Colt Classic 1911 (Page 1 of 6)
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Posted: 3/28/2025 12:47:53 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Sierradyne][Edited]
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Just picked up a new made as of this date Colt 1911 Classic. I must say this is pretty darn sweet! Still have another on the way but looks like CZ taking over has really made things better. No rattle when you shake it, smooth action, machining is very good (cannot fine a flaw), and looks like Colt has gone back to roll marks instead of laser engraving on the slide. Attached File More pics to come when the second one arrives. Adding: Rollmark is from what I have found to have started in 1956 for those wondering. Attached File Attached File Update: the first Colt I received has the stamped roll mark, the second is laser engraved. I must have hit the Colt lottery on the first one. |
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Three weeks or so back I dropped into one of my decent local gun stores thinking I might one of the value priced 1911s in 9mm , Turkish or maybe Philippian. I didn't want a project but something with decent sights and decent trigger with a useable sized beavertail No such value priced gun in stock but the asshole (my friend) showed me a Colt stainless 9mm gold cup. This gun has a flawless finish , great sights and beautiful factory trigger. gun is pretty tight and accurate but still very smooth. Of course with all the great fit ,form and function it did not have a value price tag. I am usually the guy looking for the cheap deal but sometimes when something is put together so very well it is something I want. This Colt is a great example of what a factory Colt should be |
| Glad to hear it. Last Colt I bought new in the early 2000's had so much wrong with it that they had to do a new run of slides to replace mine. Took almost 6 mo to get it back. It looked like the slide had come loose from the machine at one point, and they just went with it. Flats were uneven from side to side, plunger hole was super thin on one side, serrations were uneven from side to side, etc. |
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Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Just picked up a new made as of this date Colt 1911 Classic. I must say this is pretty darn sweet! Still have another on the way but looks like CZ taking over has really made things better. No rattle when you shake it, smooth action, machining is very good (cannot fine a flaw), and looks like Colt has gone back to roll marks instead of laser engraving on the slide. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/567584/1000020437_jpg-3501705.JPG More pics to come when the second one arrives. That laser engraving on the 1911SE frame is TERRIBLE and a total fail. |
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Originally Posted By piperpa24: Very nice. Looks as good as my Tisas - but yours is a Colt.  Originally Posted By piperpa24: Very nice. Looks as good as my Tisas - but yours is a Colt. Maybe Colt needed Tisas to push them back in the right direction? I will take it! Originally Posted By JamesJones: I have a 1991 that looks almost exactly like that one. Nice gun but I don't shoot it much. It's cool to bring out and look at every so often and the bluing is really nice. Bought two and just waiting on the second to arrive and hoping it is exactly like this one. Going to shoot one of them A LOT. Have winter conditions coming back putting a rain on my range parade right now. Originally Posted By maxima2: This is good news. That laser engraving on the 1911SE frame is TERRIBLE and a total fail. It is, was pleasantly surprised that the roll mark stamping was there. Based off of the serial number mine starts with a 2 instead of 0 and the ones with a 0 is where I see it being laser. I do need to get more flush fit mags and getting Wilson/Chip for those. Also looking at the leather G.I. shoulder holster just to go with it. The bad news, still has a poly mainspring housing but it is simple enough to correct. I can live with that considering the other improvements. |
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I have had Colt 1911's since the early 80's. Probably 20 or so in total. In my opinion the new CZ era ones are the best I have had. There was a period in the early 2000's where they were pretty decent for a couple years then they went back to mediocre. In the last year I have bought a blue competition, stainless competition, blue Government and stainless Government. All are tight as a drum, work flawlessly and have decent triggers. I always use Colt factory mags and shoot Sellier and Bellot 230 grain FMJ. Not sure if that makes a difference. |
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Originally Posted By sigman68: It looks good! Does the name Classic mean that it does not have the firing pin safety, aka 70 Series? Classic is for the 1950s style roll mark. Looking at the pistol is has a blend of original 1911 and A1, A1 scallops, 1911 flat mainspring housing, wood panels. These are the 70 series. |
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Originally Posted By Dunderway: That looks really good. Would love to see more pics when you have a chance. Ask and you shall receive: Note, it is not rust you see.on the slide but rather the reflection of the owners manual that is showing on the polished blueing. Attached File Note: from what I have seen, serial numbers starting with GV0 will be laser marked slide. Mine is the classic roll marked and serial number starts off with GV2 Attached File Still waiting on the second Colt to arrive. |
