Is this a good SA 1911 model?

[Northslope Nimrod]

Local selling a Springfield 1911 Ultra Compact in 9mm with slide lock and key. Stainless Steel with 4 magazines and nice looking Galco high rise belt holster. It also has pachmeyr grips and a set of nice looking wood grips.

He is asking $550. How is the price?

Is this a good model? I do want a 1911 in 9mm so don't argue that point please. However, if the model is less reliable in 9mm then feel free to argue that. I was somewhat hoping to pick up something in commander size...but 1911's in 9mm aren't too common.

 

[HighVelocity]

If it looks like this I'd buy it in a heartbeat at that price:

But if it looks like this I don't know. Maybe.

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

Looks like the top model. Stainless with commander hammer, etc.

 

[Old Fuff]

The problem is reliability and the material used in some of the parts. The 1911 platform was designed around the .45 ACP cartridge and the 9mm is shorter and smaller, so the system has to be modified to work with it.

Springer has continued to use extractors made by using the metal injected molded (MIM) process, and they can't be spring tempered. Over time they tend to lose tension, and that can cause malfuctions.

You didn't say if you were going to use this pistol in a weapon's context, but if so it would be a good idea (if possible) to shoot it before you bought it. I would say that the price isn't out of line considering the optional accessories, but I consider any "working gun" to be worthless if it doesn't work.

Do a search on the key words "tuner" and "springfield micro" and you'll find a considerable number of post from people who had, and continue to have trouble.

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

So do those problems apply to all compact 1911's? I have heard many satisfied customers with 3" 1911's.
Are these problems specific to SA's models?

Are you suggesting/stating that 1911 and 9mm will not work.
I've heard that argument before...but it just doesn't ring true to me.
I'm hopeful that 1911's and 9mm can make a happy marriage....albeit with some tuning.

My search revealed that many critics are still comfortable with the commander size (4.25"). However, I noticed that 1911Tuner seemed to say COLT Commander's were ok but that other manufacturer's were less reliable. Is that the case? Even with Springfield, Kimber, etc?

 

[Old Fuff]

There are an awful lot of sub-compact (3 to 3 ½” barrel) 1911 style pistols on the market that are good, bad and indifferent. But they all share the problem of having a short recoil spring tunnel, which requires cobbling up some kind of recoil spring system – often employing two springs and/ or buffers which shorten the space for the recoil spring – that is too short already – even more.

Since the slide is shortened by approximately 2 inches, the barrel is dropped at a sharper angle, and this can effect feeding.

The magazine was designed around the .45 ACP cartridge, with an overall length of 1.275” where the 9mm’s length is closer to 1.095” to 1.169” depending on the bullet used. Colt got around this by putting a filler in the back of the magazine

The Colt Commander series of pistols, first introduced in 1949, conclusively proved that the platform could be adapted to work with the 9 x 19mm Luger cartridge, but the Commander is approximately 1 ½” longer then a sub-compact with a matching lengthened spring tunnel that doesn’t require a two-spring system to work.

Our gunsmithing forum frequently hosts threads posted by new owners with sub-compact 1911 .45 pistols that are having various reliability problems. Of these, Springfield Armory products seem to be the most common. But in all fairness they probably sell the most pistols.

Considering all of the variables – and there are many more then I’ve brought up here – I would repeat that it would be advisable to be sure that the particular example you are looking at works reliably – and with all of the magazines. Do use this forum’s search feature and read the previous discussions on Springfield Armory Micro-Compacts. You will find that Tuner knows his subject very well, and on this forum they usually carry a considerable amount of weight. I think that he would agree with me that a Commander length gun is a far better choice then any of the sub-compacts. Another possible option is a smaller Officers Model's frame matched to a Commander length slide.

What you buy is your business, but you did ask for opinions…

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

Thanks for the input. I had seen such posts in the past and just reviewed them today.
I also prefer a little longer barrel for shooting and for looks.....thus I've decided to keep looking. As my wife says, "you jsut enjoy the hunt."

 

[Old Fuff]

I should emphasize that when I referred to “Commander,” I meant the length, and not necessarily a particular manufacturer. I much prefer earlier Colt's because of they’re “real steel” uncompromised construction, but finding one with a steel frame might be difficult, although they are out there. If you open up the selection process to include other makes the chances substantially improve.

On the other hand, those with aluminum frames are a joy when it comes to carrying. I guess you will have to make the choice…