Springfield GI vs. Colt 1991A1 series 80

[el44vaquero]

Springer

Maybe a rebuilt military issue Colt, but wouldn't buy a new colt.

 

[DHart]

Definitely, the COLT. They hold their value on the used market much better than Springfield, have higher quality small parts, and if you like heritage and charisma, Colts have that in spades. If you ever decided to resell the gun, the Colt would be much more marketable and will pull better money. I'm thinking you'll never want to sell it.

Not that the SA is a bad gun; they're not bad at all, especially for the money. But generally speaking, the Colt is a better gun for reasons expained in previous posts.

 

[Zach S]

I feel that the Mil Spec Springer is a better gun for the money than the GI. Beveled mag well, lowered and flared ejection port, and sights I can actually see when I'm taking aim.

Having said that, I own a SA mil spec, and used to own a 1991A1. I miss the 1991A1.

GI or 1991? No contest. The 1991 would be mine <evil laugh>

FWIW, I'm not a member of the prancing pony fan club. My brand loyalty lies with series one Kimbers.

 

[brickboy240]

Do what I did...find a nice used older Series 70 Commander or Govt. Model and be happy. No Series 80 parts to ruin a good trigger pull, no MIM parts and no plastic mainspring housing or cheap looking trigger. Handsome pistols with checkered WOOD grips with gold pony emblems...like they used to make.

The best of both worlds!

I paid 500 bucks a month ago for a 1970s made Series 70 Combat Commander just like that. Hey, thats about what a new Springer Mil-Spec runs..isn't it?

If you're buying Colt, think older is better (like Winchesters).

- Brickboy240

 

[New_geezer]

I have the GI-45 for general plinking and fun. I like it and have had no problems. The un-modified ejection port does ding the brass noticably, and some better sights would be nice, but all in all it is pretty accurate and well worth the money, especially at the price you mention.

But as was said earlier, if resale value is a prime consideration, I can't imagine the SA being near as good as the Colt.

 

[bcochran]

ok, you already have the answer

Hmm. The gist of the question is choosing between two used guns.

Let's review what you already know:

1. no one on this board may have an opportunity to inspect the respective pieces for wear, tear and needed gunsmithing;
2. you may not have done an inspection;
3. you have read a lot of postings about how new guns have to be testfired and broken in from the box (specifically the two types of Browning designed .45s you are considering),

SO BUY A GLOCK

 

[Zach S]

nevermind

 

[dsk]

People can badmouth Colt all they want, but if you should want/need to sell the pistol later guess which one is going to be easier to sell? Colts hold their value, clone makers don't. Not saying that's the way it should be, but that's the way it is.

 

[Sactown]

Colts hold their value, clone makers don't.

So every non Colt is a clone that doesn't hold value? Quite a generalization. I'm sure STI, Valtro, Wilson...etc. etc. might have a beef with that statement. That being said, I'd go for the Colt. I prefer the finish on the colts than the park job on my SA GI.

 

[dsk]

They might have a beef with that statement, but for example I've never seen a used Wilson sell for nearly as much as it went for new. As a matter of fact, when I was contemplating buying a Les Baer not long ago I was looking at several used guns on Gunbroker as well as a local shop. They were all hundreds less than what a new one cost yet were in perfect condition.

 

[bglimpse]

They might have a beef with that statement, but for example I've never seen a used Wilson sell for nearly as much as it went for new. As a matter of fact, when I was contemplating buying a Les Baer not long ago I was looking at several used guns on Gunbroker as well as a local shop. They were all hundreds less than what a new one cost yet were in perfect condition.

After selling a Wilson and a Les Baer, as well as a few Colts I would have to agree with DSK on this one. Granted, the two high end guns cost more in the beginning, percentage wise the Colts were the better buy. Now, I don't care about resale because I'll never sell another Colt I own. The little horse means a lot

 

[TimboKhan]

Well, I am no fan of Colt, because, as a couple others have mentioned, I feel they sold us out, but with that being said, to me it's no contest. Go with the Colt. If nothing else, I assume it has better sights than the GI?

 

[IV Troop]

I own Colts, Springfields and Kimbers. Frankly I would spend just a bit more and buy the basic Kimber Custom Classic. Has to be the best 1911 value I have ever seen. Between the Springer and the Colt I would buy the Colt. Neither are bad choices. They generally make great base guns to build upon.

 

[chickenfried]

Well you said high resale is a plus. So I'd have to go with the Colt. I'm guilty of buying a Colt for the same reasons, resale value and nostalgia. People just like the prancing pony better. One thing I like better about the Springfield is no series 80 or schwartz safety like Colt or Kimber. In my simple head, less added parts = better.

 

[Shootcraps]

Hmm. The gist of the question is choosing between two used guns.

Let's review what you already know:

1. no one on this board may have an opportunity to inspect the respective pieces for wear, tear and needed gunsmithing;
2. you may not have done an inspection;
3. you have read a lot of postings about how new guns have to be testfired and broken in from the box (specifically the two types of Browning designed .45s you are considering),

SO BUY A GLOCK

All totally irrelevant.

Buy the Colt. Colts rock!

 

[pwolfman]

I have both, and I LOVE my Colt. I have plinked and competed with it and it have never failed me. have had it about 8 years now and it is the pride of my collection...

pwolfman

 

[ajax]

I've owned one colt and it wasn't bad. I'm glad the resale was so good. It helped me get my money back when they sold out. When they sold out so did I. Oh by the way Ill put my clone up against your original any day of the week. I repeat any day of they week

 

[BluesBear]

One of those big, old, ugly, billboard rollmarked, M1991A1 pistols?

At that price I'd jump on that

in a heartbeat!

 

[saskcop]

I have a 1991 and it is my favorite handgun. Looking at getting another.

 

[General Tso]

US made or Brazilian made? Which do you prefer? I'll take the US made.

 

[xXxplosive]

It's not a .45 unless it has a Horse On It....................

 

[XavierBreath]

It's been four and a half years. I figure he's made a choice by now..........