GI or Mil-Spec 1911?

[irishpilot]

ok my friend and i were debating which gun would be a better buy between the springfield armory GI or Mil-spec. we really prefer the classic ww2 look over the improvements that the milspec has. but are your experiences between the two? thanks alot i appreciate it.
oh btw lets just keep this between the two pistols and not other brands of 1911.

[Exbiker]

He`ll appreciate the improvements the mil has over the GI. The mil`s beavertail will stop the bite marks and pain.

[thebearpack]

I have an older SA GI model and love it because it's so much like the WWII 1911A1s. With a set of original grips on it, it looks and feels great. I enjoy shooting it because my GI guns can stay at home but I have the same shooting experience.

That said, the mil-specs are probably better shooters. The lowered ejection port, for example, doesn't beat up the brass as much and doesn't have the tendency to fling it back at you. And as the previous poster said, bigger beavertail and so on.

The GI is a fine gun but there are reasons why improvements were made. I'd say it boils down to whether you want to experience history or enjoy modern upgrades.

[Lycanthrope]

He`ll appreciate the improvements the mil has over the GI. The mil`s beavertail will stop the bite marks and pain.

And having a beavertail fitted later can be pricey.


Lycanmilspecthrope

[fonz]

The beavertail on the Mil-Spec didn't keep me from getting bit by the slide. I finally upgraded it with a Smith & Alexander extended beavertail and that made a world of difference.

[Nic]

The beavertail on the Mil-Spec didn't keep me from getting bit by the slide. I finally upgraded it with a Smith & Alexander extended beavertail and that made a world of difference.

Did you mean bit by the slide, or are you actually referring to hammer bite.

[jerseytactical]

Start w the GI, and slowly make upgrades. You'll appreciate it much more than buying a more loaded model. I'm turning my GI into a MEUSOC .45.

[fonz]

Did you mean bit by the slide, or are you actually referring to hammer bite.

I never got hammer bite, but I have heard of it. My problem was from the slide. I would average 100 rounds or so for a range trip and after each trip I would have two marks on the web of my hand where the slide would hit while shooting.

The grip safety that comes on the Mil Spec model is pretty narrow. I wouldn't even call it a "beavertail" grip safety.

[irishpilot]

ok i have never shot a 1911 because ive practiced with revolvers mostly, but what are bite marks?

[thebearpack]

The tendency of the hammer to pinch the web of your hand between thumb and index finger when you're properly gripping the weapon high. Caused by the comparatively large hammer versus small beaver tail, so an extended beaver tail will act as a barrier between the hammer and your hand.