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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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