"Of course the 1911 is an outdated design. It came from an era when weapons were designed to win fights, not to avoid product liability lawsuits. It came from an era where it was the norm to learn how your weapon operated and to practice that operation until it became second nature, not to design the piece to the lowest common denominator. It came from an era in which our country tried to supply its fighting men with the best tools possible, unlike today, when our fighting men and women are issued hardware that was adopted because of international deal-making or the fact that the factory is in some well-connected congressman's distract. Yes, beyond any shadow of a doubt, the 1911 IS an outdated design... and that's exactly what I love about it." -Rosco S. Benson
Wow!!! This hits home. Adds dimension to my own perspective in a brilliant way. I just Googled Rosco Benson-he’s from from the same town I grew up in! Kettering OH, near Dayton. Sucks he passed last year. Thank you so much for sharing this poignant piece.
Well not true though. One of its main features was added solely so incompetent military personnel didn’t nd. Training is at a all time high and the training now is miles better .
It is great to see new generations discovering the utility and artistry of the 1911 pattern pistol. A real steel pistol with a 100+ year track record gives the owner a sense of owning something "real." Thank your for your insight.
Thank you for watching! Really appreciate the heartfelt thoughts. Yeah--that old adage "if it ain't broke..." comes to mind. And while I love other pistol designs as well for various reasons... it's hard to argue with the 1911's formula. Thanks again and take care!
After decades of carrying striker fire semi autos on & off duty, retirement meant that I could finally carry whatever I wanted & it was a true pleasure to get reacquainted with the 1911 platform...& I love my Springfields...
Yeah, it's hard to argue with the merits of a classic 1911. Plus, it's thin and relatively easy to carry for a full-size pistol. Thanks for the comment!
You actually have a modified M1911A1. I have carried a Government Model M1911A1 since 25 May, 1976. To sum up Mr. Brownings pistol "It works". Loved your video, great to see your generation looking at and liking classics, that are still relevant today.
Happy to see the 1911 featured on the channel Matt! I've had a strange relationship with the gun, and have owned a few over the years. I carried/reviewed the Wilson EDC X9 for PP this year, and have a few 1911 projects in the works now. The less cool project is a Tisas Tank Commander 9mm that I've been messing with. Fitted a new beavertail and grip safety, along with a longer trigger. Gun shoots great, and a 9mm steel framed 1911 commander is hard to beat. The other project is reworking an old Armand Swenson 1911 from the 1980s. Swenson was one of the most important gunsmiths behind making the 1911 into the platform that we're more familiar with over the last 50 years. He fitted S&W K-frame sights to the guns, made custom ambi-manual safeties, sensitized grip safeties, and did a ton of great custom work. Bill Wilson was heavily inspired by Swenson in the early days of WC. Speaking of Browning, I was at the JMB museum in Ogden last week. If you'd like any photos of the prototype guns that you mentioned here, let me know and I can email them over to you.
Thanks, Paul! I'm gonna have to check out your review on the Wilson X9. That's always been one those "I bet that's amazing--but I'll probably never find out" kinda guns. I've heard good things about the Tisas; I recall reading something on Pistol Forum about some respected gunsmiths that spent some time in Turkey getting their lines setup. Don't really recall the details other than that. I've heard of Armand Swenson... but I didn't realize he influenced Bill Wilson. Super cool. And if you wanna send those pics, feel free! Really appreciate it, man! Hope you're doing well. And I really appreciate your comments and support. Take care!
There are no normal people. Just people who fake it better than others. Regardless... every weirdo out there should shoot, own and appreciate a good 1911. Like the Springfield Mil-Spec. Thanks!
As always, an excellent review, Matt! I appreciate honesty as well as attention to the small but important details. I've come to expect this from your videos. I believe the 1911 is relevant as a self-defense platform. Even if it wasn't, I would never part with my Colt Classic due to its historical pedigree. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, buddy! I try to tell a complete, cohesive story. Glad to hear you're enjoying it. Those Colt classics are very nice. I've handled a few and they feel spot on--better than some of the others I've had. Thanks again!
Thank you so much, my friend! Really appreciate the kind words. I hope--someday--I can figure out how to do this full time. I wish you success too, in whatever you do! Take care.
Great review and spot on point. I own the old Springfield "GI 45" model, 29:15 which is a carbon copy of the sidearm I qualified with while in the service. (I also own a MIL-SPEC, which is probably the 1911 the military would have wanted instead.) That was before NATO and Italy blackmailed us into changing over to the 9mm and Italy wanted us to buy Berettas. (Hint: We didn't switch because the 1911 was "outdated.) The long term lease on the U.S. air base in Aviagno, Italy was up for renegotiation and the Italians wouldn't consider renewing it unless we agreed to purchase Beretta model 92FSs as our military standard. The pistol was adopted even though it suffered severe frame cracks and failures at very low round counts and went through numerous revisions over the first few years in service so they wouldn't blow up in your face when you shot 'em. Meanwhile, NATO wanted to make all member countries' small arms calibers standard, which is why we lost proven, effective cartridges like the .45 ACP and the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. The replacement of this venerable pistol had less to do with it being an "outdated design" and more to do with NATO politics. I don't recall anybody who had to carry a duty sidearm being happy about the changeover.
Very nice review! Springfield Armory 1911's are excellent quality. The mil-spec is a good value for the money. I have two Springfield 1911's: 1911-A1 and a professional model. Once one gets used to a 1911, many other pistols that one may have favored get kinda so so. My opinion, 1911 is one of the greatest pistol ever designed. Keep up with the excellent reviews!
I can't disagree with that opinion. And I can't help being jealous of that Professional model! Very nice. I love the simple, classic look that Springfield Custom put into their high-end offerings. Thanks for the comment!
Great video. Great Gun. I have one and what you say is true. I too like the simple look. It's nice to shoot my 92FS and it is 9mm but the mil-spec 1911 is just like a blue collar professional in the trades who really knows what he's doing. Thanks
Nice! Yeah, SA makes solid guns. I’d love to get my hands on be of the Professional models from the custom shop… but I have figure out how to get rich first 😂 Thanks for the comment!
@@HipsterTacticaltry and obtain a professional model. Some years ago, I made it happen. Had the funds and the timing was right. It was always one of my grail guns on the list. There is pride in ownership of having one.
