almost 1,000 Springfield 1911s listed, but that can be narrowed down by caliber and barrel length, though that will exclude many that don't have that info in their post and many don't have good photos of the left side of the slide. I wish I could offer more. Maybe a viewer can offer more insight.
@@RidersRange Thank you for the response sir. I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to respond to my question. With respect to your statement about the 1911's posted on Gunbroker not having accurate or adequate photos of the left side of the slide you are absolutely correct. I guess that's just all part of the hunt though and anything that's worth having should be at least semi-difficult to obtain. Thanks again for your time Rider's-Range! Take care.
@@RidersRange I asked Springfield this same question on Insta and they said the NM Mil Spec with "A1" is just a little older than the "mil spec" frame models. Same gun.
great video and discussion
Excellent video review… 👍🏼😎
thanks for the great review you answered all my questions!
Thanks for watching. I'm glad the video was helpful.
What do you think about the Colt 1911 Classic? It’s a 70 series, I think it would be a better comparison to the Springfield Mil-Spec.
Mike, I would rather have put the Classic up against the Mil-Spec, but I only had the Government Series 80. When I got mine, the Classic had an MSRP about $100 more than the Series 80. I don't understand charging $100 more for fewer parts, but that's one of the many reasons I'm not in marketing.
Rider's-Range I understand and I think you’re 1911 videos are great! There’s a Colt Classic at my local gun store for $755, just wondering if it’s worth the price. I haven’t shot one, but I just like the way it looks.
Mike, sorry I missed your comment when you posted. TH-cam doesn't always notify me. Anyway, that's a fair price, if the Colt is in very good condition.
Always been a polymer person but does Springfield shoot most ammo with no issues or it’s picky?
nationsmostwanted, that Springfield 1911 handled everything I put through it. Many, but certainly not all, 1911 feeding issues are related to the magazines.
I had a SA mil-spec that had poorly made MIM parts. Several emails and phone calls to SA went unanswered.
The 1911 never should have left the factory with the defective part. So I dumped the SA and bought a Colt O1970A1CS.
That's not to say that SA sells defective products nor does it mean their customer service sucks. In my case both are true.
I have a SA XD9 Mod2 4.0 and an XDs .45acp 3.3 and I'm happy with both. Maybe because they are made by HS Produkt in Croatia and not SA. Ha ha!
Thank you for watching and adding your thoughts.
Colt has been taken over by CZ now and I am excited to see what happens next…
You and me both. Stay tuned.
If I'm not mistaken, slide to frame fit is only about 5% of accuracy. Judging from the groups on the paper target, I'd guess the Colt is looser than the Springfield in ways other than the slide/frame.
Filippo, you are correct. Barrel to slide lock-up and barrel to bushing are more important. The Springfield is gone and the Colt is going. There are much better guns in my collection.
Thanks! 🇺🇸🇮🇹
My solution is just have both
That's always a good option.
Actually those are pretty good offhand groups.
Doran, thanks for watching and for your kind comment.
Great Review.......HooRah Seabee!!
Victor, NMCB-121 Republic of South Vietnam 1968-1969. Thanks for watching.
Thank You for your service! NMCB 26, 20th SRG, PWD Chinhae 1999-2014.
Thank you for the info
Thank you for watching.
Do they make night sights for the mil-spec?
I haven't tried to find night sights for a mil-spec 1911, but you might try either Heinie, or Kensight.
You need to Cerakote the frame of the Colt black.
David, the color certainly wasn't my choice, but the price was right. It's gone on to my local FFL so it can go to a home that will appreciate it more.
Great review
Thank you for watching.
Just got a sa defender for 465 otd from my lgs on black Friday
FoxFall, that’s a great price.
just got a series 70 colt government.
Dave, last I checked, Colt was charging more for the Series 70 guns than for the Series 80. I always wonder why it costs more for fewer parts and less machining.
@@RidersRange
can't say..but from what I've found 70 it seems is the more popular choice
Had a series 80 full size and officers model series 80 . And I got rid of both , they were horrible. Bought a Dan Wesson and never looked back.
Colby, there's no doubt in my mind that Dan Wesson 1911s are the premier "production" 1911.
Thanks for watching and for commenting.
G.I. sights suck. Thank goodness for the upgrade
Mr. Mark, I agree. Thanks for watching and for commenting.
I agree.when saw the sights on a original GI model I was like hell no if this is going to be my every day carry gun I want better sights.thats y I went with the Mil-spec Springfield
I have garrison,milspeck going for colt 1911s never enough
1911 is really a command: 19+11. Thanks for watching.
The best affordable 1911 is from Tisas 1911A1.
I have never even held a Tisas, but I've read some good reviews.
@@RidersRange I bought one about two years ago. I replaced the slide stop, thumb safety, hammer and MSH with parts that are more WWII looking.
I swapped the slide with one that does not have a lowered ejection port. It's also a series 70.
I only own Colts and SA. This is the fact my colt has never broke & my Springfield has. Also a fact SA has a lifetime warranty & colt doesn’t . 🤔
Thank you for watching and commenting.
Nice job...
Thanks. That video was the first in a fun 22-part series.
😎
I hate that most of the new 1911s come cerakotex
There are a variety of finishes on 1911 pistols, Cerakote being just one of them. It seems the days of polished blue guns, even Parkerized guns, is rapidly disappearing. Thanks for watching.
In my opinion, the newer super flashy 1911s like the 2011 and John wick 1911 are ugly.
Sometimes, the most beautiful guns are the most simple. The most beautiful 1911s are the simple ones of the past, and not the flashy nerf gun type stuff we see today
I'm not quite a "1911 purist", but I agree that many manufacturers are adding "glitz" without adding performance. There is a lot to be said for tradition. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@RidersRange a great comparisons video deserves a view and comment. Glad you jumped right into the content without all the fancy promo crap that tacticool TH-camrs do nowadays.
A lot of the modern 1911s in my opinion are actually disadvantaged because those fancy cuts and serrations leave room for dirt and debris to get lodged in the gun, which increases malfunctions and cleaning effort.
I just like the idea of a purist 1911 being a solid, hardy gun that you can always depend on
I would like to choose a m1911 as a gift to my girlfriend, it seems Springfield is more beautiful because I'm a fan of its fog surface
Springfield makes good guns. You may also want to look at the Springfield EMP. It’s still a 1911-style pistol, but with a slightly smaller grip. The EMP was designed specifically for the 9mm and .40 S&W rounds.
@@RidersRange really helpful,thanks very much
The cult will always have much better resale like Coke says if it's not a cult everything else is a copy
Alvino, yup, the Colt name does command a premium on the pre-owned market.
Cool channel, kinda like a discount Hickock45.
4jay8, that’s the best compliment anyone has ever given this channel. Thank you.
i got my defender for $482
Springfield has the best 1911 prices going.
8
Is that an 8 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best?
Why would you buy an 80 that’s like a Glock
reelnative01, thanks for watching and commenting. I bought both of those 1911s for The Great Affordable 1911 Series, but since then, I've sold both. (But I haven't sold any of my Glocks.)
I tried to watch but I had to bail. You Sir have got one hell of an S. I was watching on my iPhone and the cat was near. You could swear she’d been squirted with a water gun with every S. I could hear those Ss in my tailbone. I don’t know how you do it, but I do think a dentist could help.
Interesting! That video has had more than 41,000 views and 161 comments, and I've done more than 250 videos using the same equipment, but your's is the first to bring up that issue.