When you think about handguns that have made their mark in the public’s mind, there is, hands down, no firearm more iconic than the venerable creation of John Browning, the Model 1911-AI. Call it a “1911,” a “Colt .45 auto” or a “Navy .45,” this was the gun that got us through WWII, the Korean War, and just about every conflict since. But if you’re late to the party, you might not realize that 1911s were not always held in such reverence. Nope. After WWII, a huge number of surplus 1911s flooded the market. Some good. Many of them not so good. In fact, it was far more likely to find a 1911 that wouldn’t even run, than it was to find one that was a lean, mean, fightin’ machine. As well, there were certain design idiosyncrasies that made the 1911 less than fun to shoot – especially the combo of grip safety and hammer that had a nasty tendency to take a bite out of your shooting hand at inappropriate times.
Enter Springfield Armory. Along with a handful of other companies, they were largely responsible for the Renaissance of the 1911, after gun guys like Col. Jeff Cooper proclaimed the 1911 as their choice for handgun defense. But this is not your father’s Springfield Armory. The government’s go-to guys (founded by G. Washington way back in 1794) closed in the late 60s.
A new Springfield Armory rose from the ashes as a private concern in 1974, to manufacture firearms to the high standards of their namesakes. SA lead the charge back to glory with an extensive line of 1911s, from classic models, authentic down to the last spring, to custom shop models that rival anything you’d purchase from a master gunsmith. In between these extremes lies Springfield’s Loaded lineup, boasting features you’d expect to find in a custom shop gun, but at a much more affordable price.
In the wonderful world of 1911s, you’ve got three main form factors, two choices in frames, and then a plethora of options. Most manufacturers offer the 1911 in a 5″ barrel (the original design), a 4″ barrel (known in WWII as the “officer’s model”) and a 3″ barrel with a shortened grip, for better concealment. You will find frames available in steel and aluminum. The options? The only limits are your imagination…and your budget.
Springfield offers no fewer than 14 models within their Loaded line. We’ll focus on my personal favorite, the PX1909LP Parkerized.
The PX1909LP is a traditional 5″ barrel .45 ACP 1911 with a traditional Parkerized finish, a zinc and/or magnesium coating that prevents rust and is superior to the “blueing” process that pre-dates it. With it’s steel frame, it weighs in at a hefty (trust me) 40 ounces, unloaded.
Add a magazine full of JHPs, and we’re talking a weapon that isn’t just a defensive tool, it’s a freeweight system. While I proudly carry a concealed handgun license, I’m saving up for a lighter weapon before I carry on a daily basis – a 5″ barrel combined with a steel frame is just too much for even a big guy like me to lug around all day.
But weight is only a concern if you’re going to be carrying the pistol on your hip all day. The weight actually becomes something of an advantage, when you consider how this baby shoots – and shoot it does. With a full 5″ of a match-grade barrel, you’ve got it all over those that feature a standard barrel and those guys with a 3 or 4 inches of tubular steel.
The heft of the pistol makes it that much easier to control the recoil you find when shooting any .45 ACP load. A match-grade barrel provides that little extra bit of fit that improves your accuracy every shot. Additional features that add to the shooter’s comfort include a beavertail grip safety (don’t leave for the range without it; your hand will thank you in the morning), a lowered and flared ejection port (keeps spent brass out of your face), cocobolo grips (essentially, African rosewood), an ambidextrous thumb safety, and tritium night sights.
The grip of a 1911 is the standard by which everyone else relates the size and feel of their grips – the benchmark against what everyone other pistol is compared. With it’s grip safety, the feel of a 1911 grip is…um…unique. Some prefer the typically thicker grips of a double-stack magazine (you can find a few 1911-style pistols out there like that, too). Some favor smaller grips. As for me, I can comfortably shoot just about anything, but I keep coming back to the 1911. It just seems to “fit” my hand better than any polymer gun I’ve ever shot. The Springfield Loaded comes with some beautiful, laser-engraved cocobolo grips that you’d only feel like replacing if you plan to upgrade to a set of Crimson Trace laser grips.