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Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Classic is for the 1950s style roll mark. Looking at the pistol is has a blend of original 1911 and A1, A1 scallops, 1911 flat mainspring housing, wood panels. These are the 70 series. Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Originally Posted By sigman68: It looks good! Does the name Classic mean that it does not have the firing pin safety, aka 70 Series? Classic is for the 1950s style roll mark. Looking at the pistol is has a blend of original 1911 and A1, A1 scallops, 1911 flat mainspring housing, wood panels. These are the 70 series. Thank you
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Beautiful pistol! As others have said, the pressure on Colt to make a quality pistol must be immense. When your board members can bring in a $299 Tisas that's as close to perfect as you can get and compare it to the sloppy $1k Colt, Colt had to improve or wither on the vine. The name can only go so far. Its great to see they chose to improve! Its funny, people seem to place a higher value on pre-CZ Colts, but CZ makes incredible guns, and CZ pistols are an incredible value, as well. Hope it continues. Enjoy that pistol amigo! Its a piece of history. |
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Originally Posted By jdk1: Beautiful pistol! As others have said, the pressure on Colt to make a quality pistol must be immense. When your board members can bring in a $299 Tisas that's as close to perfect as you can get and compare it to the sloppy $1k Colt, Colt had to improve or wither on the vine. The name can only go so far. Its great to see they chose to improve! Its funny, people seem to place a higher value on pre-CZ Colts, but CZ makes incredible guns, and CZ pistols are an incredible value, as well. Hope it continues. Enjoy that pistol amigo! Its a piece of history. Thank you sir! I am a happy camper. What's funny is that my Sig 1911 X has all the bells and whistles and shoots great but something about this bare bones simple Colt has me like it more. |
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| Updated report, got the second Colt Classic 1911 that is very close in production by the serial number, slightly newer. Fitment is excellent, no rattle, BUT I guess I got a one off with the first one with having the stamped rollmark as the one I just got is lasered. Is the laser markings bad? The engraving is clear, though it snags on cleaning cloths. Is it a deal breaker, not for me but then again the laser engraved one is going to be a shooter so I am not worried about it. Would I prefer a stamped engraving? Yes. Will post a pic soon. |
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I bought an early one right after they started making them again, I wonder how much they have been changed since then? Ignore the WW1, I just had that in the pic. Attached File |
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I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
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Originally Posted By fxntime: I bought an early one right after they started making them again, I wonder how much they have been changed since then? Ignore the WW1, I just had that in the pic. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32224/IMG_1822__1__JPG-3511343.JPG Here is my second one with the laser engraved slide: 
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T Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Here is my second one with the laser engraved slide: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54439291759_1d6c61592a_b.jpg Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Originally Posted By fxntime: I bought an early one right after they started making them again, I wonder how much they have been changed since then? Ignore the WW1, I just had that in the pic. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32224/IMG_1822__1__JPG-3511343.JPG Here is my second one with the laser engraved slide: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54439291759_1d6c61592a_b.jpg That doesn't look bad at all. Laser engraving can look good or bad depending on depth and accuracy of the etch. Old worn roll stamps or poorly done ones can look pretty bad themselves. Some of the WW2 Colt horse stamps were nice and some looked like crap with a minimal pregnant horse that looked about ready to drop a foal. |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
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Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Took it out shooting, was a blast! No issues to report at this time. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54444139969_0ce31a08b5_b.jpg I have just gotten back to 1911s. My drug was old movies - as it's always been. In my specific case, Magnum PI (1980 series) got me... deeply. I am fucked. Just bought a Defender (to carry) in 9mm. If I can find a shorter, 9mm 1911 that looks like these classics (they only come in .45) I'm buying. Off to looking! And once again, congratulations- yours are simply gorgeous, ideal 1911. It simply never got more beautiful than that. |
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Originally Posted By Solo_: Absolutely gorgeous. I have just gotten back to 1911s. My drug was old movies - as it's always been. In my specific case, Magnum PI (1980 series) got me... deeply. I am fucked. Just bought a Defender (to carry) in 9mm. If I can find a shorter, 9mm 1911 that looks like these classics (they only come in .45) I'm buying. Off to looking! And once again, congratulations- yours are simply gorgeous, ideal 1911. It simply never got more beautiful than that. Originally Posted By Solo_: Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Took it out shooting, was a blast! No issues to report at this time. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54444139969_0ce31a08b5_b.jpg I have just gotten back to 1911s. My drug was old movies - as it's always been. In my specific case, Magnum PI (1980 series) got me... deeply. I am fucked. Just bought a Defender (to carry) in 9mm. If I can find a shorter, 9mm 1911 that looks like these classics (they only come in .45) I'm buying. Off to looking! And once again, congratulations- yours are simply gorgeous, ideal 1911. It simply never got more beautiful than that. I bought a 01992 because I wanted a Magnum/Longmirish looking 1911 but don't shoot 45 much anymore.  |
