Springfield 5" lightweight 1911 opinions wanted

[DirksterG30]

I'm looking at getting a 5" 1911, specifically the Springfield Loaded Lightweight Bi-tone, model # PX9104LP. I can get it for around $850-$900.

I'd like your thoughts on this pistol. It will be mostly a range gun, but I will probably use it as a carry gun down the road.

I like the beavertail, ambi safety, and tritium sights, but I will probably change the full-length guide rod out for the std. GI setup. Is this an easy change?

I'm open to other suggestions that are in the same price range.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Technosavant]

I own one, and have shot and carried it for almost 5 years now (wow... that long...).

It's a great gun. Out of the box, I had to send it back to Springfield for accuracy issues, but they paid shipping both ways and when I got it back, it had received a new front sight, new barrel, and evidently a good talking-to, since it has driven tacks ever since. Recoil is harsher than an all-steel 1911, but not by a huge amount, and the weight reduction makes it much easier to carry.

The guide rod change out would be a piece of cake; you would just do it when the thing is field-stripped (you unscrew the guide rod using the included allen wrench, field strip as you would a normal 1911, then reassemble using "normal" parts- you could even do that when giving it a "welcome home" cleaning).

In the same price range I doubt you'll find anything similar that is better. One thing I quite like about the Springer lightweights is that they use ramped barrels, so while you can't use a .22LR top end on them, you never need worry about a hollowpoint gouging the feed ramp.

One other caveat: watch out when and if you ever pull the grips off. Since aluminum is softer than steel, it is REALLY easy to booger up the frame where the grip bushings screw in; I did that and needed to have a gunsmith fabricate a custom-sized bushing for it. Use lighter grips on the thing; I have mine wearing regular Hogue rubber slabs now. The stock wood ones work fine too, but the checkering is a bit harsh, IMO (at least, the ones mine came with were).

I recommend it.

 

[CWL]

If this is going to be a serious range gun, you may want to choose an all-steel frame because they will wear better -although I doubt that you will experience any problems for the first 20K+ rounds at least.

If it will be mostly for carry, then an aluminum-framed gun is fine.