One unique feature common to all 1911s is Springfield’s Integral Locking System, a scheme that allows the owner to manually lock and unlock the trigger with a small, universal key, inserted into a locking mechanism located to the back of the grip. The ILS is a sop to those that insist that two safeties on a pistol are not enough. Purists find the ILS an annoyance.
I know of nobody who uses it, for the same reason that few shooters use a trigger lock when there’s an alternative. Trigger locks and the ILS do nothing more than prevent you from using the gun when you need it the most.
All 1911s are NOT created equal. Once you get past what we’ll call the “convenience group” that raise a mil-spec 1911 to something that you’d actually want to shoot, then comes the part that separates the wheat from the chaff as it were – the factory tuning that comes from the attention of a master gunsmith.
Make no mistake – the Springfield Loaded is not a custom gun. But you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference, unless you’re a competitive shooter (and if you were shooting competitively, you’ve likely already purchased a custom gun). No, think of the Springfield Loaded series as a “custom(ish) gun for the rest of us.” Sort of.
Keep in mind that one thing most 1911s share, regardless of manufacturer, is a pretty hefty pricetag. While you can find a slew of good quality polymer guns on the market for under $600, you won’t touch a decent 1911 for under $800, and most semi-custom 1911s start at over $1000. The Springfield Loaded boasts an MSRP of $959, making it an impressive value for the price.
The gun ships in a custom, lockable carry case, along with an extra magazine, two ILS keys, and cleaning tools.
I would judge fit and finish to be excellent, especially in a gun with these custom-class features. And like all 1911s, you can customize it to your heart’s content. One thing to note – I wanted to upgrade to some sights that combine tritium with fibre optics. No can do on the Springfield line, as their sight mounts won’t work with the replacement sights.
Any other downsides? On my personal gun, one of the grip screws would not tighten. Turns out, the screw had stripped out the threads within the frame. Springfield, however, offers an excellent warranty program, and my gun was repaired and returned within three days.
The Springfield Loaded is a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable weapon with custom features without the custom price.
Out of five stars
Style *****
Either love 1911s or hate ‘em. If you love ‘em, what’s not to love?
Ergonomics (carry) ****
A bit big, really. And heavy. Did I mention heavy?
Ergonomics (firing) *****
If you like the feel of a 1911 in your hand, firing it is a pleasure. If not, you’ll find it’s a whole lotta gun. Course, that could be the .45 ACPs talkin…
Reliability *****
As long as you don’t limp-wrist it, the gun runs…and runs…and runs, no matter what. It’s the Energizer Bunny of semi-autos.
Customize This *****
Sights, lights, silencers, lasers, you name it, and you can get it for the 1911 —- one of the most customizable guns on planet Earth.
Rating *****
There’s a reason why this is one of the most popular handguns made. And this one is about the best you can get, short of spending the big bucks on a custom job.
Summary
When it comes to 1911s, you either “get it” or you don’t. If you buy-off on the ergonomics of the 1911, everything else falls into place – the fact that it’s got more accessories than the G.I. Joes of my childhood, and that it’s designed to run in conditions that would give a mule team pause. Comparing a 1911 to a Glock was like comparing a Mercedes to a Beetle – both will get you where you want to go, but the Benz does it with a dash ‘o panache. But a mil-spec/stock 1911 can be a pain to shoot – literally. You want some upgrades to appreciate the “1911 Experience.” The Springfield Loaded provides those much-needed improvements, and then some. It’s the best example I’ve found (so far) of a custom job 1911 at a working-man’s price. ‘Nuff said.
