Any new Colt 1911's worth buying?

Handguns » Colt

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Any new Colt 1911's worth buying? (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 10/7/2018 8:45:25 PM EDT

My son is looking for a full size in 45 and has a budget of 1200 or so. He is looking for a new gun. I have a couple of 1911's, but they are off brands and at least 15 years old, so I am here seeking wise words. He is not looking for a competition gun. He is an average shooter, not high speed or fancy.

Thanks for your ideas.

Posted: 10/7/2018 8:47:11 PM EDT

[#1]

This isn't GD....coctailer.

Posted: 10/7/2018 9:35:04 PM EDT

[#2]

Any of them.

Posted: 10/7/2018 9:35:45 PM EDT

[#3]

OP, as you can see already, the Dan Wesson Fanbois are going to be all over this thread. I have Colt 1911s and 1911s by 3 other makers. So here's my .02 cents worth.

Dan Wesson make a damn fine gun that is usually (but not always) more expensive than genuine Colt 1911. Some Colt defenders will say "either its a Colt or its a copy"; I am not that rabid. Colt is trying to up their game with newer better featured 1911s while still producing some of their classic models. But, Colt still stumbles occasional in the QA/QC department. Case in point: About 6 months ago, I bought the Colt Combat Unit Pistol with railed frame in 9mm. Its a nice gun with a lot of upgrades on it from the factory. I had the long trigger changed to a medium length Harrison Design Trigger and put in an extended magazine release and thought I was done. Nope, gun would not eject reliably. Some brass would land 3 to 5 feet at my 5 o'clock, some brass would land on my head, some brass would dribble out barely clearing the slide and occasionally I got a horizontal or a stove pipe jam. Turns out the vaunted Colt Duplex recoil spring set that only Colt uses was the culprit. I replaced it with a Wolfe 13lb variable rate recoil spring and standard recoil spring guide and the gun runs fine. Accuracy is decent but certainly not match grade.

Take a look at the Colt Competition model #O1970CCS. A lot of gun for $899.00. If the ejection is erratic just ditch the duplex recoil spring set and guide and install a Wolfe 16 lb Variable rate spring and standard guide. Also, as for a substitute brand in the Colt or less than Colt price range, my current pick would be the Ruger 1911 copies. I know two guys with them and they have been problem free. Springfield's are worth considering too. Another friend loves his Springfield Range Officer. Kimber has a checkered reputation. Smith and Wesson, and Sig deviate from the John Browning design noticeably with external extractors instead of the standard internal extractor. Rock Islands are imported guns but have performed surprisingly well considering their price point.

Posted: 10/7/2018 9:59:51 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
OP, as you can see already, the Dan Wesson Fanbois are going to be all over this thread. I have Colt 1911s and 1911s by 3 other makers. So here's my .02 cents worth.

Dan Wesson make a damn fine gun that is usually (but not always) more expensive than genuine Colt 1911. Some Colt defenders will say "either its a Colt or its a copy"; I am not that rabid. Colt is trying to up their game with newer better featured 1911s while still producing some of their classic models. But, Colt still stumbles occasional in the QA/QC department. Case in point: About 6 months ago, I bought the Colt Combat Unit Pistol with railed frame in 9mm. Its a nice gun with a lot of upgrades on it from the factory. I had the long trigger changed to a medium length Harrison Design Trigger and put in an extended magazine release and thought I was done. Nope, gun would not eject reliably. Some brass would land 3 to 5 feet at my 5 o'clock, some brass would land on my head, some brass would dribble out barely clearing the slide and occasionally I got a horizontal or a stove pipe jam. Turns out the vaunted Colt Duplex recoil spring set that only Colt uses was the culprit. I replaced it with a Wolfe 13lb variable rate recoil spring and standard recoil spring guide and the gun runs fine. Accuracy is decent but certainly not match grade.

Take a look at the Colt Competition model #O1970CCS. A lot of gun for $899.00. If the ejection is erratic just ditch the duplex recoil spring set and guide and install a Wolfe 16 lb Variable rate spring and standard guide. Also, as for a substitute brand in the Colt or less than Colt price range, my current pick would be the Ruger 1911 copies. I know two guys with them and they have been problem free. Springfield's are worth considering too. Another friend loves his Springfield Range Officer. Kimber has a checkered reputation. Smith and Wesson, and Sig deviate from the John Browning design noticeably with external extractors instead of the standard internal extractor. Rock Islands are imported guns but have performed surprisingly well considering their price point.