Ever since I got into firearms, I've regarded the 1911 trigger as the ideal in semiautomatic designs. I've carried a variety of handguns, but keep coming back to the 1911, currently a Springfield that I've added simulated ivory grips to, since I like the style, but don't wish to run afoul of the wildlife protection officers. Life is good when class and function align.
100% agree! Do you choose perfect trigger? Or perfect ergos? Though both shoot really well, either way. Thanks, man! Hope to see some new content from you soon!
Unfortunately, Colt has rested on its reputation many times in their history. Your perception that everyone simply expected to take a new Colt to a gunsmith in order to make them reliable (at least with hollow points) was spot on. In 1988, I bought a new Government Model and immediately walked next door to a gunsmith to throat the chamber, recontour the feed ramp, and lower the ejection port. I recently bought a Tisas that already had all of that done at the factory. Colt should have done that 30 years ago!
Thanks for validating what I've "heard." Yeah, like I said, that's just what I've gleaned from reading about guns for years. I will say the Colt's I've handled recently felt really nice. Nicer than the one's I've owned. But still no nicer than this Springfield. Thanks for the comment!
Awesome review as always! Reject modernity, embrace tradition, as the kids say. I find myself gravitating away from optic cuts, pointless slide windows and mag wells. There’s something about this design that speaks to me. Actually thinking of getting a stainless Garrison.
@@arcrid8440 Thanks, my friend! Appreciate you watching. The Garrison makes a lot sense, I think. The upgrades over the Mil Spec seem practical and worthwhile… not just meaningless tactical doodads. I came into this mil spec used and it was totally worth it… but I would look hard at the garrison if I was looking at new options.
10:00 I have often wonder this as well. Why can't polymer pistols have a straight pull trigger rather than the common hinged trigger. I've often heard that the 1911's " breaks like a glas rod."
Yeah, me too. I wonder (maybe) ig a straight pull doesn't lend itself well to a DA/SA setup? And, again, I think it's more involved to machine that passage through the frame. But I suppose a polymer frame makes that easier.
I have the Springfield 1911 .45 ACP A1 Range Officer w/ 5” Barrel. That is a mouth full! It carries a large adjustable rear sight. 6 years old and Springfield does not make that model any longer. $800.00, cost was high. It is a cannon and it is accurate. The ammunitions are growing and the Hunting Rounds and Home and Self Defense Rounds, a good place to start Underwood Ammunitions. Your +P/+P+ Ammo, that maybe be a little to much. The 1911 is accurate like they told us for many years. Thank you Sir for your help.
You correctly hit a lot of highlights. I'll add a little bit to what you said. I've been handling 1911s for over 50 years and still own two dozen of them from at least a dozen different manufacturers. I was fortunate enough to know a couple of retired USAF gunsmiths who did much of the experimental work in the 1960s that today is considered SOP. One thing I learned from them is tight slide to frame fit is B.S. Where accuracy and precision are concerned, what matters most is having consistent lockup between the barrel, slide grooves, and barrel link, and between the muzzle, barrel bushing, and slide. Most problems with 1911s made before the 1990s can be traced to changes in defensive ammunition. Colt was slow to recognize that not everyone was exclusively shooting 230 grain FMJ round ball. This and failing QC did adversely impact them. When it comes to handling, nothing beats the flat feel of the 1911. The Luger is nice but has an awful trigger. Ditto for the average Hi Power.
Thanks for watching! Yes, I have heard that frame/slide fit doesn't really impact accuracy as much as many would think. That's pretty cool to heard you had first-hand experience with some of that pioneering work. Never shot a Luger... and while I think the Hi Power is, ergonomically, one the best feeling guns ever, I agree on the trigger. Meh. Thanks for watching and for offering your perspective!
@@HipsterTactical As you may already know, removing the magazine disconnect safety from a Hi Power will eliminate the creep and drag. I did this on one of mine and was amazed by how much better I could shoot it.
At 2:11, why is the safety not on when the hammer is clearly in the ready to fire position? I don't care if the chamber is empty and the magazine in the weapon is empty, this is just wrong. The only time the safety should be off with the hammer back is just before you intend to pull the trigger to fire a round.
Keep watching. I have the hammer cocked lots more times throughout the video. Hell, I don’t even put the toilet seat down most days. That’s just how ruthless I am.
@@HipsterTactical It's about muscle memory for safe practice. Whenever the hammer goes back, engaging the safety should immediately be the next thing you do, always, unless you are firing the weapon. Being used to seeing a 1911 with the hammer back with the thumb safety disengaged will lead to you or someone else possibly being hurt. I am just trying to help, not bust your balls.
I’m a Springfield guy from way back. I like my XD 9 but last week I went out and bought the Hellcat Pro. It’s my favorite sidearm now. I’m here to get a review on my all time favorite 1911 which I will be picking up on Friday. Springfield has many models of the 1911 so I been checking them out. I like this milspec because I like the traditional look. I looked at Colt but I don’t want to spend $ 1,200+ bucks for one plus Springfield is my go to. I’m looking at the Ronin but I don’t like the lightening hole trigger. I think this is the one I’ll be getting in Friday. It’s close to a $grand but that’s in the budget.
Nice! The Ronins are cool. Look into the Garrison, as well. It's kinda between the Ronin and the Mil-Spec. It has better sights, a better grip safety and a more up-market finish, vs. the Mil-Spec. But also the longer trigger with the lightning holes. In any case--Springfield makes solid 1911s. Good luck!
@@HipsterTactical I have my account at Springfield Armory and have checked out all of their 1911 over the past week or two and did check the mil spec which is also a nice 1911. I kept coming back to the Garrison and decided to get it, so this weekend I’m going to Vance outdoors and picking up the Garrison Stainless. Then somewhere between that time and the next month I’m picking up an AR 15, which manufacturer I’m still looking into. I have a Russian SKS 762x39 paratrooper model which has the shorter barrel. I figured I better pick up an AR before the election because if this dingbat Harris gets in, she’s threatened to put a federal ban on our rifles or what these anti gun idiots call “assault rifles” they even think that’s what the AR stands for smh. Anyway I don’t want to throw politics into the conversation, but it is what it is and that’s the reason why. But yes this weekend I’m getting the stainless Garrison. Springfield is a well made firearm and has never let me down in my 25 years in being a firearms owner.
