[EMTchad]

Hi everyone, wondering if someone very knowledgable with the springfield 1911 can answer this question. what is the real difference between the NM serial number and N serial number? I am hearing that the N series is half assembled in brazil and other half in the US. and NM Is all American?

[JonM]

N means 50% or more of the finish work was done in the imbrel plant in brazil and will have two made in brazil stamps on the frame. more than 50% done in geneso il its NM. all frames come from brazil. they are some of the finest frames and highly prized as base frames for match grade custom pistols. the steel used by the imbrel plant is extremely high quality.

it doesnt matter if you get a N or NM its a damn fine gun and a close and i mean very close second to colt 1911s.

all guns whether N or NM go through the geneso plant for final finishing.

SA has been doing this since day one quality has never gotten worse or had fluctuations, unlike kimber. they have never claimed 100% made in usa or denied where the frames are created. if you have a SA 1911 you purchased a gun that is easily worth twice what you paid for quality wise.

personally i would take a SA 1911 any day of the week over a ruger sr1911 or anything kimber produces

[EMTchad]

Thank you so much for that! Helped me alot. I have 3 more days until I get my brand new sa 1911 loaded parkerized. It's brand new but there are small chips on the bottom of the cocobolo grip and small steel scratches on the bottom of the gun in the front area..

[danf_fl]

Originally Posted by EMTchad

Thank you so much for that! Helped me alot. I have 3 more days until I get my brand new sa 1911 loaded parkerized. It's brand new but there are small chips on the bottom of the cocobolo grip and small steel scratches on the bottom of the gun in the front area..

Those could be from it being a display model and others handling it. When you get it, clean it, lube it, and take it to the range. With the first mag, DO NOT load more that 2 rounds in the mag. If there is some internal damage, you don't want it to come as a surprise.

[rigjumpr]

Originally Posted by JonM

N means 50% or more of the finish work was done in the imbrel plant in brazil and will have two made in brazil stamps on the frame. more than 50% done in geneso il its NM. all frames come from brazil. they are some of the finest frames and highly prized as base frames for match grade custom pistols. the steel used by the imbrel plant is extremely high quality.

it doesnt matter if you get a N or NM its a damn fine gun and a close and i mean very close second to colt 1911s.

all guns whether N or NM go through the geneso plant for final finishing.

SA has been doing this since day one quality has never gotten worse or had fluctuations, unlike kimber. they have never claimed 100% made in usa or denied where the frames are created. if you have a SA 1911 you purchased a gun that is easily worth twice what you paid for quality wise.

personally i would take a SA 1911 any day of the week over a ruger sr1911 or anything kimber produces

Why the Kimberly hate? I've had nothing but favorable experiences. What left the bad taste ?

[EMTchad]

Thanks Dan!! So after 2 rounds, if there Is no problem how many then? And also what kind of surprises can happen? The gun seemed to be in good condition since it's new.

[JonM]

Originally Posted by rigjumpr

Why the Kimberly hate? I've had nothing but favorable experiences. What left the bad taste ?

Simply my opinion. You dont have to agree with my evaluation.

Its just the way kimber does business. I remember when kimber first appeared on the scene. They had hired a number of relly top notch 1911 gunsmiths to make their first few guns. These guns went out to all the gun rags at the time for evaluation.

They were all hand fitted top notch pieces as were all theproduction guns for.the first year or so. They sold them at a heavy loss just to establish a reputation. Soon after kimber changed their proccess switched to cheaper methods almost no real fitting was done and have pretty much been on a roller coaster cycle since then.

Its one of those companies that slinks by living off an initial reputation and only does enough to get by.

The reason i dont like kimber is you are paying the price of a sa or colt for the production qaulity of a taurus or rossi.

Im not saying they dont work just that for the price you can get a way better gun elsewhere.

[danf_fl]

Originally Posted by EMTchad

Thanks Dan!! So after 2 rounds, if there Is no problem how many then? And also what kind of surprises can happen? The gun seemed to be in good condition since it's new.

I have purchased display models that have been abused by store employees and customers. The way the firearm gets mistreated by "knowledgable" people is amazing.
One firearm I had purchased "doubled" the first time I took it to the range. I had to replace the sear, sear spring, hammer, and disconnector to get it to shoot correctly.

After it does okay with 2 rounds, then go to 3, then 4. If it does okay, then try "double taps" with 4 rounds.

Congrats on your purchase.

[rigjumpr]

Originally Posted by JonM

Simply my opinion. You dont have to agree with my evaluation.

Its just the way kimber does business. I remember when kimber first appeared on the scene. They had hired a number of relly top notch 1911 gunsmiths to make their first few guns. These guns went out to all the gun rags at the time for evaluation.

They were all hand fitted top notch pieces as were all theproduction guns for.the first year or so. They sold them at a heavy loss just to establish a reputation. Soon after kimber changed their proccess switched to cheaper methods almost no real fitting was done and have pretty much been on a roller coaster cycle since then.

Its one of those companies that slinks by living off an initial reputation and only does enough to get by.

The reason i dont like kimber is you are paying the price of a sa r colt for the production qaulity of a taurus or rossi.

Im not saying they dont work just that for the price you can get a way better gun elsewhere.

Jon, don't get me wrong I was just wanting your reason behind the statement, too meny times people express their"opinions " and pass it off as fact. Got ta love the Internet.

[EMTchad]

A display model? Well all the guns are on display and they said they are brand new. So I'm assuming I'm buying a display model too.am I getting ripped off?