View Quote

Thanks for the input. He is set on a Colt. I'm not a huge 1911 fan - nothing against them and I have picked them up when I find a deal. I'll check out your Competition model.

Posted: 10/7/2018 10:02:45 PM EDT

[#5]

Miami_JBT's Retro Gun Review

Yes, they are good guns but I think the price is a bit too high. I have a XSE Commander that is a fantastic gun.

Posted: 10/7/2018 10:05:01 PM EDT

[#6]

I have purchased a lightweight commander .45 and a 9mm Gold Cup new Colts in the last year.
Both have been great guns.
The GC took about 600 rds to get broken in and is running better and better.
The LWC ran perfect right out of the box.

I’d buy another new Colt in a minute.

Posted: 10/7/2018 11:34:54 PM EDT

[#7]

OP,

If that is his budget, how about a Government model made in Colt's Custom Shop: Colt Gunsite 1911

He will not find a better Colt near this price. My Colt LW Commander is an excellent pistol.

Posted: 10/8/2018 5:16:12 AM EDT

[#8]

With a $1200 max budget, he can almost choose anything from the Colt catalog. Competition series, stainless CCS, lightweight, 1991A1, etc. Tons to choose from.

Quote History

Quoted:
Miami_JBT's Retro Gun Review

Yes, they are good guns but I think the price is a bit too high. I have a XSE Commander that is a fantastic gun.

View Quote

@Miami_JBT You should post that thread here in Colt Handguns. :-)

Posted: 10/8/2018 7:58:55 AM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
Miami_JBT's Retro Gun Review

Yes, they are good guns but I think the price is a bit too high. I have a XSE Commander that is a fantastic gun.

View Quote

Thanks for timely review. I should also mention that I get the colts at dealer cost, except for the custom shop. I’m liking that competition series in 45, except the blue grips....2 screws and some $ will fix that though.

I haven’t ever bought a new 1911, let alone a colt, but this is strictly my sons scheme. He’s a great young man, so I’ll help him get what he wants, even if it’s not the exact route I would take.

Posted: 10/8/2018 8:27:16 AM EDT

[#10]

I love my XSE Combat Elite.

Should be around $1100. You could probably find it for a bit less with some smart shopping.

Posted: 10/8/2018 10:23:34 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
I love my XSE Combat Elite.

Should be around $1100. You could probably find it for a bit less with some smart shopping.

View Quote

I’ll throw this one and the other at him and see which one he likes. The XSE with the two tone may suit him. They both seem to have upgraded sights, barrel and trigger.

Posted: 10/8/2018 9:48:01 PM EDT

[#12]

I am seeing Colt M45A1's on Gunbroker for $1200 these days. They are the civilian version of the Marine Raider issued handguns like this one.

Posted: 10/20/2018 11:07:50 PM EDT

[#13]

If he is set on Colt, I think the new production 70 series "o1970a1cs" is the way to go. It is the classic and never goes out of style. And if he wants to have it built into a custom, it is still the best base for a full house custom there is. From what I understand, the new production 80 series are being made very well as well.

If he desires more custom features, The Wiley Clapp Government is the best of the rest. It along with the Special Combat Government are the only pistols Colt makes that I would put in contention with Dan Wessons.

Posted: 11/30/2018 12:17:49 AM EDT

[#14]

Go with a COLT series 70 blued If he decides to get rid of it for some reason (Not sure why), it will move easier without dropping your pants and bending over

Posted: 11/30/2018 12:34:52 AM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Go with a COLT series 70 blued If he decides to get rid of it for some reason (Not sure why), it will move easier without dropping your pants and bending over

View Quote

My only 1911 is a Series 70 in stainless. I never had any issues with it out of the box, I like the traditional design but have scars from hammer bite on my meaty paws despite that I keep the hammer as is. Whats one more scar among many?

Posted: 12/7/2018 2:01:51 AM EDT

[#16]

They all are. Competition and Wiley Clapp come to mind

Posted: 12/8/2018 7:41:12 PM EDT

[#17]

For $1200 I’d do a Delta Elite rail gun. All of the nice updates the M45A1 brought to the rail gun series, and 10mm is FUN to shoot.

Posted: 12/11/2018 9:36:48 PM EDT

[#18]

I agree with the suggestion to get a blued Series 70.

I bought a LW Commander a bit back but got it in .38Super instead of the usual .45acp that I already had a boat load of.