Thanks, buddy! Really dig this one. It's nothing fancy or rare... it's just a really solid gun. Not sure what I'll do next. Maybe some CZs? Maybe my Beretta Cougar? Walther PPS? We'll see... thanks!
@HipsterTactical to be clear, everyone talks about "Muh 1911", and they are NEVER talking about a 1911. The Government thought enough about the changes to change the name, you and I are off the hook.
Great review, Matt! I agree with everything you've stated about the 1911. But I've had terrible experiences with Springfield 1911s. One in 9mm that had a jam every mag. Sent it back 3 times and nothing fixed it. And a 45 that kept having MIM parts break. Slide stop, safety plunger, guide rod, extractor. My friend also had a brand new XDM that had the dust cover crack within 200 rounds of use. Can't really say I trust the brand any more.
Sorry to hear that. I have heard the occasional account of issues of with Springfield pistols. I even had to send my 9mm EMP back to get it to feed JHPs (though it fed FMJ fine). Were your SA guns older or more current production? Regardless, I rarely read of any issues with the Mil-Spec or other full size .45s. And I definitely hear about more issues with 9mm 1911s than .45s--especially 5 inch 9mms. From what I understand, they can run, but the slide mass makes it kinda touchy. I suppose I don't blame you for not trusting the brand, though. Thanks for sharing your experience!
@@HipsterTactical They were more recent runs. One in 2018 and the other in 2020. My friend's XDM was from Jan of this year. It's a shame because I really like a lot of their designs. The TRP Full rail is unbelievably gorgeous and I was considering one of the milspecs for its classic good looks. But after three very rough fails and several that I've heard of from other folks in recent years, I'll stick to my Smith and Wesson 1911s. Never an issue with any of them.
Bought my Springfield 1911 A1 in 1990 , it’s been dropped several times and submerged in the Rio Grande river on numerous occasions. Never missed a beat and still in use today
I am not a 1911 guy. I am a Tokarev guy. My only 45 ACP is a Sig Sauer P220. My carry gun is a Zastava M70AA. I chose it because I wanted to carry a common caliber. A surplus M57 Soviet Safety Style isn't what I want to carry, and I really don't want to carry 7.62x25mm Tokarev Ammo on myself. However, as a truck gun, that's different.
Sigh. No, I didn't. I usually try to run at least a few. That said, there are a few videos that show the Mil-Spec chewing through JHPs with no issues. One is from LocaCarnivore from about 2 months ago. Check it out. Thanks!
I agree the best trigger is single action 1911 . I’ve carried it and love them . However for concealed carry which I’m going with da sa or striker with no safety . I don’t like Glock in every way but I’d rather carry 13 +1 45 +p in g30 then have I gun I love the way it looks but only 8+1 . I agree in every way the 1911 looks better and better trigger . And in south Florida sweat and humidity will rust blued or even stainless guns fast . I clean my guns weekly and I had rust under my 357 snub stainless and under the hammer. If they made a double stack 45 with a nitrite slide and partially polymer lower for weight and rust prevention that was affordable and reliable I’d be all about it .
Yeah, DA/SA is my preference for carry as well--though cocked and locked is a close second. I just don't typically shoot Glocks very well... though I do remember being surprised by the G30. Seems kinda like a different animal vs. the 9mm Glocks. Thanks for the comment, dude!
@@HipsterTactical g30 is a unicorn . The size the capacity the low recoil the fast follow up shots and I shoot it as accurate as my hk p2000 40 lem . Compact high capacity 45 is a very small category. So for me , a person who doesn’t like Glock I find the Glock 45acps do what others don’t and I have to admit it’s superiority. Mags so reliable so cheap 15 buck surplus that just work. For a reg guy dropping 300-500 for 10 mags is too much but can stick up on these so cheap and I can’t say they don’t work . And even though I hate the look the feel of Glock the g30 I shoot one ragged hole again and again. Do I prefer the looks of everything else better , yes . How about the way they feel in hand , prefer anything over Glock . But I can’t deny g30 greatness . For carry 45 id carry it over any other 45 , and that hurts me to say that . But this is just my experience I have 3x hands. Glock system is terrible if you limp wrist it due to angle . And even the the hk product is superior in quality a usp compact 45 holds 8 or 10 extended and will be larger and harder to conceal and 3 times the price 1200 easy then there is mags . Do I prefer hk , absolutely but not rich and the Glock although ugly will work fine and not crush your souls when you need mags or holsters .
@@jeffanon1772 xd great platform and love their trigger over Glock . I just stick with g30 for easy cheap mags especially used fine then at stores and pawn shops in their surplus buckets .
Forward serrations are technically useful, but a clean slide up front is just HANDSOME. My only change to it would be an ambidextrous safety, but that's just my being wrong handed. The new beavertail is neat. A reliability issue is also that the locked hammer leaves the firing pin vulnerable to sand and gunk. It was mentioned by former SEAL Team members elsewhere.
Fair enough on the ambi. And yeah--handsome is a good word to describe the clean front end of a 1911. I could see how gunk could get in the way of the hammer, too. Thanks!
@HipsterTactical English degree, and over 40 published books- but pulp work for hire stuff. Google Fantastic Fiction Douglas Wojtowicz for a glimpse of my oeuvre.
Yessir--I'm a "rightlefty" (I just made that up). And yes--did the work myself. Very easy, honestly. Check out the written review on my site for more info. Thanks!
Ive got 3000 or so rounds thru my SA operator, only a couple ff issues during the first 500 rounds none since.... 1911's are fine, a user needs to practice and maintain them.
Yes all of that is true but... If you have ever held and/or shot a Luger you know that is only hand gun more a naturally pointing gun than a 1911 is. I have had one of the Stoeger reproductions and a Ruger Mil-Spec for 30 years each. And the Luger is still just that bit more naturally pointing hand gun than the 1911. That being said I am and do carry a Tisas 1911 as I write this. I do use 8 round magazines as a modern touch. Tisas does not use MEM parts. All parts are forged.
Yeah, I think the Garrison makes a lot of sense, with the beavertail, etc. Even so, I was able to get my Mil-Spec just how i wanted it for less than cost of a Garrison. Thanks!
Well, I mean $500 and change, new. I should have clarified that. I traded a $500 Steyr M9A2 for mine. Damn good trade. And sorry stuff is so expensive where you are. Thanks and take care!
