Okay, so all this new stuff is being revealed before we all hit up SHOT Show 2018 in a couple of weeks, which is making it easier to plan which booths to hit up first and which booths to skip.
I’m starting my list and I know I’m not going to go out of my way to stop at Springfield Armory. Politics aside (see side note below)…
It’s because I just don’t think they are doing anything cool. Even though the SAINT did end up impressing me, this new old 911 resulted in me giving the computer screen a sad face. Springfield was late to the game last year with their first AR, but this .380 faux 1911? With the evolution of the popularity of the micro 1911-style .380s and then releasing them in 9mm, I’m pretty sure everyone who ever wanted one has already bought one. I mean, really. Was anyone just waiting for Springfield to make their own?
If you said ‘yes,’ you’re lying, and I don’t believe you.
Don’t get me wrong, I actually really like these mini 1911s. I carry a Kimber Micro, but I think its time for gun companies to stop making them and find something else to sink R&D dollars into.
It was in 1986 when Colt made the Mustang—a subcompact .380 based on their .380 Government model. The Mustang—the original one—sold well for about ten years before polymer came along. They are still sought after by die-hard fans.
For a really long time, the Mustang had no competition. At the 2009 SHOT Show, though, SIG Sauer introduced the P238. Call it a copy catter all you want, but there is no denying that the P238 changed the game. Plenty of guys who would rather slam their fingers in a door than admit to carrying a .380, dropped the $700 it took to get one. The Kimber Micro, Armscor Baby Rock and the Browning 1911-380 followed suit. It wasn’t a year after that, Kimber and SIG were adding 9mm to the lineup of their baby 1911s.
They are popular and have their place—either on your hip or as a fun range toy—I haven’t found someone yet to make fun of my choice to purchase one. (Feel free to do that now in the comment section below if you must.)
I don’t think this is what is going to save Springfield. The SAINT was released and picked up by a great deal of AR fans—first owners to “I’ve lost count.” But that was before the poo-poo hit the fan for the company.
Side note: In short, in the spring of 2017, Springfield Armory and Rock River Arms supported an anti-gun and gun-control bill in Illinois. Robert Farago at the Truth About Guns explains things a lot better. Click here to read more on why gun owners are boycotting Springfield.
I’m just left wondering… why now?
The rest of Springfield’s offerings are ho-hum. A SAINT pistol? Snore. Something in 10mm? Yawn. See, I’ve already lost interest.
I have enjoyed the Springfields I’ve had the opportunity to shoot in the past—an XD and a 1911. Both reliable and easy to shoot, but I’ve never been a Springfield Armory loyalist and quite frankly, thought the SAINT’s marketing missed the mark. I guess it doesn’t matter too much now since Springfield’s on the naughty list.
But anyhoo….
You will always have those who will argue until their blue in the face about which is better—polymer or steel—I predict, though, the new 911 won’t be part of that equation.
Sorry, Springfield. I just think you were ten years too late.