Springfield GI for SS/CDP build?

[ncrivello]

Hello,

My dilemma is whether to build up the Springfield GI (milspec) that I inherited for single stack and CDP. The problem is that this gun has the silly little GI sights on it. The slide will require machining to allow for the Bomar style setup I have my eye on. I'm wondering if this is cost effective since the slide has a pretty sloppy slide to frame fit.

The alternative is to get new slide from Caspian or Fusion that is already machined for the sights and fit it to the frame. This would require fitting the existing barrel or better yet, a new barrel altogether for optimum results right?

Even though the gun was free, the cost of getting it setup with decent sights may mean that starting out with something like a Sig TTT or Kimber gold match makes more sense since they are more or less ready to go. This is because there are other parts I'd like to replace; a magwell in order dump the ILS and effect efficient reloads, an ambi-safety (I'm a lefty that shoots ambidextrous), a longer trigger to get my finger in the right place, a beavertail with raised safety since it feels like my grip doesn't hit the existing grip safety correctly....

If only the gun was a loaded variant, I'd have a decent starting point! Thoughts?

[racknrider]

Sell it and buy a Loaded or RO. Just a thought.

[scottlep]

I would buy a Springfield way before I would buy a Kimber. For what you would pay to have a new slide fitted, milled, etc you could be most of the way to a brand new Springfield RO or Loaded Target which are both almost ready to run from the factory. Get a magwell from Techwell and you will probably be in at under $850.

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: I would sell it and get a better pistol suited for the game you want to play. The Springfield Trophy Match are very nice and are ready to go. You can find used ones for not very much or even new old stock for just a little more. Thanks, Eric

[ncrivello]

The RO is a good suggestion. It would be a ~$300 investment to get some bomar sights on there. Another $2-500 for misc upgrades.

[zzt]

I would be inclined to go with the RO and replace the MSH with one that has a magwell. Other choices are the Loaded TB Operator which already has a magwell, but fixed sights. The fixed sights would not bother me, but you could swap out the rear for an adjustable Novak for about $55. You could also convert the MSH to conventional for about $15. Same with the bushing barrel TRP. Check to see that the rail is CDP legal length.

Edited April 15, 2016 by zzt

[Climbhard]

RO is a great place to start

[steviesterno]

Not cost effective at all. I tried to do the same thing myself (a few years ago, before the RO came out). It was more money to get the new sights than selling mine and getting one already set up for it.

RO or the Ro operator are great starter guns for builds. You don't need much to get started, run it stick to see what you want to change.

Pm me if you sell it, I haven't owned a GI 1911 in ages.

[wgj3]

What everybody else already said...

Takes a lot to get the "GI" ready for the games. Front sight is a pain to deal with, rear sight, hammer/grip safety, etc., etc....

Edited April 16, 2016 by wgj3

[lppd4]

I'm going to go against the grain. I say build the GI model just do it a little at a time. I think you will end up with a better pistol in the long run. All the other guns mentioned offer some compromise I think. Although the RO is nice the sight cut in the rear leaves a lot to be desired over a properly installed bomar type sight. I have yet to see any 1911 that was ready to go out of the box all needed work or personal touches added to them that I have owned. I just purchased the range officer operator and while I think it is a great pistol you're limited on rear sight choices or you have to go with a custom based bomar sight to fit a 'Novak cut'.

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: The problem with the GI is that it is built like a GI with 200,00 rounds through it. The slide to frame fit is sloppy and the barrel fitting is not great. I have had a couple of these just as a truck gun but as a competition pistol it is not a good starting point. Like I stated above the Trophy match is the way to go for around $1000. Thanks, Eric

[Butterpuc]

you mentioned it has a sloppy slide to frame fit, but is it accurate?

I got into the SS game a couple of years ago and was torn with a similar decision. I took the route of purchasing the RO... now the only parts that are original to the RO are: barrel, bushing, rear sight, slide and frame... if you want to customize one out, you already have your starting point.