They were 500 bucks a few years ago. Order it online. Even after all the expense to ship and ffl fees I was still under 600. Best weapon for the money. I got mine from "grab a gun". Their prices and shipping are solid
1911's are outdated and it is a stupid gun that doesn't carry enough ammo. Until you fire one and if it is reasonably well made you hit everything you point it at. I've had a few. 2 early Kimbers and 2 Les Baer's. One of each make of those was the compact size. Officer grip with Commander slide assembly. If you put thin grips on those, don't put a mag well on, have a safety on only one side, and use 7rd Wilson mags with those low profile metal baseplates it is as concealable as a lot of these stack anf a half 9mm pistols that everyone is carrying these days. I don't currently have one now. Had other guns I wanted and a decent amount of cash was tied up in those. But the 1911 isn't irrelevant like it's made out to be. If it is a sidearm to a 20-30rd rifle/carbine I would say the lower capacity is a non issue. Plus 230 FMJ cheap ammo is effective enough to be carried if thats what you got or that's all your 1911 will feed. Can't say the same about 9mm FMJ. All the 1911's I had fed JHP ammo reliably and I used to load them with 185gr+p Remington Golden Saber. I only had issues with truncated bullets not feeding well. I don't think they're for everyone. Buy there is a 1911 out there for pretty much anyone despite income. But I've see Rock Island $400 1911 feed anything you throw in it and I've seen $3000 Wilson Combat that have issues with FMJ and the exact opposite as well as everything in between. People need to understand that before getting into one. Plus you have makers that produced good ones at first and shit ones a little later and vice versa. The $3000 Wilson that wouldn't feed FMJ reliably would feed every type of JHP my friend would put in it. He eventually sent it back so he could shoot it more than once a year. They fixed it. You're right about the Les Baers being tight. Both mine were NIB and took a good 300rds to loosen up but they were very accurate. Only pistol I've had that would shoot tighter groups was a W. German Sig P228. But the Les Baers were easier to hit with. I could just get some tight groups benching that p228 for some reason. They're far from being the only handgun worth carrying as some of the 1911 people would have you believe though. The two world wars line is funny because it also served in Korea and Vietnam as the sole semi auto handgun issued. Those last two wars being the ones where troops were the most satisfied with the 1911 since they were broken in by that time and the ones that suffered QC due to WW2 production demands weren't being issued out. A lot of those that served in WW2 preferred a commercial DA/SA revolver in at the time fairly new .357 mag if they could get their hands on one and approved for carry. Or the Colt or S&W .45ACP revolvers that used the moon clips.
Well said, my friend. A lot of things are stupid on paper... but pure genius in practice. I think a 1911 is one of them. And yes--they are thin. Interestingly, my Mil-Spec and my Walther PPS have EXACTLY the same slide width. Which is pretty neat. Thanks!
@@Burntoilcoffee Read the written review for the story on the beavertail/hammer (as I pointed out). This is TH-cam. There are limits on what you can talk about.
"Of course the 1911 is an outdated design. It came from an era when weapons were designed to win fights, not to avoid product liability lawsuits. It came from an era where it was the norm to learn how your weapon operated and to practice that operation until it became second nature, not to design the piece to the lowest common denominator. It came from an era in which our country tried to supply its fighting men with the best tools possible, unlike today, when our fighting men and women are issued hardware that was adopted because of international deal-making or the fact that the factory is in some well-connected congressman's distract. Yes, beyond any shadow of a doubt, the 1911 IS an outdated design... and that's exactly what I love about it."
-Rosco S. Benson
Wow!!! This hits home. Adds dimension to my own perspective in a brilliant way. I just Googled Rosco Benson-he’s from from the same town I grew up in! Kettering OH, near Dayton. Sucks he passed last year. Thank you so much for sharing this poignant piece.
Well said.
Very well said.
Well not true though. One of its main features was added solely so incompetent military personnel didn’t nd. Training is at a all time high and the training now is miles better .
@@Dcm193Ahhh. I figured you plastic gun guys woulda showed up sooner.
It is great to see new generations discovering the utility and artistry of the 1911 pattern pistol. A real steel pistol with a 100+ year track record gives the owner a sense of owning something "real." Thank your for your insight.
Thank you for watching! Really appreciate the heartfelt thoughts. Yeah--that old adage "if it ain't broke..." comes to mind. And while I love other pistol designs as well for various reasons... it's hard to argue with the 1911's formula. Thanks again and take care!
After decades of carrying striker fire semi autos on & off duty, retirement meant that I could finally carry whatever I wanted & it was a true pleasure to get reacquainted with the 1911 platform...& I love my Springfields...
Yeah, it's hard to argue with the merits of a classic 1911. Plus, it's thin and relatively easy to carry for a full-size pistol. Thanks for the comment!
@@HipsterTactical yup, people overlook that quantity of the 1911...the fact that it's thin & easy to conceal
In a polymer striker 9mm world, i appreciate your reviews.
Thank you, my friend! Modern guns can sometimes feel like commodities... but this one certainly does not. Take care!
Agreed!
You actually have a modified M1911A1.
I have carried a Government Model M1911A1 since 25 May, 1976.
To sum up Mr. Brownings pistol "It works".
Loved your video, great to see your generation looking at and liking classics, that are still relevant today.
@@CharlesRTinsley thanks, my man! I agree-it works. And it works well. Yes, it has the A1 improvements. And a few alterations I did myself.
Happy to see the 1911 featured on the channel Matt! I've had a strange relationship with the gun, and have owned a few over the years. I carried/reviewed the Wilson EDC X9 for PP this year, and have a few 1911 projects in the works now.
The less cool project is a Tisas Tank Commander 9mm that I've been messing with. Fitted a new beavertail and grip safety, along with a longer trigger. Gun shoots great, and a 9mm steel framed 1911 commander is hard to beat.
The other project is reworking an old Armand Swenson 1911 from the 1980s. Swenson was one of the most important gunsmiths behind making the 1911 into the platform that we're more familiar with over the last 50 years. He fitted S&W K-frame sights to the guns, made custom ambi-manual safeties, sensitized grip safeties, and did a ton of great custom work. Bill Wilson was heavily inspired by Swenson in the early days of WC.
Speaking of Browning, I was at the JMB museum in Ogden last week. If you'd like any photos of the prototype guns that you mentioned here, let me know and I can email them over to you.
