Springfield GI vs. Colt 1991A1 series 80

[cookekdjr]

Looking at buying my first 1911. Here's the top two I'm considering.

1. A nearly new Springfield GI for $380.

2. A used but excellent condition Colt 199A1 Government Model series 80. Made 1997 or 1998 for $475.

I've shot a friend's Springfield Mil-spec before (the non-GI model). I loved it and shot it well. I have never shot the Colt.
The primary purpose of this gun is plinking. I have other home defense guns and I'm not a competitive target shooter. I want a reliable, accurate gun. Everything else is details, although hi re-sale is a plus (I'm always selling one gun to finance another ).
So let me know what you think.
thanks,

David

 

[Fatelvis]

Save the $95 and get the SA 45. Its new, and will do the same thing as the Colt, (go booom) while plinking. The tin cans will never know the difference!

 

[Black Majik]

Nearly used Springfield or an Excellent Colt, and you're willing to go with either?

Go with the COLT!

Is the Colt the Old Rollmark? Check the gun out. The Colt will have slightly better sights than the GI, but not by much. See if you can deal a little more with the Colt, that's what I'd go for.

 

[f4t9r]

hi re-sale is a plus
Then I would go with the Colt

 

[cookekdjr]

So far the Colt is killin' the Springfield...
Keep those votes coming. As always, thanks for your advice.
-David

 

[R.H. Lee]

Anybody know offhand the number of MIM parts in the Colt vs. the Springer?

 

[waterhouse]

I'm not sure how complete it is (I'm sure I'm missing some), and I'm not even sure it's all correct, but this is a list I scratched out at some point while wondering the same thing (most info from 1911forum).

colt:
sear
mag catch
disconnector
plunger tube

springer:
slide stop
grip safety
hammer
sear
disconnect
hammer strut
firing pin stop
thumb safety

 

[10-Ring]

I've had both, still have the Colt. Nothing really "wrong" w/ the SA, just wasn't what I wanted

 

[Rob96]

Colt! Much better materials.

 

[AK-NOW]

Get the COLT.
I have the 1991A1 Government and a 1991A1 Compact, Great firearms.

 

[ulflyer]

Colt! Better looking, better resale.

 

[MICHAEL T]

COLT best by far.

 

[Steelharp]

"If It's Not A Colt, It's..."

Well, it's still a gun... but it's not a Colt... get the horsey, no doubt...

 

[Ala Dan]

For what I do, the Springer G.I. serves me quite well. As a matter of fact, I
like 'em so well that I actually own two; a standard parkerized G.I. and a
new stainless steel G.I. I'm pleased with both, so I don't own any Colt
semi-auto's~!

 

[WillBrayJr]

Colt! Much better materials.

You willing to put your money where your mouth is???

No 1: Springfield hasn't sold out.
No 2: Colt has trouble making up their mind.
No 3: Imbel forged parts are considered the best.
No 4: Colts are rediculously overpriced.
No 5: Springfield's CS is far better than Colts.

 

[Seraph]

I would love to have a pre-Series 80 Colt, but I would definitely take the Springfield Armory GI over the Colt 1991. I think they are equal in quality, as far as the major components go, and would immediately go to replacing the small parts of either one (assuming I'm wanting it for a carry gun), getting the slide cut for sights, replacing the trigger and MSH, getting a beavertail grip safety, dehorning, refinishing, etc. My preference is really based on the fact that the Springfield doesn't have the superfluous firing pin safety. Many say that these parts are unobtrusive and that they get along fine with them in place. I'm sure that this is completely true, but I would rather get along without them.

 

[Frandy]

I still want a Colt!!!!!

 

[Rob96]

You willing to put your money where your mouth is???

No 1: Springfield hasn't sold out.
No 2: Colt has trouble making up their mind.
No 3: Imbel forged parts are considered the best.
No 4: Colts are rediculously overpriced.
No 5: Springfield's CS is far better than Colts.

You got it!. Both companies use MIM sears, but top 1911 'smiths will keep and use the Colt Sear. If they do a build on a Springer or Kimber, they replace the sear, because they can't guarantee the trigger work. Just one example.

 

[StrikeEagle]

I'd go Colt without even blinking. In fact I have... several times.

Folks with Springers keep telling me how it's 'as good as a Colt' or even 'better than a Colt.' but folks with Colts don't even THINK of Springfields... I sure don't.

Colt is the Real Deal, and everyone knows it!

StrikeEagle

 

[pete f]

pretty sure the older colt is way better than the springer. do not think the series 80 colt will have any MIM in it. it may but not sure.

you want to ask some serious smiths and you will get the same answer

 

[bglimpse]

You willing to put your money where your mouth is???

No 1: Springfield hasn't sold out.
No 2: Colt has trouble making up their mind.
No 3: Imbel forged parts are considered the best.
No 4: Colts are rediculously overpriced.
No 5: Springfield's CS is far better than Colts.

I would disagree. SA's are nice, but for the $100 more that Colt costs, you are getting what you pay for.

Colt Finish - Deep Blue
SA Finish - Dull Parkerizing

Colt Internals - nearly all tool steel
SA Internals - nearly all MIM

Colt Barrel - 1 piece stainless
SA Barrel - 2 piece lower grade steel

ETC....

 

[robertbank]

Hell find a used Norinco. No MIM, no plastic and no problems. Just like the 1911 used to be built.

Stay Safe

 

[Longbow]

I like series 70 design. I voted for S.A.

 

[deltaopwong]

I'd go for the Colt for better resale value and internals but you cannot go wrong with the Springer...

 

[W Turner]

Comparing an old roll mark Colt and a newer springer is a toss up in my mind. If you were comparing a NRM Colt to the Springer, I would say go with the Colt 100 times out of 100, but if you're talking about the older ones, then I would go with the less expensive Springfield.


W