New (to me) Springfield hi-cap 1911

[Ichiban]

So, I found a Springfield 1911 hi-cap that I could not let get away.  I believe it is a Loaded PX9707L but I'm waiting on Springfield to confirm that.  The frame has "Imbel made in Brazil" engraved on it.  It looks like it has had a pretty easy life so far.  I hope to get it to the range in the next few day if I can find any .45acp ammo.

Anyone know anything about these or have any personal experience?  Is the frame cast of forged?  MIM parts or no?  I suspect it is not going to like WC or SWC but that's okay by me.

Is it going to tease me but ultimately break my heart?   

[PegLeg45]

Nice looking gun....very nice.


Never heard of Imbel, but found the following tid-bit on Wiki (FWIW as to accuracy):

M1911 pistols: Project Colt - IMBEL acquired a manufacturing license for the M1911 pistol, and has exported pistols to the United States of America through Springfield Armory, Inc. (sold under the Springfield Armory brand) since 1985. It produces .380 ACP, 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W and .45 ACP models. All Springfield Armory, Inc. pistols start on IMBEL's production lines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMBEL

I found the Imbel company site, but for the life of me couldn't understand a word they said.  

http://www.imbel.gov.br/

http://www.imbel.gov.br/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=116

[fightingquaker13]

Well, its yours now. Shoot the hell out of it, 200+ rounds and post a report. Best case you win. Worst case, well that's what gunbroker's for. Try again. Good luck.
FQ13

[bafsu92]

I'm pretty sure Imbel is also the company that makes RIA. They've been around a long time and also used to (or still do) make licensed Hi-Power's. I'm pretty sure they are making all of Springfield's frames now. Some are finished in Brazil, that's why they're stamped that way. these are mostly Springfield's entry level guns. The higher end models still use Imbel/Brazil frames but they are sentto Genesco and assembled there, that's why they get the Genesco markings. I know when you order through distributors you have no control or choice of how they're marked so you could get a US or Brazil marked pistol on just about any Springfield but the highest end stuff.

[PegLeg45]

I'm pretty sure Imbel is also the company that makes RIA. They've been around a long time and also used to (or still do) make licensed Hi-Power's. I'm pretty sure they are making all of Springfield's frames now. Some are finished in Brazil, that's why they're stamped that way. these are mostly Springfield's entry level guns. The higher end models still use Imbel/Brazil frames but they are sentto Genesco and assembled there, that's why they get the Genesco markings. I know when you order through distributors you have no control or choice of how they're marked so you could get a US or Brazil marked pistol on just about any Springfield but the highest end stuff.

Don't know about now, but RIA pistols were made in the Philippines by Armscor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_Armory_1911_series

[Sponsor]

[bafsu92]

Don't know about now, but RIA pistols were made in the Philippines by Armscor.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_Armory_1911_series

Your right, it's the Essex Arms pistols I was thinking of that are made by Imbel.

[NYPD13]

I've got Springers GI.45 High Cap and love it! Eats everything I've fed it so far.

[billt]

Will it take Para Hi-Cap mags?   Bill T.

[Ichiban]

I've read that they can.  It's on the internet - it must be true.
Mine came with three cli..... magazines so I think I'm good for now.

Mini range report:
100 rounds of WWB with no FTF, FTE, or other related problems.  One mag did not lock open when empty.  Works fine off range.  The trigger is heavy, guessing 8 - 10 pounds.  Seems to be shooting a couple of inches low at 10 yards but it may just be the heavy trigger. It sure goes through the ammo at 13 rounds per magazine.  I like the feel of it and how it handles.   So far so good.