theheater905

I am planning to buy a new 1911 and have narrowed the choice down to two guns, unfortunately I cant make a decision on which one to buy. I just dont know which is the better of the two guns or even if one can be considered superior. I basically have limited knowledge of both, the only info coming from the manufacturers website. The two guns I am considering are:
Springfield Armory Loaded 5" Parkerized Model # PX9109LP OR
S&W 1911 TFP 5" Black Melonite Model# 108309.
Both guns are very close in price so that is not an issue, each gun also has features that I like and or dislike between them.
A friend has the Springer Loaded so I plan to test fire it this weekend, as for the Smith, I have fired a 1911PD Gunsite which is the closest I can come to comparing the guns I am considering. If anyone has more in depth knowledge I would appreciate the help.

drs1457

Tough call. I'd go with the SA Loaded but that's just me.

__________________
NRA, IDPA, GSSF & GSSA member
Certified Glock Armorer

rathos

I have the loaded 5" parkerized model. Its been great. I haven't had any issues with it. I did change out the full length guide rode for a GI spec plug, which is the only mod I had to make. So far its fed every type of ammo I have tried through it.

__________________
‘‘To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.’’

— George Mason

airbornerangerboogie

If it's for CCW pick the lightest. My carry is a S&W 1911PD (gunsite edition). If you're trying to carry a full size 1911 as a daily carry you will notice the weight difference very quickly. If it's for home defense or non-carry I'd go with SA over S&W.

__________________
“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” James Dean
Phil (NRA Member and Vietnam Vet)
------------- My CCW ----------------
No Guns Here Boss
I gave them to the naked Pigmy's in New Guinea

theheater905

That was one of the things I did not like about the Springer, the 2 piece guide rod also the ambi safety. Both are really minor issues though. I also think the Melonite on the Smith might hold up better than the Parkerized finish. Another point is the Springer is made in Brazil and the Smith in USA. The one big point is I can get the Springer now, the Smith wont be in until June, the wait just gives me a chance to save more money. I wish I could afford both, its just not an option at this time. I am just looking for the best of the 2 guns, regardless of the minor differences. These are the thoughts running around in my mind.

redrick

Between the two I would take the Smith.

dcunited

I own a SA 1911 and would suggest it. I have owned two non-1911 S&W and one was good the other was not so much, but it did work. (642 & SW9VE) I would say you can;t really go wrong.

__________________
--
I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend. (J.R.R.Tolkien, The Two Towers)

SIGP250

These are rather large pistols and will be difficult to conceal.

I might recommed you have a look at the Kimber 1911 Compact.

"It has been thoroughly tested and proven design, and fires the very substantial .45ACP round. It also happens to be rather slim, and Compact (4" barrel) or Ultra-Compact (3" barrel) models can be very convenient to wear. It is also a single-action, which means that its trigger pull is much more responsive. The 3 largest manufacturers of 1911s are Kimber, Springfield Armory, and Colt. I've heard nothing good about Colt lately, and Kimber has the most modern machining processes."

Author of this review unknown.

theheater905

I doubt I will be carrying this 1911, its just a bit heavy. I do agree that I'd have to have a different choice if its intended use was as a CCW. This gun will most likely be for the enjoyment of owning a good 1911 and the fun of shooting it. Looks like my decision will be decided this weekend when I see how well it shoots. Any opinions on the S&W Melonite finish vs the Springers Parkerized?

SIGP250

Sorry, no opinion on the finishes as long as each are of a stainless steel substrate.

I would still have a look at the Kimber 1911 models though more expensive than Springfield Arms.

__________________
If you understand, things are just as they are... If you do not understand, things are just as they are....
- Zen Saying

rathos

I have carried my springer parkerized for a while in all kinds of weather sweating on it and getting it wet, never had an issue. When I worked in a gun store we would get some S&W's with the melonite finish that had a bit of rust on them from the factory, so I would say the springer holds up better.

__________________
‘‘To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.’’

— George Mason

theheater905

SigP250,
I did have a Kimber Ultra CDPII about a year ago but it had some feeding issues. Although it was a beautiful weapon I just couldn't trust it 100% for carry. I never knew when it would fail to chamber a round. I think part of the problem was due to the short slide and light weight of the gun. The smaller guns dont seem to have the reliability of the 4&5 inch steel guns. This is what prompted me to look at the the bigger heavier 1911's.
Thanks to everyone for their input and help.

Tn Mitch

I just bought this PB9151LP Springfeild 45.Mil spec,I guess its the plain version of what your wanting,Im a nubie at 1911s my self,bought a Black Colt Golden Cup Trophy last time,so I thought Springfeild,and the SS caught my eye,and it was only $650.00 before tax new,cam with holster,mag holders,,extra black plastic grips,all that stuff,like when you buy a XDM or something,I dont like the pointy trigger,all my others have he combat trigger,but at that price,I cant say much,The trigger feels alittle tight,though I havent fired a round out of it yet.Maybe next week.I hope you pick the right one for you,or in time buy them both,even if it takes a year...



on the right is my new S&W 1911,I bought last week,it cost ,twice what that Springfeild did..

theheater905

Mitch,
I always liked the Mil Spec just because it is more plain, its a nice piece and you should enjoy it. Right now I am leaning towards taking the Loaded, since the S&W wont be in until June I'm hoping I can save more cash and possibly buy that one too.

