Need some help with buying my 1st 1911

Look at the serial number. Make sure it starts with "NM" and you can't go wrong. I have the Range Officer and it is one of my favorite 1911's that I own.

 

I have the Mil Spec with the serial number starting with "NM." She eats whatever I feed her and have used 7, 8, and 10 round mags. I have no issues with the trigger.

 

Most of it comes down to personal taste…for some folks who are very attached to the traditional GI style pistols, the more modern features such as front cocking serrations, upswept grip safety, skeletonized trigger, and ambi thumb safety, etc. are a deal breaker. IMHO, I would go for the Loaded for a shooter. But, if you prefer the GI style pistols, then the Mil Spec is for you.

 

Is the Loaded version you were looking at have adjustable or fixed sights?

 

I have a few 1911s and I can say this I love them all but my Springfield LW OP has to be my go gun for all practical applications, not just due to the weight but mainly because of Springfield's top notch quality. Either route you got the GI or the loaded I believe you will be happy. But keep this in mind the loaded already has most of the bells and whistles you could ever want out of the box.


Carrying is not comfortable, it's comforting.

 

The loaded I just acquired has a fixed rear sight.

 

The SA Mil-Spec stainless is an excellent choice, and a terrific bargain. If it is available in your state, the SA Range Officer is the best deal in a 1911 that exists.

A brand new Mil-Spec is likely to be very good out-of-the-box. Lemons are always possible with anything. Buying online from a reliable dealer is no problem. Check for online scam reports and auction feedback for the dealer. Avoid sellers that tend to make nasty replies to bad feedback - An honest dealer will admit to an honest mistake.

The Loaded is available in two configurations, one fixed-sight, one adjustable. Adjustable sights are ALWAYS better if your goal is accuracy. In my opinion, the reason for getting the Loaded is to get the adjustable sight in a state that doesn't permit the Range Officer. If you want fixed sights on a gun, you might buy the fixed-sight loaded because you could change the sights to fixed sights regulated for you and your load - Otherwise the fanciest fixed sights in the world are no better than the enhanced GI sights on the MilSpec (not to imply they are not good, they are in fact very good).

Sorry if I ruffled some feathers, I have been in a bad mood since yesterday because we are hiring someone for an important position who is totally unqualified...

I did a just-out-of-the-box range report of an SA MilSpec stainless yesterday: https://www.springfieldforum.com/f14/range-report-out-box-shootout-744/#post12888

 

I have never owned a 1911 and I am thinking about a 1911 Springfield loaded or a Ruger sr1911.
But after some searching I also like an xdm, I am looking mostly for a range gun, I have a j-frame for pocket carry.
Any thoughts from the professionals??

 

Easy choice... The Loaded! Vastly more gun than the Ruger or the XD. For range work get the Loaded Target with the adjustable sight. If you live in a state where the SA Range Officer is approved for sale, It is a real bargain for a competition ready 1911.

Oops... You said professionals. Oh well, too late to take it back now that I wrote it

 

Definition of an expert/ professional; Someone who is 50 miles from home with a briefcase!

 

If you are looking for a range gun, definitely the Loaded. If you want to step up a bit, take a look at the Trophy Match. Both are great range/target configurations.

John

 

You saying that 200 miles from home, in my jockeys, with no memory of the night before doesn't qualify?

 

I said briefcase, not briefs!!