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Some of us have a strong love for the Model 1911 whether it came from cinema, history books, or being able to shoot one at an early age. If that affection came at an early age we possibly did not, or currently do not, have a ton of cash to shell out for something high-end. For that very reason, Springfield Armory created the “Defenders Series” which is a 1911 Mil-Spec version at a cheaper price for entry into the platform. It retains all of the quality, fit, and finish that you would expect from Springfield Armory and the 1911 design, but at a lower MSRP for your wallet.
Another entry in the new Field Strip series here at TFB, the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec – “Defenders Series” is a quality pistol at an even more affordable price-point for lovers of the John Moses Browning design. We understand that this variant of a 1911 is as basic of a field strip as you could get compared to higher-end models, but its basic principles apply to all 1911 disassembly procedures. While many of us might view field stripping a 1911 as extremely basic, there are always new shooters who could gain from a simple tutorial such as this. With that being said, let’s break down the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec – “Defenders Series,” shall we! As always, helpful commentary is welcome!
REMEMBER the four rules of gun safety:
- All guns are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
TFB FIELD STRIP: Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec – “Defenders Series”
1. Check to ensure the gun is unloaded. Remove the magazine. Visually and physically inspect the chamber and magazine well. Check twice. (Note, magazine inserted for pictographic reference).
Don’t forget to wear eye protection.
2. Compress the recoil spring cap into the slide and simultaneously rotate the barrel bushing to roughly the 7 o’clock position.
3. Contain the recoil spring cap with your thumb as you rotate the barrel bushing to roughly the 9 o’clock position. Gently allow the recoil spring cap and recoil spring to move forward so they are no longer under tension.
4. Remove the recoil spring and recoil spring cap. Then, rotate the barrel bushing to roughly the 4 o’clock position.
5. Remove the barrel bushing.
6. Cock the hammer and move the slide rearward until the takedown notch in the slide aligns with the slide lock lever.
7. Begin pushing the slide lock lever out by pushing on the pin from the opposite side, or the right-hand side, of the frame.
8. Fully remove the slide lock lever from the left-hand side of the frame.
9. Pull slide assembly off of the frame.
10. Lift out the G.I. guide rod and pull the barrel out the front of the slide.
11. Inspect, clean and lightly lubricate all parts. Reassemble in reverse order.
specifications: Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec – “Defenders Series”
The Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec – “Defenders Series” pistol is a bargain because it punches in at an MSRP of only $549.99 while their normal 1911 Mil-Spec version has an MSRP of $780.00 out the door. So if you are OK with just one magazine, a more simple set of grips, and a few other trimmed down features, you can save yourself $230 which could be put towards ammunition or other toys. The specifications for the Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec – “Defenders Series” can be read below as presented by Springfield Armory:
- CALIBER – .45 ACP
- RECOIL SYSTEM – GI Style
- SIGHTS – Combat, 3 – Dot
- WEIGHT – 39 Ounces
- HEIGHT – 5.5″
- LENGTH – 8.6″
- SLIDE – Forged Steel, Parkerized
- BARREL – 5″ Stainless Steel Match Grade
- GRIP TYPE – Fully Checkered Wood Grips
- FRAME – Forged Steel, Parkerized
- MAGAZINES – One 7 Round, Stainless Steel
- MSRP – $549.00
- SKU – PBD9108L
For a limited time, as part of the Defenders Series, Springfield Armory offers the best deal ever on our legendary 1911 Mil-Spec, with an MSRP of $549.00.
The Defenders Series Sales Event is designed to encourage new shooters to invest in their first firearm, and introduce value-driven customers to the Springfield Armory brand. Different firearms will be available for limited periods at incredibly low prices.
Individuals who purchase the Defenders Series Mil-Spec will receive a Defender Series Certificate and an invitation to join The Defenders, an online community of enthusiasts who will receive exclusive offers, giveaways and discounts from Springfield Armory.
The Springfield Armory Mil-Spec, like all Springfield 1911s, features a carbon steel frame and slide that is fully forged, rather than cast, for the utmost durability. The 5-inch Match Grade stainless steel barrel is also forged for lifetimes of use. The slide has slanted serrations and the mainspring housing is the original arched style found on GI issue 1911-A1s. The Mil-Spec 1911 also features fixed 3-dot sights, a lowered and flared ejection port, and a single-sided thumb safety. Each Mil-Spec comes with fully-checkered wood grips, unique to this Defenders Series model. This classic 1911 has a Parkerized finish to combat corrosion, and comes with one 7-round magazine.
