In part like Colt, Springfield Armory’s name resonates with Model 1911 enthusiasts due to the fact that the former government facility of the same name manufactured a number of original 1911s. Springfield Armory’s tribute wears a correct Parkerized finish on both the frame and the slide. However, the hammer spur is narrow - more like the post-war version - and the thumb safety lacks the checkered tab seen on war guns. The trigger length is correct (albeit with an incorrect serrated shoe), the triggerguard is correct, as is the grip safety and arched mainspring housing.

In many ways, and more than others, Springfield Armory’s 1911 Mil-Spec is an accurate representation of the original M1911A1. These pistols exist as a functional tribute to the airmen, sailors, soldiers and Marines who fought to preserve freedom during the largest conflict the world has ever known. Some are faithful to the original, while others stray. In honor of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Guns & Ammo offers a look at modern so-described “mil-spec” M1911A1s in. To ease production costs, adapt the design to modern manufacturing and make M1911A1s more enjoyable to shoot, most are a blend of traditional and modern features. The M1911A1 was functional but basic, and in the last 75 years many brands have offered their own twist. Nearly 1.9 million 1911A1 pistols were built during the war. Each of the brands had unique roll stamps that identified the gun’s maker, model, patent numbers, and noted that the pistols were U.S. A number of manufacturers were building them including Colt, Ithaca Gun Company, Remington Rand, Singer and Union Switch & Signal. By 1943, World War II M1911A1s featured brown plastic grip panels and a Parkerized finish.

Springfield 1911a1 serial number lookup