Thanks, Paul! I'm gonna have to check out your review on the Wilson X9. That's always been one those "I bet that's amazing--but I'll probably never find out" kinda guns. I've heard good things about the Tisas; I recall reading something on Pistol Forum about some respected gunsmiths that spent some time in Turkey getting their lines setup. Don't really recall the details other than that. I've heard of Armand Swenson... but I didn't realize he influenced Bill Wilson. Super cool. And if you wanna send those pics, feel free! Really appreciate it, man! Hope you're doing well. And I really appreciate your comments and support. Take care!
Nice Video,thx ! After looking for quite a while for an affordable sig 210 i ended up with this legend. No regrets .All the best !
@@brandyrunzelfrutze1807 Nice! I have one of newer P210s… it’s awesome. But so is the mil spec. Thanks for the comment!
The gun hipster reviews a normal gun for a normal person
There are no normal people. Just people who fake it better than others. Regardless... every weirdo out there should shoot, own and appreciate a good 1911. Like the Springfield Mil-Spec. Thanks!
As always, an excellent review, Matt! I appreciate honesty as well as attention to the small but important details. I've come to expect this from your videos. I believe the 1911 is relevant as a self-defense platform. Even if it wasn't, I would never part with my Colt Classic due to its historical pedigree. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, buddy! I try to tell a complete, cohesive story. Glad to hear you're enjoying it. Those Colt classics are very nice. I've handled a few and they feel spot on--better than some of the others I've had. Thanks again!
Thanks for another great video brother. I wish you the success that you deserve for the always enjoyable content that you share with us.
Thank you so much, my friend! Really appreciate the kind words. I hope--someday--I can figure out how to do this full time. I wish you success too, in whatever you do! Take care.
The full size 1911 is still popular because they shoot really well.
Great review and spot on point. I own the old Springfield "GI 45" model, 29:15 which is a carbon copy of the sidearm I qualified with while in the service. (I also own a MIL-SPEC, which is probably the 1911 the military would have wanted instead.) That was before NATO and Italy blackmailed us into changing over to the 9mm and Italy wanted us to buy Berettas. (Hint: We didn't switch because the 1911 was "outdated.) The long term lease on the U.S. air base in Aviagno, Italy was up for renegotiation and the Italians wouldn't consider renewing it unless we agreed to purchase Beretta model 92FSs as our military standard. The pistol was adopted even though it suffered severe frame cracks and failures at very low round counts and went through numerous revisions over the first few years in service so they wouldn't blow up in your face when you shot 'em. Meanwhile, NATO wanted to make all member countries' small arms calibers standard, which is why we lost proven, effective cartridges like the .45 ACP and the .30-06 Springfield cartridge. The replacement of this venerable pistol had less to do with it being an "outdated design" and more to do with NATO politics. I don't recall anybody who had to carry a duty sidearm being happy about the changeover.
Great review, I have the same one in stainless and I love it !
@@perez1741 thanks, my friend! The Mil-Spec is gorgeous in stainless. But the Parkerized version is pretty sharp too.
Very nice review! Springfield Armory 1911's are excellent quality. The mil-spec is a good value for the money. I have two Springfield 1911's: 1911-A1 and a professional model. Once one gets used to a 1911, many other pistols that one may have favored get kinda so so. My opinion, 1911 is one of the greatest pistol ever designed. Keep up with the excellent reviews!
I can't disagree with that opinion. And I can't help being jealous of that Professional model! Very nice. I love the simple, classic look that Springfield Custom put into their high-end offerings. Thanks for the comment!
Truly a great pistol as all you say very accurate. Enjoyed this video. Thank you.
Thank you, my friend! Appreciate the kind words and appreciate you watching. It really is a great pistol. Cheers!
Greatest Single-action Semi-auto ever created.
So true. Any other SAO is a pale imitation, imo.
I've never shot a P210... but... even that would have a high hurdle in the 1911. Thanks!
Great video. Great Gun. I have one and what you say is true. I too like the simple look. It's nice to shoot my 92FS and it is 9mm but the mil-spec 1911 is just like a blue collar professional in the trades who really knows what he's doing. Thanks
Great review! I own two Springfield Armory M1911 "Loaded" models since "one" was not enough.....
Nice! Yeah, SA makes solid guns. I’d love to get my hands on be of the Professional models from the custom shop… but I have figure out how to get rich first 😂 Thanks for the comment!
@@HipsterTacticaltry and obtain a professional model. Some years ago, I made it happen. Had the funds and the timing was right. It was always one of my grail guns on the list. There is pride in ownership of having one.
Ever since I got into firearms, I've regarded the 1911 trigger as the ideal in semiautomatic designs. I've carried a variety of handguns, but keep coming back to the 1911, currently a Springfield that I've added simulated ivory grips to, since I like the style, but don't wish to run afoul of the wildlife protection officers. Life is good when class and function align.
I’ve got a lightly customized mil spec in my carry stable. One of my favorites.
Nice! I can't really think of anything I don't like about mine (well, except the factory beavertail). Thanks!
Nothing quite feels like an all steel 1911 in-hand. Just feels right, of course the Hi-power feels just a touch better 😉
Great job as always!
100% agree! Do you choose perfect trigger? Or perfect ergos? Though both shoot really well, either way. Thanks, man! Hope to see some new content from you soon!
Unfortunately, Colt has rested on its reputation many times in their history. Your perception that everyone simply expected to take a new Colt to a gunsmith in order to make them reliable (at least with hollow points) was spot on. In 1988, I bought a new Government Model and immediately walked next door to a gunsmith to throat the chamber, recontour the feed ramp, and lower the ejection port. I recently bought a Tisas that already had all of that done at the factory. Colt should have done that 30 years ago!
Thanks for validating what I've "heard." Yeah, like I said, that's just what I've gleaned from reading about guns for years. I will say the Colt's I've handled recently felt really nice. Nicer than the one's I've owned. But still no nicer than this Springfield. Thanks for the comment!
Awesome review as always! Reject modernity, embrace tradition, as the kids say.
I find myself gravitating away from optic cuts, pointless slide windows and mag wells. There’s something about this design that speaks to me. Actually thinking of getting a stainless Garrison.
@@arcrid8440 Thanks, my friend! Appreciate you watching. The Garrison makes a lot sense, I think. The upgrades over the Mil Spec seem practical and worthwhile… not just meaningless tactical doodads. I came into this mil spec used and it was totally worth it… but I would look hard at the garrison if I was looking at new options.
