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AR15.COM
2/14/2010 4:13:47 PM EDT
What's the better no-frills entry gun?

If I bought one I'd have custom work done on it eventually but I love the old-fashioned look.
2/14/2010 4:18:05 PM EDT
[#1]
I like Springfields but the Colt has better parts quality in the 70 series guns.
2/14/2010 4:26:53 PM EDT
[#2]
If price is close get the colt because its a colt.
2/14/2010 4:32:15 PM EDT
[#3]
It's been a while since I've looked but I remember not being able to find the SA guns anywhere.
2/14/2010 4:54:57 PM EDT
[#4]
I had both products in my hands yesterday. I was doing some work on the Springfield when I was shown a Colt 70 series. The Colt was by far the better eye pleaser in terms of finish. I was later shown a Colt 1911 made in 1913. Recovered from the Korean War, and yes. I said 1911, not 1911a1. Kicken myself for not getting pictures.
2/14/2010 5:06:21 PM EDT
[#5]
I went with a GI Springfield for a ground up.  If I did it again, I'd get a Caspian slide and frame.  If I wanted something as an all out, give to my son pistol, I'd start with a Colt Series 70 or pre Series 70.  I will do just that one day.
2/14/2010 5:13:36 PM EDT
[#6]
I made that choice a long time ago based on a concensus of the owners of both.  (see upper left)

RIA kicks everyone's ass now, though.  Look at their tactical.
2/14/2010 5:50:27 PM EDT
[#7]
I would say which ever you can get the best deal on you are going to end up with a nice basic good to go pistol either way.
2/14/2010 5:58:08 PM EDT
[#8]
If I were going to buy a base 1911, it would be the Colt 1991.  The 70 repo is nice, in fact it is awesome, but other than the roll mark and the firing pin safety, they are the same gun for less cost.
2/14/2010 6:53:12 PM EDT
[#9]
Assuming both same condition and within a cpl hundred bucks (Colt more expensive)

Colt 70 series over Springfield GI. Colt doesn't have any MIM parts and no locks. Colt Series 70 fit and finish was nice.

That said, the GI is a great gun. I have several thousand rounds through mine.
2/14/2010 7:35:02 PM EDT
[#10]
They are both very nice. But, the Colts do look better and appear less bulky due to their lines and contours. The Colts will cost more and do come with some better made all steel parts. However, Colt vs SA is much like Ford vs Chevy; each side will have their strong points. If you are on the fence, go out and see what you like best and get it. Here's another point to consider; the SA is usually cheaper so if you don't want to spend alot on something you just want to try out, then some might argue to go with the SA. However, lets say you get a Colt, but decide you don't want it anymore. Chances are greater that you will get closer to what you paid when selling used vs. the SA.
2/15/2010 5:33:20 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
I made that choice a long time ago based on a concensus of the owners of both.  (see upper left)
RIA kicks everyone's ass now, though.  Look at their tactical.

I'd typically recommend an RIA for a good value 1911, but if you want some high end custom work/an heirloom piece, i'd have to vote colt...i think a worker from heirloom precision (not sure if this is the right company/smith) posts pics, and the colts have something special about them.  if you just want custom as in "swap a few parts out", i'll say RIA.