Stetson

I own a Springfield 1911 and it's mostly a range pistol all though I have used it for ccw on a very short outing.Out of all the firearms made this seems to invoke the most passion when someone ask what to buy.Both are good in my
book but it's Springer by a nose.

Ivan4x4

I vote for the springfield, you cant go wrong

__________________
EDC's Colt Defender 45 acp and Sig 229 .40 cal
Springfield XD 45 acp
Ruger SR9
Ruger Super RedHawk .44 mag
mossberg 590 12 gauge tactical
bushmaster AR15-M4

SIGP250

Springfield Arms makes a good 1911, Kimber makes a good 1911.
It is a matter of choice. I have a Springfield XD Sub compact 9mm that I like. All Springfields are reliable and will shoot almost anything you put into them.

How were you cleaning the pistol? Some pistols like the Kimber and some Sig's need light grease rather than just regular gun oil. I use white lithium grease on two points of the slide and oil on the rest. I never clean the barrel from the muzzle end. This can easily damage a pistol that is as finely machined such as a Kimber and any Sig's, Walther's, etc.

__________________
If you understand, things are just as they are... If you do not understand, things are just as they are....
- Zen Saying

Sportsterguy

[QUOTE=SIGP250;1063487]These are rather large pistols and will be difficult to conceal.

I might recommed you have a look at the Kimber 1911 Compact.

"It has been thoroughly tested and proven design, and fires the very substantial .45ACP round. It also happens to be rather slim, and Compact (4" barrel) or Ultra-Compact (3" barrel) models can be very convenient to wear. It is also a single-action, which means that its trigger pull is much more responsive. The 3 largest manufacturers of 1911s are Kimber, Springfield Armory, and Colt. I've heard nothing good about Colt lately, and Kimber has the most modern machining processes."

I respectfully disagree. At 5'7" and 175 lbs I can carry my full size SA with no problem concealed in a HBE COM III or DC Special year round.

I will not own a 1911 unless the barrel length is 5". Had a SA Champion that made 5 trips to the factory and still wouldn't run. The chopped guns have to be tuned to a higher standard than the full length original design. Have also personally seen too many malfunction to EVER go back to one. Sure there are good ones out there but don't want or need the frustration and costs to own one again. You are trusting your life with a CCW, and if I have any doubt to it's reliablity will not carry or own it

Either Springer should serve you well. I myself would buy the Mil-Spec and modify it as YOU like. My SA Standard (same gun made in the US in 1990) has been the most reliable semi next to my SIG 228 that I have ever owned. Change the recoil and mag springs out every year and NO malfunctions in over 20K rounds. JMO and good luck!

SG

__________________
Sportsterguy

Molon Labe!

Join the NRA today, or don't complain when your guns are taken away!

SIGP250

[QUOTE=Sportsterguy;1065600]Thank you for your opinion. I sincerely appreciate your comments.

I do not consider myself an authority on the 1911 subject or what or how to carry.

As you may note, what I posted was a quote from another reviewer.

I do not own a Kimber 1911 myself although I feel it is a fine pistol.

I'm about your size but weigh somewhat less. I prefer the smaller sub compacts but that is only my preference.

I own a SA XD sub compact 9mm and feel it is like a brick to carry.

Overall, I prefer a Sig. My P250 compact. It is for now, what I am most comfortable with but is not so easy for me to easily conceal under all conditions.

Recently I purchased a Walther .40 S&W PPS. I like shooting this and like to carry it.
It is relativly new.

It is, I suppose similar to a Glock 17 except slimmer, only 1" wide.

With the economy as it is, I can't go out and buy a gun a week as I would like to. For now, it is more like buying one good pistol each year.

I just got back from the indoor range I regularly shoot at. To be quite honest, I have the most fun with my Walther P22. With HP, I have no doubt that I could stop an assailant with this.

There is also no doubt that a 5" barrel in any caliber is probably going to be more accurate. In Missouri CCW allows up to a 15" barrel so a full size service pistol may be right for you but not for me, except at a target range or for inside the home self defense.

__________________
If you understand, things are just as they are... If you do not understand, things are just as they are....
- Zen Saying

race

I would just make sure you can work the gun i have been drooling over many 1911's so i checked out one of my dad's 3.5bushing barrel to see it and what i liked I noticed that I could not reach the slide stop/release too far in and not sure of the thumb safety my fingers would go past them not touching a thing and would need a bigger tail small hand's I guess so my .02 is make sure it fits first!