While we all ridicule Colt for their idiocy over the decades, I can say they're making some damn good handguns right now. Next year may be a different story...........

Posted: 12/22/2018 1:17:48 AM EDT

[#19]

everyone should own at least one Colt 1911...

the new competition models should be series 70, may be tricky figuring out which ones are 80s vs 70s. I think the box label would tell you.

Posted: 1/27/2019 3:38:55 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
everyone should own at least one Colt 1911...

the new competition models should be series 70, may be tricky figuring out which ones are 80s vs 70s. I think the box label would tell you.

View Quote

The 70 series competition has polished slide flats, 80s do not.

I have a first year competition S80, it is a fine pistol. I'd prefer a 70 so that is next in order

Posted: 4/4/2019 6:16:08 AM EDT

[#21]

I got a Colt (steel frame ) commander a couple years back. Love it. Good luck, Wardawg

Posted: 4/4/2019 6:33:38 AM EDT

[#22]

This isn't GD....coctailer.

Posted: 4/6/2019 10:19:05 PM EDT

[#23]

Colt Series 70...blued or stainless.

Posted: 4/7/2019 8:37:11 AM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:

The 70 series competition has polished slide flats, 80s do not.

I have a first year competition S80, it is a fine pistol. I'd prefer a 70 so that is next in order

View Quote

I didn't know they made a series 80 competition model. I thought all of them were 70s.

What SKU is yours?

Posted: 4/9/2019 10:39:41 AM EDT

[#25]

The colt combat unit is just above that but it’s a phenomenal pistol. My girlfriend got me one recently and it’s my new favorite pistol. I have around 350-400 round through it and not a single malfunction and that’s with the factory mags. I plan on getting a light for it and trying to figure out which safari land ALS I can jam into it. It has phenomenal accuracy and is very soft shooting. One I get a holster for it and some Wilson 10rd mags I plan on using it in 3gun heavy division.

Posted: 4/15/2019 11:47:14 PM EDT

[#26]

So I got one of the limited run of black ionbond Colt Custom Shop M45A1s, and OMG. This is one of the nicest 1911s I've ever used. The nicest if you don't count purely custom businesses like Nighthawk or Wilson. Slide runs as smoothly as a well-used Beretta 92 (i.e. ball bearing smooth), everything fits beautifully, weight is great, shoots groups that are up there with my Mark 23. I don't know how much extra attention the CCS M45A1s get over the production ones, but if it's anything similar, I highly recommend it. I'm not even really a 1911 guy and I love this gun.

Attached File

(Trying it out with blacked out Colt logo VZ grips here; it comes with a nighttime recolor of the desert grips on the standard M45A1)

Posted: 4/15/2019 11:56:14 PM EDT

[#27]

Colt's are still good, but Dan Wesson's are better for the money. If he's dead set on a Colt I'm sure it'll still serve him well. The Wiley Clapp ones looked pretty good. Or maybe a Delta Elite 10mm

Posted: 4/16/2019 7:54:29 AM EDT

[#28]

I'm buying myself a Colt Delta Elite this summer, in stainless.

I had one of the newer XSE models in .45 a while back but sold it like a fool.
The XSE was boringly reliable.

I really wish I had kept it.

Posted: 4/17/2019 10:53:17 AM EDT

[#29]

I made an impulse buy yesterday. Wiley Commander. Stripped it and cleaned/lubed last night. Really, seems well made. No tool marks inside, trigger is pretty nice, Safety is fit properly and the bbl bushing fits just right. Slight bit of play in slide/frame and nothing wrong with that.

I’ll follow up with a range report once it drys up here.

Attached File

Attached File

Using my non-snake oil for lube.

Attached File

Troops are assembled and ready to deploy. I loaded 600 rds of standard ball 230 and 100 book stout 230 HST pulls for range day.

Attached File

Posted: 4/17/2019 3:05:11 PM EDT

[#30]

How did your Commander run?

Posted: 4/17/2019 6:20:39 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:
I made an impulse buy yesterday. Wiley Commander. Stripped it and cleaned/lubed last night. Really, seems well made. No tool marks inside, trigger is pretty nice, Safety is fit properly and the bbl bushing fits just right. Slight bit of play in slide/frame and nothing wrong with that.

