It's mostly just cosmetic, since I've never had an issue shooting it I've got no complaints, shoots fine, locks up fine, I'd imagine that one would check out the function/lockup like any other Colt. some are great, some are so so. It's the only Talo I own and if it wasn't the Colt logo/horsie one I'd have probably passed. As it is, I don't regret the purchase.