SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911 MIL-SPEC CA COMPLIANT
Posted May 19, 2023
The Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant is a worthy entry into the world of premium 1911 handguns. Featuring high-quality materials, superior craftsmanship, and reliable performance, this pistol is an excellent choice for a personal defense weapon (PDW) or even for tactical/duty roles.
From the outside, the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec has all of the classic features associated with a government model 1911. It has the traditional single stack frame design, with a single action trigger system and a traditional manual safety lever. The pistol features Novak style fixed sights with target crown and a 5” stainless steel match grade barrel.
The pistol is constructed from a forged stainless-steel slide and frame, both of which are finished in their proprietary Armornite coating. This coating provides great protection from corrosion and wear and tear and helps to prevent fingerprints. The pistol also has polished edges, providing a sleek and stylish look.
The internals of the pistol have all been built to exacting mil-spec standards. The barrel is match grade and made of 416 stainless steel. It has six grooves and a 1:16" right hand twist rate. The slide features a fully supported feed ramp, which is ideal for performance when using self-defense rounds. The hammer is a standard military style mil-spec style, and the grip safety is a high-ride beavertail that ensures added comfort and helps protect the shooter’s knuckles when firing.
The trigger action of the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant is smooth and performance is consistent, even after thousands of rounds. The trigger is set at a light five pounds, ensuring a smooth pull without sacrificing accuracy or performance. The trigger action is smooth and clean with no creep, resulting in reliable repeat accuracy.
The Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant is a highly accurate and reliable handgun. Because of its quality components and craftsmanship, it performs like a higher end 1911. In accuracy testing, the pistol is capable of producing tight one-inch groups at 20 yards. This level of accuracy will be more than adequate for personal defense and tactical/duty roles.
When it comes to reliability, the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant is highly reliable and has never failed to function. The pistol functions flawlessly with both factory and hand-loaded ammunition. And thanks to its Armornite coating, the pistol is able to stand up to intense use and the Northern California elements without showing any signs of corrosion or wear.
Overall, the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant is an exceptional handgun. Not only does it have all of the classic features of a government model 1911, but it has been upgraded with high-quality components and an attention to detail that sets it apart from other handguns in its class. The pistol has superior accuracy and reliability, making it an ideal choice for anyone searching for a pistol that can perform in a variety of roles. Whether you’re looking for a personal defense weapon, a tactical/duty handgun, or a target pistol, the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant is a fantastic choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant features an ergonomic design with enhanced grip radius, checkering under the trigger guard and a front and rear accessory rail for mounting accessories.
- It is a classic 1911 design that is reliable and easy to use.
- Perfect for any target shooter or home defense.
- The traditional single action trigger ensures repeatable accuracy.
- It is also available in a variety of calibers.
Cons:
- Some people believe that the frame is too small and can be uncomfortable to shoot for longer periods of time.
- It is a bit pricier than some other models of 1911 handguns.
- Some critics do not like the polymer mainspring housing that Springfield Armory opted to use.
Who Should Buy
Those who should buy the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant are individuals living in California that are legally allowed to own firearms and who are searching for a quality, reliable 1911 style pistol. This pistol meets the California Department of Justice’s strict standards and is also certified for sale in other states requiring compliance with certain state regulations.
Those who should not buy the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec CA Compliant are individuals living in states or locations which do not permit the purchase of firearms, minors, or those without an understanding of the specific safety and handling procedures for firearms. Additionally, this pistol is not appropriate for individuals who are looking for a competition or target shooting handgun or one with customizations that are not available in this model.
Comparisons
| Weight | Capacity | Action | Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39 oz. | 7 Rounds | Semi-Automatic | Single-Action |
| 40 oz. | 7 Rounds | Semi-Automatic | Single-Action |
| 40 oz. | 8 Rounds | Semi-Automatic | Single-Action |
| 25.7 oz. | 15 Rounds | Striker Fired | Single-Action |
Features / Specs
-Caliber: .45 ACP
-Capacity: 7 +1 rounds
-Barrel: 5” Chromoly Steel
-Sight: Target Style Front and Rear
-Grips: Cocobolo Hardwood
-Frame: Carbon Steel
-Slide: Carbon Steel
-Length: 8.6”
-Height: 5.5”
-Weight: 39.5 oz (empty)
-Trigger Pull: 4-6 lbs
Popular Accessories
- Magazine Catch Lock
- Recoil Spring Guide
- Hammer Strut Pin
- Hammer Strut
- Mainspring Cap
- Bushing Wrench
- Grip Screws
- Grips
- Sights
- Trigger Lock
Accuracy
The Springfield Armory 1911 MIL-SPEC CA Compliant is widely considered to be incredibly accurate due to its high levels of craftsmanship and quality. The slide-to-frame fit of the firearm is very tight, leading to decreased wobble when aiming and firings. The barrel has a match-grade fit to the slide, creating very consistent groupings when shooting. The trigger of the Springfield 1911 has a smooth, light pull with minimal travel, leading to a high level of accuracy. With the right ammunition, shooters can reliably shoot at targets up to and including 50 yards with excellent accuracy.