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Originally Posted By bad2006z71: I bought a 01992 because I wanted a Magnum/Longmirish looking 1911 but don't shoot 45 much anymore. https://i.imgur.com/DTkaC3ih.jpg?1 ETA I don't shoot .45ACP at all anymore. Zero. Have a few, no-shoot |
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I got mine four or five years ago. I still want to put an arched MSH on it, just because. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Strela: I got mine four or five years ago. I still want to put an arched MSH on it, just because. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/6163/ColtHula_jpeg-3526586.JPG For the nostalgic aspec? |
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I gotta get my .38 special out more this year. I have close to 5000 mid range loads for it. Attached File |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
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Originally Posted By Sierradyne: For the nostalgic aspec? Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Originally Posted By Strela: I got mine four or five years ago. I still want to put an arched MSH on it, just because. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/6163/ColtHula_jpeg-3526586.JPG For the nostalgic aspec? Exactly. I have flat MSHs on my other A1s, but wanna go old school on the Classic. |
"An age of glory passed like a lightning flash. The mandate of heaven passed from you but you didn't see. Times change and power passes. It is the pity of the world."
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Originally Posted By fxntime: I gotta get my .38 special out more this year. I have close to 5000 mid range loads for it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32224/IMG_0448_JPG-3526650.JPG Sploosh. |
| Good to hear your review. Hope to hear more after you throw some lead downrange. |
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Originally Posted By fxntime: I gotta get my .38 special out more this year. I have close to 5000 mid range loads for it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32224/IMG_0448_JPG-3526650.JPG This is my Dad's 38 Super from 1961. His came with the plain plastic grips, but back when he still had it I sent him these firefighter grips I had made. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Mainsail: This is my Dad's 38 Super from 1961. His came with the plain plastic grips, but back when he still had it I sent him these firefighter grips I had made. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/171243/Dad1911-1_jpg-3531642.JPG Originally Posted By Mainsail: Originally Posted By fxntime: I gotta get my .38 special out more this year. I have close to 5000 mid range loads for it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32224/IMG_0448_JPG-3526650.JPG This is my Dad's 38 Super from 1961. His came with the plain plastic grips, but back when he still had it I sent him these firefighter grips I had made. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/171243/Dad1911-1_jpg-3531642.JPG Very nice, I like it! Colt was making some excellent 1911's in the 60's, they had a very skilled labor crew. |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
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This weekends project was the arrival of the reproduction M3 holster, took a stone to the laser engraved slide to knock down the "slag" that was a result from the engraving. I plan on eventually getting this one refinished and found a guy who specializes in 1911s and engravings, just waiting to hear back on if he can (which he should) correct and restore the roll mark to be correct.  Have a hunt planned and taking it along with me. Also, smoking some leg of lamb! 
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Attached File I love my Classic. |
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Originally Posted By 45ProCarry: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/48273/IMG_0241_jpeg-3533249.JPG I love my Classic. Looks great with the modern grips! |
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Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Took it out shooting, was a blast! No issues to report at this time. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54444139969_0ce31a08b5_b.jpg |
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Originally Posted By desertmoon: I love it. Just a straight, no bullshit, 1911A1. Classy! Originally Posted By desertmoon: Originally Posted By Sierradyne: Took it out shooting, was a blast! No issues to report at this time. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54444139969_0ce31a08b5_b.jpg Well put  Since these Colts come with a poly mainspring housing, the simple fix is the same style from EGW:  But let's not forget more mags! 
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Originally Posted By bad2006z71: I bought a 01992 because I wanted a Magnum/Longmirish looking 1911 but don't shoot 45 much anymore. https://i.imgur.com/DTkaC3ih.jpg?1 I'll get in touch with Colt to see how to get one of these eventually |