Good job sir! Enjoyed the video
Thanks, Troy! Really appreciate your comments and kind words. Take care!
I carry a 1911 derivative (Tisas Tanker) in my vehicle.
it is a solid, inexpensive .45 caliber gun that can do the job.
Nice! I've yet to hear anything bad about the Tisas 1911s. Thanks!
10:00 I have often wonder this as well. Why can't polymer pistols have a straight pull trigger rather than the common hinged trigger. I've often heard that the 1911's " breaks like a glas rod."
Yeah, me too. I wonder (maybe) ig a straight pull doesn't lend itself well to a DA/SA setup? And, again, I think it's more involved to machine that passage through the frame. But I suppose a polymer frame makes that easier.
I have the Springfield 1911 .45 ACP A1 Range Officer w/ 5” Barrel. That is a mouth full! It carries a large adjustable rear sight. 6 years old and Springfield does not make that model any longer. $800.00, cost was high. It is a cannon and it is accurate.
The ammunitions are growing and the Hunting Rounds and Home and Self Defense Rounds, a good place to start Underwood Ammunitions. Your
+P/+P+ Ammo, that maybe be a little to much. The 1911 is accurate like they told us for many years.
Thank you Sir for your help.
Cannon. Accurate. That is why we love 1911s! I really did this one. Thanks for the comment!
You correctly hit a lot of highlights. I'll add a little bit to what you said. I've been handling 1911s for over 50 years and still own two dozen of them from at least a dozen different manufacturers. I was fortunate enough to know a couple of retired USAF gunsmiths who did much of the experimental work in the 1960s that today is considered SOP. One thing I learned from them is tight slide to frame fit is B.S. Where accuracy and precision are concerned, what matters most is having consistent lockup between the barrel, slide grooves, and barrel link, and between the muzzle, barrel bushing, and slide. Most problems with 1911s made before the 1990s can be traced to changes in defensive ammunition. Colt was slow to recognize that not everyone was exclusively shooting 230 grain FMJ round ball. This and failing QC did adversely impact them. When it comes to handling, nothing beats the flat feel of the 1911. The Luger is nice but has an awful trigger. Ditto for the average Hi Power.
Thanks for watching! Yes, I have heard that frame/slide fit doesn't really impact accuracy as much as many would think. That's pretty cool to heard you had first-hand experience with some of that pioneering work. Never shot a Luger... and while I think the Hi Power is, ergonomically, one the best feeling guns ever, I agree on the trigger. Meh. Thanks for watching and for offering your perspective!
@@HipsterTactical As you may already know, removing the magazine disconnect safety from a Hi Power will eliminate the creep and drag. I did this on one of mine and was amazed by how much better I could shoot it.
At 2:11, why is the safety not on when the hammer is clearly in the ready to fire position? I don't care if the chamber is empty and the magazine in the weapon is empty, this is just wrong. The only time the safety should be off with the hammer back is just before you intend to pull the trigger to fire a round.
Keep watching. I have the hammer cocked lots more times throughout the video. Hell, I don’t even put the toilet seat down most days. That’s just how ruthless I am.
@@HipsterTactical It's about muscle memory for safe practice. Whenever the hammer goes back, engaging the safety should immediately be the next thing you do, always, unless you are firing the weapon. Being used to seeing a 1911 with the hammer back with the thumb safety disengaged will lead to you or someone else possibly being hurt. I am just trying to help, not bust your balls.
Left eye dominant! Good shooting
Thanks, man! Left eye... DOMINATE!!!! Haha. Just kidding. I shoot okay I guess--the 1911 helps. Thanks for the comment!
I’m a Springfield guy from way back. I like my XD 9 but last week I went out and bought the Hellcat Pro. It’s my favorite sidearm now. I’m here to get a review on my all time favorite 1911 which I will be picking up on Friday. Springfield has many models of the 1911 so I been checking them out. I like this milspec because I like the traditional look. I looked at Colt but I don’t want to spend $ 1,200+ bucks for one plus Springfield is my go to. I’m looking at the Ronin but I don’t like the lightening hole trigger. I think this is the one I’ll be getting in Friday. It’s close to a $grand but that’s in the budget.
Nice! The Ronins are cool. Look into the Garrison, as well. It's kinda between the Ronin and the Mil-Spec. It has better sights, a better grip safety and a more up-market finish, vs. the Mil-Spec. But also the longer trigger with the lightning holes. In any case--Springfield makes solid 1911s. Good luck!
@@HipsterTactical I have my account at Springfield Armory and have checked out all of their 1911 over the past week or two and did check the mil spec which is also a nice 1911. I kept coming back to the Garrison and decided to get it, so this weekend I’m going to Vance outdoors and picking up the Garrison Stainless. Then somewhere between that time and the next month I’m picking up an AR 15, which manufacturer I’m still looking into. I have a Russian SKS 762x39 paratrooper model which has the shorter barrel. I figured I better pick up an AR before the election because if this dingbat Harris gets in, she’s threatened to put a federal ban on our rifles or what these anti gun idiots call “assault rifles” they even think that’s what the AR stands for smh. Anyway I don’t want to throw politics into the conversation, but it is what it is and that’s the reason why. But yes this weekend I’m getting the stainless Garrison. Springfield is a well made firearm and has never let me down in my 25 years in being a firearms owner.
Peak Fudd and yet still capable of being 'hip.' Accept no substitues.
Well said, brother. It's almost like a Member's Only jacket--your dad probably had one, but it's still dope if you rock one today.
I realize why I like this channel so much. We like and collect the same pistols😅
Thanks, buddy! Really dig this one. It's nothing fancy or rare... it's just a really solid gun. Not sure what I'll do next. Maybe some CZs? Maybe my Beretta Cougar? Walther PPS? We'll see... thanks!
@@HipsterTactical love Beretta, Walther, and CZ 👍
Nice video this is my EDC only thing I did was upgrade the magazine to Willson combat 8rd and 10rd
Thanks, my friend! Yes, I mostly used a Wilson 8rd with this one. Thanks for the comment!
@@HipsterTactical no 10rd? When I concealed carry the 10rd are for backup
🤘🇺🇸.. I’ve got a Springfield 1911 mil-spec also ..it’s been reliable for me
The 1911, a design so perfect it served the US Military for 13 years. Yes, 13 years.