CALIBER: .45 ACP
FRAME: Forged Steel, Parkerized
MAGAZINES: 2 – 7-round, blued steel
SLIDE: Forged steel, Parkerized
BARREL: 5″ Stainless steel
RECOIL SYSTEM: 2-piece, full length guide rod
SIGHTS: Fixed, low-profile combat rear, dovetail front, 3-dot
HEIGHT: 5.5″
LENGTH: 8.5″
TRIGGER: Long aluminum match grade, 5-6 lbs.
GRIPS: Cocobolo
WEIGHT (w/empty magazine): 40 ounces
MSRP: $ $959
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed within this review are those of the reviewer, and do not necessarily reflect those of anybody else, including TTAG. Neither the reviewer nor TTAG have received any considerations – either in the form of money, free stuff, tickets, t-shirts, trips or any other swag – in exchange for this review. In fact, the gun reviewed here is the personal property of the reviewer, and he paid for it out of his own pocket.
There have been some changes to the gun since you wrote this review.
Springfield is sort of like Porsche; it is fond of making running changes to its product without necessarily informing the buying public. I recently purchased the Black Stainless Loaded Combat model. Cost was $890.
It is a beautiful piece and draws ooohs and aaahs from everyone who sees it. I really wanted the Black Stainless competition model, but finding any Black Stainless model on dealer's shelves is next to impossible right now. The current Combat model has Novak sights with tritium inserts and a non-ambidexterous, non-extended safety. The grips are Pearce rubber. The fit and finish is generally quite good. The slide to frame fit is tight with absolutely no rattle.
The carry bevel job they did is perfect. Nothing to snag or cut, but it doesn't make the gun look like a used bar of soap. I plan on shooting IDPA CMP class with it. To that end, I needed to make some changes to make it really competetive. First, the trigger pull was impossible. Out of the box it measured almost eight pounds. I realize this gun was designed for combat but this is ridiculous. It felt like the designer of the "New York trigger" on certain Glocks had some input on this one.
Fortunately, the 1911 has more custom parts available than any other firearm. I have ordered a complete trigger pull set from Cylinder and Slide that will drop the pull to a crisp 3.5 pounds. This is light enough for competition, but not a dangerous "hair trigger". I have an all-out race gun with a one pound trigger, and believe me, you have to be careful about sneezing too hard around it. The set from Cylinder and Slide does it right. It includes a new hammer, disconnector, main spring, sear, and trigger spring; and all are carefully matched. Dawson Precision, Ed Brown, and others also make similar kits and they all run between $150 and $200.
A new drop forged ambidexterous extended stainless steel safety was also ordered from Cylinder and Slide for about $60 dollars. I plan to put a Techwell Carry type magwell system on the gun. The magazine well on the gun comes beveled and the magwell system is not absolutely necessary, but the Techwell system comes with a set of machined Alumagrips that I just love. This system runs about $149.
All this brings the Combat model up to the specs of the competition model. Since the competition model of the Black Stainless Loaded costs around $1250, it comes out even. The only difference is that the competition model has adjustable sights. I really don't think they are necessary in action pistol. This game isn't bullseye. If you can hold a five inch circle at 15 to 20 yards, you're good to go.
Great review. I was "fence-setting" on the Springfield until I read your reviews. I am not a competitive shooter, just a casual target shooter, but I have quite a few 1911s and have an opportunity to add the Springfield to my collection. Now I will.
I have recently purchased a Springfield 1911 A-1 loaded model. It is everything you said and more. I do carry it occasionally but I am a 300 lb. man and another 4 lbs. doesn’t hurt anything… Mine came in a fancy plastic case with 3 mags total, a “Fobus” like belt holster and a 2 mag belt carrier. I got this to be able to shoot because my Kahr P45 was beating me to death… Very satisfied with my purchase. While I love the wood grips, I put on rubber ones for added comfort.
Keep up the great work on the reviews… Really enjoyed it and it helped me make up my mind.
Brad, help.
You refer to this as the PX1909LP but I cannot for the life of me find this online. Do you know if it’s still in production?
Could the PX1909 actually be the 9101?
