Colt vs. Springfield 1911

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I don't mean to start a war over which one is better, but I'm looking to purchase my first 1911 and was wondering your thoughts. My local shop has a Springfield Milspec for $699 and a Colt 1918 WWI for $1084 (both new). I was initially planning on getting the Springfield (mostly because of price) but now I'm not sure. Is the Colt really worth the extra money, or are the two fairly equal in that I'd be better off getting the Springfield?
 
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I tend to favor the Colt, but the Springer isn't going to make you sad or do anything silly. Both are solid pistols that will last a very long time.

By the way - those prices are high for either of them, by around $100.
 
I agree -- pricing seems high. Unless this shop is welling to negotiate by ALOT, I'd find another shop. As for which is better, I too favor Colt, but I would not say no to a Springer at the right price
 
I have a Kimber Custom II and a Colt Commander, Series 80.

The Kimber is super accurate, is fitted very tightly, and is nevertheless reliable (no jams even in the "break-in" period). I was so impressed with the Kimber I went to buy another one, but by that time they had begun using the external extractors (though I hear they've switched back).
That's my experience with one out of millions of Kimbers; others may have different experiences.

The Colt is fitted a bit more loosely than the Kimber, is accurate enough for its final purpose, and is also dependable.

Lately I've been looking at the Colt XSE's on Gunbroker and they look really good. They start at $899: cheaper than the price you quoted, but about $200 more than a new Kimber!

I don't have any experience with Springfield.
 
I'd go with the Springer. The price is way too high on both of those though. Nothing at all wrong with the Colt, better resale value to boot. But it's only because of the name. If you wanna pony up the extra cash for the rampant colt on the slide, be my guest though.
 
Let's be fair - the Colt is going to be a bit more refined in fit-n-finish than the Springer. You are getting more than just a name for the extra coin; whether that is worth the extra is a personal decision.

Both will likely function as intended.
 
A more accurate comparison would be between the Colt 1991 and the Springfield Milspec.
 
I have had more than one of each. (4 Colts and 2 Springfields right now) I like both, and both brands have run great, both the ones I have, and the one Springer I sold. (decided I did not like L/W 5" 1911s) I also sold a Randall and a Charles Daly. Don't miss them.
 
I have not looked at a new Colt over the last couple of years that was as tight (frame to slide fit) as the Springfields are. Resale aside I see no reason to pay more for the Colt.
 
My local shop has a Springfield Milspec for $699 and a Colt 1918 WWI for $1084
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These two are worlds apart. I have owned Springfield Milspecs and they are a decent 1911. The Milspec is a good solid pistol.
The Colt 1918 is a copy of a WWI 1911. These are a limited run of handguns produced from the Colt Custom shop. The fit and finish is worlds above the Springfield. Those who think diffferent have no idea what they are talking about.

So, as one person mentioned it is a better comparsion of a Colt 1991 or 80 series to the Milspec.

The question is what do you want this for. If for a first 1911 or a basis for a custom gun I might go for the Colt 1991 or 80 series. If cost is an issue then find a used Colt. If all else fails, the Milspec is a decent handgun.

And oh yeah, they are both priced too high.
 
Let's be fair - the Colt is going to be a bit more refined in fit-n-finish than the Springer. You are getting more than just a name for the extra coin; whether that is worth the extra is a personal decision.
Click to expand...

Actually, my Mil-Spec beats the NRM Colt 1991A1 Ihad in all aspects from fit & finish to reliability.
 
If my choice is limited to an SA Mil-Spec (not a GI) or the Colt 1918 WWI model and it was going to be my first 1911, my choice would be the SA gun because it has the following features not on the Colt.

1) Lowered and flared ejection port
2) High-profile 3-dot sights
3) Magazine well bevel

If one is going to customize the WWI, the above features will set you back at least $150 from a decent smith. With the Mil-Spec, you get them from the factory. The one negative about the SA is the ILS MSH, but it can be easily and inexpensively replaced. SA's lifetime warranty is quite nice and is another plus. Colt service, in my limited experience, is inconsistent at best.

That being said, I own a (highly customized) Mil-Spec and I would buy the Colt. Why? For the rollmarks, some of the WWI parts, and the "Made in the USA" factor. Colts really shine as the base guns for customs, and I would definitely go to town on the gun. As a shooter, the Mil-Spec will be more friendly as the sights are easier to acquire and the MSH is not smooth. Of course, replacing the Colt's MSH as in the SA nets roughly the same grip. So the MSH is a wash to me.
 