@@jimmyvalhalla1939 I see what you did there. But to me, the A1 was hardly a different gun.
@HipsterTactical to be clear, everyone talks about "Muh 1911", and they are NEVER talking about a 1911. The Government thought enough about the changes to change the name, you and I are off the hook.
Except that the US Government still had large numbers of 1911s, YES 1911s, NOT 1911A1s in service in WWII, YES WWII, 34 years later NOT 14.
It’s metal, it’s accurate, it’s fun to shoot , its military history and for any US gun collector it’s a must ! 🇺🇸👍
I wanna see your take on the tisas 1911
Great review, Matt! I agree with everything you've stated about the 1911. But I've had terrible experiences with Springfield 1911s. One in 9mm that had a jam every mag. Sent it back 3 times and nothing fixed it. And a 45 that kept having MIM parts break. Slide stop, safety plunger, guide rod, extractor. My friend also had a brand new XDM that had the dust cover crack within 200 rounds of use. Can't really say I trust the brand any more.
BS 😂
@@Bobsbargainbasement What about what I wrote is BS? Do you work for Springfield or something?
Sorry to hear that. I have heard the occasional account of issues of with Springfield pistols. I even had to send my 9mm EMP back to get it to feed JHPs (though it fed FMJ fine). Were your SA guns older or more current production? Regardless, I rarely read of any issues with the Mil-Spec or other full size .45s. And I definitely hear about more issues with 9mm 1911s than .45s--especially 5 inch 9mms. From what I understand, they can run, but the slide mass makes it kinda touchy. I suppose I don't blame you for not trusting the brand, though. Thanks for sharing your experience!
@@HipsterTactical They were more recent runs. One in 2018 and the other in 2020. My friend's XDM was from Jan of this year. It's a shame because I really like a lot of their designs. The TRP Full rail is unbelievably gorgeous and I was considering one of the milspecs for its classic good looks. But after three very rough fails and several that I've heard of from other folks in recent years, I'll stick to my Smith and Wesson 1911s. Never an issue with any of them.
Bought my Springfield 1911 A1 in 1990 , it’s been dropped several times and submerged in the Rio Grande river on numerous occasions. Never missed a beat and still in use today
I am not a 1911 guy. I am a Tokarev guy. My only 45 ACP is a Sig Sauer P220. My carry gun is a Zastava M70AA. I chose it because I wanted to carry a common caliber. A surplus M57 Soviet Safety Style isn't what I want to carry, and I really don't want to carry 7.62x25mm Tokarev Ammo on myself. However, as a truck gun, that's different.
You run any hollow points through it? Curious about reliablility with HST, Gold Dot, etc.
Sigh. No, I didn't. I usually try to run at least a few. That said, there are a few videos that show the Mil-Spec chewing through JHPs with no issues. One is from LocaCarnivore from about 2 months ago. Check it out. Thanks!
I've got two, had to send one back ejector loose.
Where did you get that grip safety? It fits beautifully for a drop in. I want one for my Milspec
@@christophermead9800 It’s a Kings Gun Works #204. I cover it in more detail, in the written review. Works great!
@@HipsterTactical Thank you!
Browning was a genius. The 1911 fits the hand like no other. And SA does a great job with them.
I agree the best trigger is single action 1911 . I’ve carried it and love them . However for concealed carry which I’m going with da sa or striker with no safety . I don’t like Glock in every way but I’d rather carry 13 +1 45 +p in g30 then have I gun I love the way it looks but only 8+1 . I agree in every way the 1911 looks better and better trigger . And in south Florida sweat and humidity will rust blued or even stainless guns fast . I clean my guns weekly and I had rust under my 357 snub stainless and under the hammer. If they made a double stack 45 with a nitrite slide and partially polymer lower for weight and rust prevention that was affordable and reliable I’d be all about it .
I agree & carried a Springfield XD in .45 ACP for years... almost double the magasheep capacity of a 1911 & highly rust resistant...
Yeah, DA/SA is my preference for carry as well--though cocked and locked is a close second. I just don't typically shoot Glocks very well... though I do remember being surprised by the G30. Seems kinda like a different animal vs. the 9mm Glocks. Thanks for the comment, dude!
@@HipsterTactical g30 is a unicorn . The size the capacity the low recoil the fast follow up shots and I shoot it as accurate as my hk p2000 40 lem . Compact high capacity 45 is a very small category. So for me , a person who doesn’t like Glock I find the Glock 45acps do what others don’t and I have to admit it’s superiority. Mags so reliable so cheap 15 buck surplus that just work. For a reg guy dropping 300-500 for 10 mags is too much but can stick up on these so cheap and I can’t say they don’t work . And even though I hate the look the feel of Glock the g30 I shoot one ragged hole again and again. Do I prefer the looks of everything else better , yes . How about the way they feel in hand , prefer anything over Glock . But I can’t deny g30 greatness . For carry 45 id carry it over any other 45 , and that hurts me to say that . But this is just my experience I have 3x hands. Glock system is terrible if you limp wrist it due to angle . And even the the hk product is superior in quality a usp compact 45 holds 8 or 10 extended and will be larger and harder to conceal and 3 times the price 1200 easy then there is mags . Do I prefer hk , absolutely but not rich and the Glock although ugly will work fine and not crush your souls when you need mags or holsters .
@@jeffanon1772 xd great platform and love their trigger over Glock . I just stick with g30 for easy cheap mags especially used fine then at stores and pawn shops in their surplus buckets .
I see our academic careers are VERY similar, re: math vs creative writing.
Forward serrations are technically useful, but a clean slide up front is just HANDSOME. My only change to it would be an ambidextrous safety, but that's just my being wrong handed. The new beavertail is neat. A reliability issue is also that the locked hammer leaves the firing pin vulnerable to sand and gunk. It was mentioned by former SEAL Team members elsewhere.
Oh yeah? That's cool. I have a history degree, too. And somehow... by the thinnest skin of my teeth... I found an actual job. :)
Fair enough on the ambi. And yeah--handsome is a good word to describe the clean front end of a 1911. I could see how gunk could get in the way of the hammer, too. Thanks!
@HipsterTactical English degree, and over 40 published books- but pulp work for hire stuff. Google Fantastic Fiction Douglas Wojtowicz for a glimpse of my oeuvre.