I’ll follow up with a range report once it drys up here.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/1E00AE93-971F-495A-AFA3-B27C9968997A_jpeg-915318.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/DA100627-0362-463B-A1F7-E9F94B4CF370_jpeg-915319.JPG

Using my non-snake oil for lube.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/71A1E66D-AB5F-4DE8-8567-EE4B411EA357_jpeg-915320.JPG

Troops are assembled and ready to deploy. I loaded 600 rds of standard ball 230 and 100 book stout 230 HST pulls for range day.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/56676A49-E03B-4915-8A89-FD71F93827D0_jpeg-915321.JPG

View Quote

Nice! I love those with the forward serrations. Lightweight or steel frame?

Posted: 4/17/2019 7:35:20 PM EDT

[#32]

That’s an alloy frame. Hoping i can shoot it better than my alloy RO Compact

Posted: 4/26/2019 2:49:13 AM EDT

[#33]

Attached File

Attached File

All Colts .

Posted: 4/26/2019 9:45:55 AM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
How did your Commander run?

View Quote

Like a scalded ape. No malfunctions except for one. Some dumbass got a primer in upside down. Can’t blame the Dillon, must’ve been me.

First mag thru the Clapp.

Attached File

More showed that was no fluke.

Attached File

Posted: 4/27/2019 11:16:16 AM EDT

[#35]

Very nice !!

I've always wanted a Commander too !!

Posted: 4/27/2019 11:28:41 PM EDT

[#36]

I am pretty impressed with the alloy commander.

Posted: 4/28/2019 7:06:03 AM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:

Like a scalded ape. No malfunctions except for one. Some dumbass got a primer in upside down. Can’t blame the Dillon, must’ve been me.

First mag thru the Clapp.
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/FA35D086-A7C0-4220-98C9-FD13440659C9_jpeg-925157.JPG

More showed that was no fluke.

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/038972D3-42EC-4536-9585-DF5A86F1321A_jpeg-925173.JPG

https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/7F8C95E5-311A-427C-913B-D533B15C8036_jpeg-925262.JPG https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/857/C73C3BDF-D1C6-4661-B656-EA68F452B5D5_jpeg-925263.JPG

View Quote

I need to get some of those 10 rounders.....

Posted: 4/28/2019 9:37:04 AM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:

I need to get some of those 10 rounders.....

View Quote

Funny, I bought both Wilson and CMC 10s to use in a Baer, in a defensive pistol league I was shooting in for a while. They had a 10 round limit, which didn’t hurt the glock guys, but gave me some extra reloads, so I figured it would help. Neither 10 was reliable in the Baer. The colt doesn’t care, 7,8,10 rounders all work great.

Posted: 4/28/2019 9:42:01 AM EDT

[#39]

I've got two that were produced from 2015 on. Both are great quality. A combat elite and a Wiley clapp government.

The blued colt mags were not the best. The stainless mags work well.

Posted: 5/21/2019 11:23:16 PM EDT

[#40]

After looking, that Colt competition would be coming home with me. That leaves money for a good holster and several more mags.

Posted: 6/4/2019 7:07:31 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
I love my XSE Combat Elite.

Should be around $1100. You could probably find it for a bit less with some smart shopping.

View Quote

I got a NIB XSE Combat Elite for $950 on GB this week.

Great Gun!

Posted: 6/12/2019 7:02:24 PM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:

I'd prefer a 70 so that is next in order

View Quote

I just bought a Colt Mk IV Series 70 new stock. Blue, not SS.

I've put 250 rounds of cheap ass WWB through it without a single glitch.

I had my gunsmith polish the sear and set the trigger to 4.5 lbs, but I don't plan on monkeying with it. I like the classic look.

It's got a nice finish on it and shoots well.

Posted: 6/27/2019 2:26:35 PM EDT

[#43]

I just ordered a Wiley Clapp full-size. Had the right blend of features I wanted for the money, and, it's a Colt. I would've had about the same money into a Dan Wesson A2 and still needed to change the MSH, and without the frontstrap checkering ($200+). I won't argue that DW are not fine guns (and I do love the simple markings), but the Colt nostalgia is strong and most reports seem positive.

Posted: 7/25/2019 4:37:33 PM EDT

[#44]

Wife bought me a Colt 9mm competition (series 70) SS Titanium and I love that thing.

If I do my part 10-shot one hole group is not impossible at 10 yards even for a novice shooter like myself.

I've had 2 failures to feed (both from fresh mag) in over 2,500 rounds.
Since both failures occurred during the feeding of first round from reloading I'm guessing something is a bit off with one magazine that I'm using.
No other failures during operation of any kind or failure to lock back.

