Brazilian made 1911s

[DC Plumber]

Hey folks,

I was all set to buy a Springfield Armory Loaded. It says made in Brazil on it, and all of a sudden, I got cold feet. What's the difference in quality between a Brazilian made Springfield 1911 style gun and a Brazilian made Taurus?

Not being a wise guy, but geez, I don't know. I'm kind of leaning toward the Ruger SR 1911. After reading someone's technical explanation of cast frames vs. forged frames, I could care less if a 1911 has a cast frame. Plus, I don't really like the ambi safety of the Loaded.

But back to my original question, is the Springer really any better or worse than a Taurus?

I have two other Ruger handguns and two Ruger rifles and have no problem with their quality.

For the price, it's looking like the Ruger is also a better deal. I also have a Kimber Pro TLE and a colt Commander, so this isn't my first 1911 style gun.

Any comments are appreciated, and thank you in advance.

 

[Goomba]

Imbel is way higher quality than Taurus.

That being said, I don't think I'd want neither.

Go for the Ruger. You won't hear me say that often, but their SR1911 is a fine weapon.

 

[meanmrmustard]

Springer. The SR1911 I've shot (and luckily for everyone else who doesn't own this particular one) is crap. Shot all 3 you've listed, and the Springer is the way to go.

 

[9mmepiphany]

What's the difference in quality between a Brazilian made Springfield 1911 style gun and a Brazilian made Taurus?

Mostly the factory that manufactures them. IMBEL, who manufactures all slides and frames for all Springfield 1911s has a superior international reputation...they used to manufacture the FAL.

I'd have a lot more confidence buying a Springfield 1911, sight unseen, that either of the other two you've mentioned. The last Ruger SR1911 that I saw on the firing line was shooting fine, until the firing pin stop fell out.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have a Springfield Loaded and have nothing but good things to say about it. It feeds any style ammo flawlessly, including LSWC, and shoots nice ragged one hole groups out to 25 yards.

 

[wrench]

My Brazilian Springfield Loaded is a super pistol. It is 100% reliable with any factory ammo or handloads that I've tried.
It's also as accurate, (in my hands), as several more expensive 1911's I've tried.
I really don't have any complaints about it.

 

[2wheels]

Springer beats Taurus by a long shot, Springer makes pretty good 1911s and in my experience stands by them should you have an issue. I've only held the Ruger, and for whatever reason I don't much like the way it looks compared to other 1911s out there.

 

[sweater914]

I have an early '90s Springer 1911, rock stock A1, except a couple of Wolff springs. Good gun, shoots hardball without any issues, my light SWC handload has the occassional failure to feed. The gun is more capable than I am at 25yds.

 

[cuba]

If Imbel forges their own slide, frame and two piece barrels for Springfield, I wonder who they outsource their other components from, or do they manufacture all their parts like the other Brazilian company

Brazil

 

[Sergei Mosin]

The difference between an IMBEL/Springfield 1911 and a Taurus 1911 is night and day. It begins with initial quality and goes all the way through customer service in the event of a problem. I bought my Springfield in part because their excellent reputation for customer service, but I've never needed it.

 

[wojownik]

Imbel and Taurus are different organizations, different factories. IMBEL is a state company linked to the Brazilian Army that manufactures a range of weapons systems for the Brazilian military, police and civilian markets.

I've got a Springfield that has been utterly reliable and accurate. It is actually my favorite 1911 - ahead of my Colt 1991A1, but just behind my Colt O1911 WW1 model.

Springer vs Taurus? I'd say go with the Springfield
Springer vs. Ruger? I'd have a hard time choosing. The Ruger is packing a whole lot of features into their product for the money.

 

[arcticap]

I bought a like new Springfield 1911 9mm from an acquaintance who is a master IDPA shooter in 2 classes and was going to attempt to become a master in a 3rd class until he changed his mind to pursue other activities.
Because I knew what an expert shooter he is, I trusted his judgement about the quality of the pistol that he bought to compete with. Some expert shooters do prefer to buy Springfield 1911's and now that it's mine I'm thoroughly happy with it.

 

[bannockburn]

I have a Springfield Armory box stock M1911A1 which has been in my collection for a very long time. Though just a plain Jane version, the level of quality and overall fit and finish is first rate.

 

[Onmilo]

IMBEL makes very decent weapons.

 

[cuba]

By this side by side comparison you will be able to tell the quality of the Springfield.

http://www.gunrightsmedia.com/showthread.php?t=414414

 

[sleepyone]

I'll use the 1911 as an example for my post since that was the OP's question, but this applies to virtually any type/caliber of firearm IMHO.

For me, it is not even a quality issue that prevents me from buying foreign made firearms. I buy American owned, manufactured and assembled firearms for one reason and one reason only; to help keep Americans employed. If I did not have other options and the only way to get a quality 1911 was to buy one that was either foreign made and U.S. assembled or totally foreign made/assembled I would hold my nose and buy one. However, that is NOT the case. There are many options to buy a quality and affordable U.S. owned, manufactured, and assembled 1911. I think the Ruger 1911 is a fine pistol, but if you don't like it, buy a Colt or an STI or a Kimber or a Smith and Wesson or a insert name here.

That applies for any firearm I would ever want to own unless I wanted to buy something like a Mosin Nagant or some other old military rifle or handgun.

 

[Hangingrock]

I have a Springfield 1911-A1 45ACP loaded series in stainless steel. Mine has a manufacturing date 0f 2004. No complaints what so ever. I did change out the OEM ILS-mainspring housing for a Wilson, replaced the full length guide rod, and replaced the wooden grips with Micarta grips.

I have a Colt XSE in which I replaced the plastic mainspring housing with a Wilson, changed out the full length guide rod, and also replaced the wooden grips with Micarta.

Thus both pistols approximate each externally.

The one thing I’ve noted in particular is that the Springfield has absolutely no problems with the 200Gr-SWC but the Colt XSE on occasion failures to feed. Accuracy wise both pistols are equals.

I’d buy another Springfield with out hesitation.

 

[MADDOG]

I just shot my old "93" Mil Spec in the shooting part of the CCL class. No problems at all. I used some reloads with 230gr. LRN and Red Dot powder. I think they are great guns.

 

[EMC45]

I too have a Mil Spec Springfield Armory 1911A1 .45. It is an older one and am unsure of the round count. Bought it off a buddy of mine who had it for sale. I had previously shot it along with a Gold Cup Nat. Match Colt that he also had. Believe it or not the SA shot better than the Colt! (I might get banned for saying this....) I have shot a BUNCH of handloaded ammo through this SA. The only thing it has issue with is some SWCs, and that is rare. It is more accurate than me. Go for the Springfield Armory!!!!!!

 

[hdbiker]

I called Springfield about my Loaded Target 1911's Brazil marking and was told all standard modles were forged and assembled in Brazil,All Target modles were Forged in Brazil but assembled and fitted in the USA.Mine runs like a champ and is very accurate.biker

 

[joecil]

I had a Springfield Loaded that was made in Geneseo, IL USA in 2004. I recently sold it but a really good gun I just didn't shot it enough and got a great price for it..