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Just an fyi the rear sight on the Springfield is a Novak cut-I ordered the correct height from 10-8, no cutting necessary for my smith to install it.

Novak makes front sights for SA’s front sight cut-my slide had the front sight installed and shipped back to me on the same day.
 
Discussion starter · #23 · (Edited)
All great points and good info. I have an older MC Operator in .45 and it has been great for me. Colt I think is more of the name and it’s 1911 history that intrigued me. At the end of the day, while I probably can’t go wrong long term with either I’m leaning Springfield after reading the replies and comments. The TRP looks great and could be a future consideration.

Thank you all again for the responses and info. It is appreciated. I’ll be sure to report back once I have it.
 
As a rabid Colt fan, I’ll honestly say that if it wasn’t for my Colt fetish, I would check out each one in person and buy based on that and go with the cheaper gun.

I’ll ‘third’ the mushy over-travel TS and loose fitting GS on my LW Commander, but any Springers you pick up might have a flaw, too.
 
Discussion starter · #25 ·
As a rabid Colt fan, I’ll honestly say that if it wasn’t for my Colt fetish, I would check out each one in person and buy based on that and go with the cheaper gun.

I’ll ‘third’ the mushy over-travel TS and loose fitting GS on my LW Commander, but any Springers you pick up might have a flaw, too.

I feel as tho unless you go with a custom/high end brand you are bound to get a few that end up with some issues. More so than with a semi- production or custom type 1911/2011. Cosmetic flaws while aggravating don’t bother me as much as functionality flaws. And I’ve experienced both in my life.
 
I like both but that Colt rollmark wins every time. Colt can definitely churn out a turd though (and Springfield too) so its a bit of a crap shoot either way. I don't care about ramped vs non ramped barrels, and I'm not afraid of quality MIM parts either. I like guns that run properly and don't wear in strange ways that show poor fit.

I tend to like the older Springfields more although seriously those blued Garrisons do look really sweet. Get both?
 
I think it depends on preferences. The current Colt Commanders have the Series 80 firing pin safety, the SAs don't. From a shooting standpoint I don't care, some people do. From a self-maintenance standpoint, I think working on the Series 70 FCG is easier - for me. The Colt comes in blued finish only, if you want stainless steel you have to pay a few hundred extra for the Combat Elite. The SAs go for $700-800, the blued Colt goes for around $950-1K, and the stainless Commander Elite goes for $1200-1300. It also depends on your patience - the SA Garrison 4.25" barrel is easy to find in stock, the Colts... not so easy to find in stock anywhere, at least for me.

I have a Colt Commander made in 2015 and a Garrison 4.25" I just got, both SS, both nice guns, both keepers.
I agree with all this. Nice pair of guns there sir, beautiful.
 
Cant say anything about Colt, dont own one. But my Springfield Garrisons have run like a top with no issues. Replaced sights (just prefer fiber optic front with blacked out rear) and had my local gunsmith work on the trigger (just tightens up and sets the overtravel screw correctly for me). Dont think you can go wrong either way. I have been blessed and not had a problem with my TRP, Garrison, Prodigy or Echelon. Just lucky I guess.
 
Doc45, thanks for the info about the Novak sights. My Ronin has a rear cut that is slightly too big for a Novak made sight. It can be installed with finger pressure, but an Ed Brown fits nice and tight. Drop-in and 1911 shouldn't be used in the same sentence. LOL.
 
Doc45, thanks for the info about the Novak sights. My Ronin has a rear cut that is slightly too big for a Novak made sight. It can be installed with finger pressure, but an Ed Brown fits nice and tight. Drop-in and 1911 shouldn't be used in the same sentence. LOL.
Good to know! The 10-8 rear sight fit perfectly in my Garrison, never tried a Novak rear-words to the wise my friend.
 
It depends. If this is your first either will be a decent choice. From the factory, don't have great expectations for either. I purchased a Garrison 45 full size first. At the time I was between iit and a Tisas. I have since purchased much later, a Resto-Mod Colt Commander in 9mm touched by Nighthawk. Yes there are worlds of difference and both have met different purposes, missions for intended use. Right now you are most likely thinking through specs, fit, finish, and looks. Both relatively cost the same. Does one appeal more to you? That's the one. In comparison I've handled a stock Colt and was amazed at the difference between it and the one I own. The Garrison started out great and gave me a bit of concern as its personality unfolded. Last week I purchased a Tisas Aviator in 9mm. This is to satisfy an uncureable curiosity about the brand and learning something new. I'll see. Been trying to get to the range with it but life keeps getting in the way. Like the Good Addict I've become. Get both send some rounds then decide.
 
Hello all,
I have been going back and forth between the Colt Commander and Springfield Garrison 4.25 for a while. I’m looking for anybody that has experience with 1 or both and what you like or dislike about them. I would not be going with a LW commander. And it would also be in 9mm. Any input would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.
Neither, take the time and look at the Dan Wesson offerings. Ramped barrel solves feeding problems, no MIM or plastic parts.

I started with a Colt LWC in 81. These days I carry a DW Guardian. Handy light reliable and accurate. Yes I also have owned Springer Commanders.

Wait till you can use the classifieds. You will find DWs turning up here at decent prices. It's what I did.
 
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