Unless you can find one of the non-import Mil Specs, with the stainless one-piece barrel and stainless bushing, I'd go with the GI. I thought I'd like the 3-dot sights on the Mil Spec, but I know now that I'd prefer the GI style sights, and I wish those were standard on the Mil Spec. I blacked-out the dots on my sights with a Sharpie, and will change them out for plain black sights soon. Another reason I went with the Mil Spec was it's hogged-out ejection port. I have to say, my gun has never had a FTE and is very easy on the spent brass. But I think a properly tuned GI can work just as well with the standard port. I'd use a magwell or at least a flat MSH with either gun, so the stock arched MSH with lanyard loop is a non-feature to me. Both guns come with sorry grips, so there is no distinction to be made there. I really bought my Mil Spec because, when I inspected it at the shop, I knew it was exceptionally well-built, even better than others I had seen, which had all been excellent. I noticed the stainless barrel, and the very nicely fit stainless bushing, and knew that it was a little different. Later, I found out that it's lack of import markings meant that it was built of US-machined frames. I think this batch, with "NM" serial numbers, might have gotten some special attention to fit in the factory. If I were doing it over today, I would get the GI. I think it is the hands-down champ in 1911 value.