[gregfo]

Hey guys, I'm picking up a pre-Brazil Milspec with the NM serial #. It's completely stock, parked with a low round count and from the pics of it, looks like a stainless or chromed barrel. What can you tell me about the older 'Specs ? Thanks!

 

[1911Fishbulb]

From what I have read here a NM is a recent serial number designation meaning assembled and fit in the US. If you are really getting a late 80's-late 90's Mil Spec the SA ordnance logo rollstamp will be behind the ejection port. Somewhere in the late 90's they moved it to a location in front of the ejection port. If you are getting a late 80's-early 90's model it will also have vertical slide serrations, the high ejection port and the low mount GI style sights.

From the pics I have seen of the real old ones they originally only had numbers and no prefix. Example= S.N. 1251

 

[willcass]

My Mil-Spec which I just picked up brand new has a NM serial number FWIW.

 

[ElrodCod]

I think the frames & slides were always made in Brazil.

 

[Largo]

Correct, there is no such thing as a pre-Brazil Springfield.

 

[RickB]

I think a lot more of the fitting/assembly used to be done in the U.S., though.

 

[gnat]

I have a NM serial number that was built from the orignal parts kits in the 80's prior to them producing the assembled pistols.

 

[DEDON45]

The regular Mil-Spec is an excellent pistol for the money outta the box... and if you're a "tinkerer" as I am.. excellent base guns. The frames / slides are all forged in Brazil (regardless of serial number) by Imbel, AFAIK. Some finishing work / machining is done in the US, of course. Imbel has an excellent reputation worldwide for the quality of their steel forgings and weapons... ask an experienced FAL shooter... (my Brother-in-law loves 'em, was in the Seals back when we went to Panama)