Ford or Chevy? On the lower priced models, Springfield tends to give you a couple more features given the same amount of money. Bottom line is you can't go wrong with either of these guns.
 
After 1 1/2 years of trying to get a Colt Series 70 Reissue that would fire 250 rounds in a row without failure, functioning, cosmetic and machining issues, cracked barrels, "within specifications" used arbitrarily when they don't want to fix something, at a total cost of over twice the purchase price in ammo and range fees unfortunately I'd say that you from my limited experience would be better served with a Springfield and the extra cash in your pocket.
rhtwist
 
The fit and finish is worlds above the Springfield. Those who think diffferent have no idea what they are talking about.
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When I took the 1918 repro apart, there were machine marks all over the inside of the gun. Sure, it looked great on the outside, but I ended up not buying the one at my local shop because of that. Maybe it was a lemon, I don't know, but it wasn't better than the Springer mil-spec.
 
I agree with the others that the prices you were quoted are high on both of them by about $100.

I'll also agree that provided he'll come down to reality on the money, you can't go wrong buying either. Which is better, IMO is just an exercise in apples and oranges, as those two particular models are completely different and have different intended uses. I will say of your willing to spend $1000.00, there are better (modern "Combat" type) 1911's availiable from both Colt and Springer. The Colt XSE, Colt Combat Elite and Springer Loaded for example....

I currently have four "modern" 1911's. All are COLT - but one (Les Baer). I've owned about every type and manufacture of 1911 that has been made over the years. Colt did have some dark days and even now they turn out an occasional lemon (just like Kimber, Springer and everybody else)... but on the whole they are making damn fine 1911's again and making them here in the USA. That alone makes it "better" and "worth the extra money" to me.
Will
 
But only the Springer has a lifetime warranty
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According to Colt's Website all Colts since IIRC 1997 have a Lifetime Warranty and I had this confirmed by a written letter from a Vice President Ms. Rubino. Of course the use of any none Colt parts (such as recoil springs) or any work done on the pistol by Non-Colt gunsmiths void the warranty. Then again according to the manual and verbal and written opinion by the Manager of the Colt Repair Department he advised they only have a one year service contract. In my case my Colt is being denied any further work on it by Colt and they will only refund my purchase price. Also the term "within specifications" is used arbitrarily as a example the rubbing of the slide on the dustcover was fixed under warranty on one pistol and denied as within specifications on another. I was verbally advised that the specifications for ejection of the empty brass was that it didn't hit you in the head. My test for a pistol is 250 rounds fired without failure, excepting magazine faults. In the time I've owned the pistol it has never come close to that goal. So I've spent over $1000 in ammo, range fees and my time just to test a firearm that currently will not pull the empty out of the chamber, slips off extractor after just having it returned from repair for the firing pin stop sliding down while firing and jamming the firing pin out. Upon checking the repairs on this returned pistol after the initial failure to extract approx 1/3 of the empties, I remove the firing pin and spring after noting the extractor cocking a being able to be pushed in and out in the spring tunnel, that the extractor fell out of the tunnel under it's own weight. So now I have what appears to be Colts refusal to honor their lifetime warranty. A shame since the pistol is now just about perfect except for it not extracting. I even offered to have the firearm fixed by a trusted gunsmith if I could receive a letter that would state that this did not void the warranty, in case of future problems. I had a Gold Cup National Match Enchanced that the frame cracked from the trigger slot bottom corners down along the bump around the mag release and under into the triggerguard cutout. So you take your own chance with your money and Lifetime Warranty and quality and workmanship. Good luck in your decision. YMMV
rhtwist
 
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Thanks for all the info. I guess I'm leaning toward the Springfield right now. I think I'm going to go by the shop again tomorrow and have another look. Given that it has been pointed out that they are asking too much ($699), what is a realistic price for the Springfield Milspec?
 
"A more accurate comparison would be between the Colt 1991 and the Springfield Milspec."

How well do these two compare with one another? The shop just got a Colt 1991 in as well, this one they have priced at $899.
 
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I tend to favor Colt over Springfield. The Springfield's frame is not US made (but that probably not important to most people these days) and it also has more MIM parts (which probably only matters to purists).
 
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