SA GI Champion for $450 used - good deal?

[the naked prophet]

I've been looking at the Springfield Armory GI Champion in the local gun store. It's priced at $450. I know it's not a bad deal, I was just wondering if it was a good deal.

I did a search on this site, on the internet in general, and on gun auction websites, and I found very little information on this particular gun, besides that it's very reliable and accurate. With the installation of different sights, it may become a carry gun (otherwise unaltered).

Odd thing though, it appeared to have a full-length recoil spring rod (whatever it's called - this will be my first 1911, but I've got a Hi-Power and a Glock, in addition to several revolvers) but I was under the impression that the GI models did not have this?

So would that be evidence that someone has modified the pistol?

 

[sarhog]

I'm not a Springfield guy, but I thought that a Champion and a GI model were two different guns?
If it's just a plain GI model, they were selling new here for $399 a few months ago.
Good luck.

 

[XavierBreath]

Unless I'm mistaken, the GI45 Champion is a bushingless pistol with a FLGR.

It is really a base model Springfield 1911, not a GI or military spec pistol. It is, however, still a good pistol. I would recommend comparing the price with a full sized government model GI45 in your area. $450 sounds high for a used GI45. I might go $400 if I really wanted the gun badly. Offer $350 and see if the deal settles on $400.

 

[Ala Dan]

I'm thinking the same as our friend and moderator Xavier Breath;
as $450 does seem a bit steep for a used Springer GI Champion model.
Its been awhile since I sold one, but if memory serves me correctly I think I
sold one NIB a couple months ago for $459.88 + tax?

 

[Mr. Tettnanger]

That is a bit high for used. I had been looking a month or two ago at $499 new, parkerized. I would pay the extra for new at that price.

Best of luck.

Mr. T

 

[the naked prophet]

I think I'll offer $350 for it. I have bought nearly a dozen guns from him (still have a Glock 23 on order) and am placing an order for a $1000+ gun safe, probably on the same day I will offer to buy this pistol. I would think he would deal, but I've not tried to deal with him before (always bought new).