Deciding on a new 1911

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Deciding on a new 1911

Posted: 12/16/2010 10:42:22 AM EDT

I've narrowed my choices down to two guns.
The Colt XSE Commander or the Springfield loaded Champion they are within $50 of each other out the door. I know the Colt is made here and the SA is made in Brazil. The SA "looks" to be a better built gun with a few extras the Colt doesn't have but, the Colt is the Colt.

I cannot buy both

LOL and neither is readily avalible through my dealer so I'll have to wait a little bit either way. So which one should I get?

Posted: 12/16/2010 11:20:07 AM EDT

[#1]

I'm a big Springfield fan, but I dislike the 4" bull barrels.

Colt all the way because the Commander is an excellent set-up.

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Posted: 12/16/2010 11:22:34 AM EDT

[#2]

No comparison, Colt Commander XSE

Posted: 12/16/2010 12:25:08 PM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
No comparison, Colt Commander XSE

Yup, right again.

I'd take the Colt if only because I try hard to buy American. Not easy, but I try.

Posted: 12/16/2010 2:05:15 PM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:

Quoted:
No comparison, Colt Commander XSE

Yup, right again.

+2

Posted: 12/16/2010 3:48:37 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
No comparison, Colt Commander XSE

This^

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:06:17 PM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:

Quoted:
No comparison, Colt Commander XSE

This^

+ another one

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:08:23 PM EDT

[#7]

Colt.

/thread

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:13:17 PM EDT

[#8]

I vote for Springfield. Haven't been impressed with most of the recent Colt 1911s I've seen. Thumb safety would click up with hammer down so the slide would not move on the last two Colt's I had, same with the ones I've seen in shops. Slide has more wobble than I care for, even though this doesn't really matter. Recoil spring cap was crooked on my last one a well. These didn't effect function but just wanted to let you know before you buy. Colt slide felt smoother than most of my Springfield guns, trigger was better also.

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:18:43 PM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:
I vote for Springfield. Haven't been impressed with most of the recent Colt 1911s I've seen. Thumb safety would click up with hammer down so the slide would not move on the last two Colt's I had, same with the ones I've seen in shops. Slide has more wobble than I care for, even though this doesn't really matter. Recoil spring cap was crooked on my last one a well. These didn't effect function but just wanted to let you know before you buy. Colt slide felt smoother than most of my Springfield guns, trigger was better also.

Colts are subject to one major caveat: if you can't lay your hands on it you don't buy it (unless potential for reward > risk to you).

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:23:08 PM EDT

[#10]

Ed Brown S.F. Carry

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:31:07 PM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
Ed Brown S.F. Carry

That's a little out of my price range.

It looks like I was on track with the Colt, I only added the SA after I couldn't find the Colt. Turns out I can't find either! I'll order the Colt and wait I guess.
$890 out the door a good price?

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:35:01 PM EDT

[#12]

My new range officer springfield is marked made in usa, and I was told it's also hand fitted here?

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:46:09 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:

My new range officer springfield is marked made in usa, and I was told it's also hand fitted here?

Slide and frame were forged in Brazil and finished in USA. NM serial means less than 80% of the work is done in Brazil, N serial means over 80% of the work is done in Brazil (just what I read on another site, someone called and customer service gave them this answer).
$890 sounds right.

EDIT: I am mistaken, it is 50%, not 80%.

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:51:22 PM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:

Quoted:

My new range officer springfield is marked made in usa, and I was told it's also hand fitted here?

Slide and frame were forged in Brazil and finished in USA. NM serial means less than 80% of the work is done in Brazil, N serial means over 80% of the work is done in Brazil (just what I read on another site, someone called and customer service gave them this answer).

$890 sounds right.

It should be more/less than 50%, not 80%, per ATF guidelines.

Posted: 12/16/2010 4:56:18 PM EDT

[#15]

Quoted:

Quoted:

My new range officer springfield is marked made in usa, and I was told it's also hand fitted here?

Slide and frame were forged in Brazil and finished in USA. NM serial means less than 80% of the work is done in Brazil, N serial means over 80% of the work is done in Brazil (just what I read on another site, someone called and customer service gave them this answer).

$890 sounds right.

It should be more/less than 50%, not 80%, per ATF guidelines.

You're right, it is 50%.

This is why it's important to put a disclaimer at the end of everything you say.

Posted: 12/16/2010 5:00:09 PM EDT

[#16]

I voted SA...I'm pretty damned proud of mine.

Posted: 12/16/2010 5:18:05 PM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:
I voted SA...I'm pretty damned proud of mine.

Both are good production class 1911s, but "commander" > 4" full frame. There is a better balance (IMO), more margin for error for the deviation from spec production pistols are known for, and less upkeep required (compare a suggested recoil spring replacement of 2,000 rds w a mandatory one of 1,500 and bear in mind, many basic store DON'T stock 22# compact springs)

Posted: 12/16/2010 7:25:21 PM EDT

[#18]

My vote: Les Baer Stinger

m

Posted: 12/17/2010 6:18:09 AM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
I voted SA...I'm pretty damned proud of mine.

+1

Posted: 12/17/2010 9:16:31 AM EDT

[#20]

My pusher called and said he has a used (250 rounds) SS Colt Government XSE for $600 out the door. The only thing changed on it are the grips and he has the originals. I really wanted the commander but I really have no intentions of carrying it. What do you think?