Just had trijicon night sights installed on my R.O. The look great. Waiting for the Wilson combat magazines which will complete my upgrade. Love the gun. Anyone out there that upgraded their R.O.??
I love 1911′s this one I carry for a personal gun. I have put a ton of ammo threw it.
its like a time ex, watch takes a licking and keeps on ticking.
personal definse ACURACY? Don’t run, or you will die tired.
LOVE THIS GUN, 2IN GROUP AT 66FT.
These guns sure do get good reviews. Well here’s mine: Disappointing! I could’ve gotten more accuracy by throwing the plastic case at the target. Now before you say,”Dis foo’ can’t shoot.” this is the 6th 1911 I’ve owned, the 3rd Springie, the 3rd .45acp and the 2nd Springie .45acp (that one was garbage too). It was embarassing at the range the first time out. Then I put the .22 slide on and got favorable attention with that (enough for someone to ask about it). When I qualified for plate-shooting I used a Rock Island with unadjusted sights and a loose ft. blade. I was cold and shivering too. This Springie could not have done it. One box of ammo and it’s as loose as Grampappy’s from the war.
NOT worth a month’s rent or a month of waiting for it.
I have the same problem. I’m not the best shot, but I feel like this pistol should be more accurate than it actually is.
Do you have one of the “N” frame models? Because some of them are not fitted very well, IMO. I have one of the N frames.
You CAN send the gun to the Springfield Custom Shop and have it tightened up if you want.
I have had my SA Loaded Ultra Compact (3.5″ barrel, officer’s frame) for about 7 months now. Price at the LGS was right at $700. Reliability and accuracy has been excellent. This version weighs in at 33 ozs, but that is a great tradeoff for a pistol with a forged stainless steel frame and slide that will be passed down to future generations. What wasn’t mentioned in the review is that all Springfields have a lifetime warrantee, and that applies to 2nd owners also. Any warrantable repairs are paid for by Springfield, including shipping both ways, and they are considered to have one of, if not the best, customer service shop in the business. One of the top gunsmiths in the country, Dave Williams, heads up the Custom Shop at Springfield, and, if you ever decide on special work for your pistol, The Custom Shop is a fine place to send it. Stock trigger pull was guaranteed for 5-6lbs (mine came in at 5.5lbs). I sent mine in for an action job to get the trigger down to a nice crisp 4 lbs for carry, and got the gun back 6 days after I dropped it off at FedEx. I am very satisfied with this pistol!
I have the 9109LP parkerized Loaded 5in. with nightsights and cocobolo grips as you have reviewed here. I purchased this 2 years ago and have about 1500 rounds through it. Yes it has night sights. These are very difficult to make out during the day, and in 35 years have never shot a pistol in the dark. A white dot is more than efficient and much cheaper. The gun is well made and very nice to look at. It cycles ball ammo very well, yet will not chamber a hollow point/ personal defense round that has any form of flat nose. Ive tried a number of ammo. The hornaday leverevolution red tips will chamber. I paid 900.00 for the gun and plan on keeping it forever. I have cheaper 1911′s that shoot much better though. Yes I can have it polished to feed better. For $900.00 Shouldnt I have to?
You shouldn’t have to do anything to make it feed. Most 1911s are properly throated and have polished feed ramps for firing hollow point rounds. If I were you, I would either call Springfield to see if they can fix it, or else take it to a good 1911 gunsmith with the kind of ammunition you want it to shoot, and they’ll make it shoot.
Mine doesn’t feed 185-grain loads well AT ALL, but it does feed 230-grain hollow point and ball without issue.
I had a buddy with a Colt and they wouldn’t fix his gun when it wouldn’t feed hollow points, and he ended up taking it to a good 1911 gunsmith with the kind of ammo he wanted to shoot, and that gunsmith did a GREAT job. I shot the gun and it consistently puts down a 2.5″ group when I shot it at 25 feet by hand using just plain old Remington UMC ammo. That’s not match ammo, just plain shelf stuff.