I have two Kimbers from early 2000s, Custom and TLE but I think I like the Colt better honestly.

Thinking about picking up a WC Govt or M45A1 if I can find one...

Posted: 7/25/2019 4:39:34 PM EDT

[#45]

Dan Wesson

I have worked on several Colts. They would have to come with a free set of shit free Tiffany cufflinks to get me to look at a new one.

Posted: 7/27/2019 3:20:34 AM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Dan Wesson

I have worked on several Colts. They would have to come with a free set of shit free Tiffany cufflinks to get me to look at a new one.

View Quote

.
even this one?
.

Posted: 8/2/2019 11:34:08 PM EDT

[#47]

Another Colt Combat Elite vote. I bought mine and in either 09 or 10 and it's a very nice mid-range 1911. It's a very nice guns. Let's just say it's not a 80's/90's Colt 1911. Much less play in it. Pretty damn nice trigger as well even for a 1911. I only payed $900 for it. I'm not saying it's a Jacob Grey or Nighthawk, but it's still a nice 1911.

Posted: 8/10/2019 9:37:50 AM EDT

[#48]

Quote History

Quoted:
OP, as you can see already, the Dan Wesson Fanbois are going to be all over this thread. I have Colt 1911s and 1911s by 3 other makers. So here's my .02 cents worth.

Dan Wesson make a damn fine gun that is usually (but not always) more expensive than genuine Colt 1911. Some Colt defenders will say "either its a Colt or its a copy"; I am not that rabid. Colt is trying to up their game with newer better featured 1911s while still producing some of their classic models. But, Colt still stumbles occasional in the QA/QC department. Case in point: About 6 months ago, I bought the Colt Combat Unit Pistol with railed frame in 9mm. Its a nice gun with a lot of upgrades on it from the factory. I had the long trigger changed to a medium length Harrison Design Trigger and put in an extended magazine release and thought I was done. Nope, gun would not eject reliably. Some brass would land 3 to 5 feet at my 5 o'clock, some brass would land on my head, some brass would dribble out barely clearing the slide and occasionally I got a horizontal or a stove pipe jam. Turns out the vaunted Colt Duplex recoil spring set that only Colt uses was the culprit. I replaced it with a Wolfe 13lb variable rate recoil spring and standard recoil spring guide and the gun runs fine. Accuracy is decent but certainly not match grade.

Take a look at the Colt Competition model #O1970CCS. A lot of gun for $899.00. If the ejection is erratic just ditch the duplex recoil spring set and guide and install a Wolfe 16 lb Variable rate spring and standard guide. Also, as for a substitute brand in the Colt or less than Colt price range, my current pick would be the Ruger 1911 copies. I know two guys with them and they have been problem free. Springfield's are worth considering too. Another friend loves his Springfield Range Officer. Kimber has a checkered reputation. Smith and Wesson, and Sig deviate from the John Browning design noticeably with external extractors instead of the standard internal extractor. Rock Islands are imported guns but have performed surprisingly well considering their price point.

View Quote

I'm looking for one right now and can't find anyone that has one in stock.

ETA: Actually I'm looking for #O1972CCS, the same but 9mm.

Help?

Posted: 8/10/2019 9:53:46 AM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:
Wife bought me a Colt 9mm competition (series 70) SS Titanium and I love that thing.

If I do my part 10-shot one hole group is not impossible at 10 yards even for a novice shooter like myself.

I've had 2 failures to feed (both from fresh mag) in over 2,500 rounds.
Since both failures occurred during the feeding of first round from reloading I'm guessing something is a bit off with one magazine that I'm using.
No other failures during operation of any kind or failure to lock back.

https://i.imgur.com/DbBWJxg.jpg?2

I have two Kimbers from early 2000s, Custom and TLE but I think I like the Colt better honestly.

Thinking about picking up a WC Govt or M45A1 if I can find one...

View Quote

Nice!

I'm trying to run the blued version down now. I'll get a SS if that's all that's available, tho.
It's the other way around, tho. This will be for my wife.

Posted: 8/14/2019 5:42:36 AM EDT

[#50]

I just picked up a Colt Series 70 stainless about 4 weeks ago came in the royal blue box I think they only make a run of them so often. Its been flawless , finish is perfect . Also have a Rem full size Carry , they have some upgrades done and its been perfect . That Colt was 900 bucks

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Any new Colt 1911's worth buying? (Page 1 of 2)

Handguns » Colt

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us