In CA this 1911 is around 1000 after tax
Damn. At least you guys have… the Golden Gate Bridge. Which is dope. Thanks for watching!
@@HipsterTactical 💀
You're right handed but left eye dominant? Did you do the work yourself (changing out the hammer and beavertail)?
Yessir--I'm a "rightlefty" (I just made that up). And yes--did the work myself. Very easy, honestly. Check out the written review on my site for more info. Thanks!
Milspec......But it comes with beavertail!? I had to customize mine. I've had mine for over 20 years!
@@ramjet118 I added the beavertail. TH-cam is weird when you mention mods… but I talk about it in the written review.
Ive got 3000 or so rounds thru my SA operator, only a couple ff issues during the first 500 rounds none since.... 1911's are fine, a user needs to practice and maintain them.
Nice. The operators are sweet. Thanks for the comment!
A true “mil spec” should have play in the slide rails.
This is so it can be operated in dirty conditions.
1911 - V8 of the handgun world
@@markj9027 fabulous analogy. Thanks for watching, my man!
Yes all of that is true but...
If you have ever held and/or shot a Luger you know that is only hand gun more a naturally pointing gun than a 1911 is. I have had one of the Stoeger reproductions and a Ruger Mil-Spec for 30 years each. And the Luger is still just that bit more naturally pointing hand gun than the 1911.
That being said I am and do carry a Tisas 1911 as I write this. I do use 8 round magazines as a modern touch. Tisas does not use MEM parts. All parts are forged.
Jump up to the Ronin or Garrison. We'll worth the few extra dollars.
Yeah, I think the Garrison makes a lot of sense, with the beavertail, etc. Even so, I was able to get my Mil-Spec just how i wanted it for less than cost of a Garrison. Thanks!
I have one of those, it's ugly but it works every time, The End.
It’s certainly a functional, pragmatic pistol-though I wouldn’t call it ugly. Thanks!
The Mil- Spec, Doesn't Come with A Beavertail grip safety, nor a Commander Hammer!!
@@charlesglaser4868 Nope. I mentioned to check the written review for details on the swap.
$500 ?? WOW! - I'd love to get one at that price. Out here in fairy tale land the darn things (I want one) start at $829.
Well, I mean $500 and change, new. I should have clarified that. I traded a $500 Steyr M9A2 for mine. Damn good trade. And sorry stuff is so expensive where you are. Thanks and take care!
Lol CA?
They were 500 bucks a few years ago. Order it online. Even after all the expense to ship and ffl fees I was still under 600. Best weapon for the money. I got mine from "grab a gun". Their prices and shipping are solid
A mil spec, has a spur hammer not a hollow hammer!
I know! I can’t talk about certain things on TH-cam! Why are we shouting!?!?
The "tunnel" for the trigger is BROACHED...
Yes. Which is a machining process utilizing a toothed tool to remove material.
Someone's left eye dominate.
Had a new colt government model, this Springfield out shot it.
500 dollars? Where? Tisas Milspec maybe, Springfield is a bit more.
They're out there in the mid 500s. Search on gun deals.
@@HipsterTactical Thanks. I saw TISAS with great prices and it's all forged parts. Even the internals on their Mil spec. I want both.
1911's are outdated and it is a stupid gun that doesn't carry enough ammo. Until you fire one and if it is reasonably well made you hit everything you point it at. I've had a few. 2 early Kimbers and 2 Les Baer's. One of each make of those was the compact size. Officer grip with Commander slide assembly. If you put thin grips on those, don't put a mag well on, have a safety on only one side, and use 7rd Wilson mags with those low profile metal baseplates it is as concealable as a lot of these stack anf a half 9mm pistols that everyone is carrying these days. I don't currently have one now. Had other guns I wanted and a decent amount of cash was tied up in those. But the 1911 isn't irrelevant like it's made out to be. If it is a sidearm to a 20-30rd rifle/carbine I would say the lower capacity is a non issue. Plus 230 FMJ cheap ammo is effective enough to be carried if thats what you got or that's all your 1911 will feed. Can't say the same about 9mm FMJ. All the 1911's I had fed JHP ammo reliably and I used to load them with 185gr+p Remington Golden Saber. I only had issues with truncated bullets not feeding well. I don't think they're for everyone. Buy there is a 1911 out there for pretty much anyone despite income. But I've see Rock Island $400 1911 feed anything you throw in it and I've seen $3000 Wilson Combat that have issues with FMJ and the exact opposite as well as everything in between. People need to understand that before getting into one. Plus you have makers that produced good ones at first and shit ones a little later and vice versa. The $3000 Wilson that wouldn't feed FMJ reliably would feed every type of JHP my friend would put in it. He eventually sent it back so he could shoot it more than once a year. They fixed it. You're right about the Les Baers being tight. Both mine were NIB and took a good 300rds to loosen up but they were very accurate. Only pistol I've had that would shoot tighter groups was a W. German Sig P228. But the Les Baers were easier to hit with. I could just get some tight groups benching that p228 for some reason. They're far from being the only handgun worth carrying as some of the 1911 people would have you believe though. The two world wars line is funny because it also served in Korea and Vietnam as the sole semi auto handgun issued. Those last two wars being the ones where troops were the most satisfied with the 1911 since they were broken in by that time and the ones that suffered QC due to WW2 production demands weren't being issued out. A lot of those that served in WW2 preferred a commercial DA/SA revolver in at the time fairly new .357 mag if they could get their hands on one and approved for carry. Or the Colt or S&W .45ACP revolvers that used the moon clips.
Well said, my friend. A lot of things are stupid on paper... but pure genius in practice. I think a 1911 is one of them. And yes--they are thin. Interestingly, my Mil-Spec and my Walther PPS have EXACTLY the same slide width. Which is pretty neat. Thanks!
TISAS all day long 🇹🇷🇺🇸
It was cows I’m pretty sure…
Yeah. Totally cows. 100%.
@@HipsterTactical apparently some quick googling said it was both cows and people. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson-LaGarde_Tests
If You are going to review anything, you do it, as it came!! This is bogus!!
Yer bogus
Not even close to milspec
@@Burntoilcoffee Read the written review for the story on the beavertail/hammer (as I pointed out). This is TH-cam. There are limits on what you can talk about.
I have no issues with the grip safety on my original 1917 production model 1911
But to each his own
What are you doing with your head? Are you aiming with your left eye.?
Yup.