A gunsmith can cost a little bit (I think he paid $100) to have his gun fixed, but take my word for it – it’s money well spent especially if someone can recommend you to a good 1911 smith.
Woops sorry guys not the Hornaday plastic tip ammo, I was thinking of a different gun I just bought that chambers those. The JHp winchesters will not feed, but the XTP will.
I liked this write up. I`ve owned many hand guns s&w, ruger, hk, glock. Never owned a 1911 but want to. The SA loaded is on my list to get. Also the ruger sr1911. I CC a glock with a LCP w/laser back up. Both are light and very easy to carry. The 1911`s in the 5″ would be a kick to shoot but heavy to pack but their customer service, from what I`ve read is stellar along w/rugers. Will have to add one or both to my collection.
Do your homework before you get your 1911. First of all, make sure that you understand that a 1911 is not as easy to take down and clean as a Glock, an XDM, an H&K, a Sig, etc. It’s not difficult, but it is more time consuming and for me a bit of a pain in the backside. That said, I love my SA 1911 Loaded for what it is. My second piece of advice is that before you plunk down any cash on a 1911, particularly a discount one, go to a good gun shop and compare a bunch of 1911s side-by-side. I looked at about six different models before arriving at the SA Loaded, which was the most expensive one my dealer had. I found the slide on the many of the lesser ones felt a bit rough as I racked it whereas it was smooth as glass on the SA Loaded. Another thing to consider is what you want your 1911 to ultimately look like. If you buy a stripped down one and then later decide to add things like beavertail, skeletonized trigger and/or hammer, better sights, etc, you may find that the total cost for your “cheaper” model with the upgrades ends up being more than it would have cost you to get a Loaded model in the first place. I’ve made a number of mistakes with gun purchases since I got into guns, but the SA 1911 Loaded was most certainly not one of them.
i have owned a sa mill speck sence 03 out of the box to this day. shot so meny rounds cant even count. i had 2 jams both were my fault one was a dirty gun & lack of lub, the other was poor grip. i love this gun! im geting ready to buy a loaded. hope it shoots as good as my mill speck has. im not sure how i feel about a full lenth gide rod does anybody know what the real diffance is? the mill speck has a short rod i think it looks better.
I own one of these that still has the black bushing, not the stainless one. I think mine may be a little older too because I don’t have the SS barrel with the high polish on it, mine’s sort of got ridges or something it looks weird.
Anyway, I like the gun. It’s reliable. It just isn’t super accurate. I think if I had to make any changes to the gun, I think I’d send it in and get the match barrel & bushing and the Black-T finish and it would be perfect.
I own a 1998 SA loaded that has several thousand rds through it and never, never had a problem with it. I have shot it, my kids have shot it and we all love it. I paid a little over $500 for it and it is the best money I have spent.
One correction to your correction (gee, sounds like a Monty Python routine). J Mullin’s assertion that not many police or military units use the 1911 is correct today. You are absolutely correct that the 1911 was the go-to weapon for a very long time, but most of the military and police have moved on. Yes, there are still groups who use it. Spec ops guys like the .45. H&K’s MK23 and USP Compact Tactical are two other guns in use by Spec Ops groups. While the 1911 is a fantastic design and many if not most guns today have taken things from John Browning’s design, there are some limitations, not the least of which is the relatively small magazine size on the classic single stack 1911 that precludes it from heavy use as a duty weapon for police. It is a great off duty or civilian CCW, but for those uses the limited magazine is not a problem as most of us don’t expect to find ourselves in an extended shootout with a large number of bad guys.
I can vouch for SA’s repair department service. They fixed my XD that was (in my estimation) damaged by the aftermarket cerakote I had put on it…for free…after I told them that the warranty was voided. With all of that, I am at least the 3rd owner of this gun.
Oh, and my PX1909LP is easily my fav handgun I own.