[jeremiah]

I am looking ot buy a new Colt and wonder how they are doing coming from those who know? Please share experiences and opinions. :)

[boofus]

My first Colt was a Delta Elite so it's sort of a 1911. The thing was terrible. Every two or three rounds and it would jam. The extractor would slip off the rim of the shell casing and leave it in the chamber. Then the next round would ride up the ramp and mash the spent shell and lock up the slide.

It sure did look pretty though, but I didn't feel like it was reliable enough for a good time at the range, much less carry.

If for some reason I get tricked into buying another 1911 pattern pistol it will probably be a Kimber.

[HankB]

I had a Colt Mk IV Series '70 Government Model - if your dictionary has an illustration for "Jammamatic" this POS ought to be it. It was a rare event if it made it though a magazine of hardball without jamming.

Worse, was Colt's factory NON service - repeated trips for warranty work (with me paying shipping each time) resulted in NO repeat NO improvement. :cuss:

This made me vow never to buy another Colt . . . and I haven't.

I understand they're making some pistols that actually work now, but with other - quality! - suppliers to choose from, I see no need to get another pony pistol.

[Rob96]

I have a stainless NRM Colt 1991A1, and an old roll mark 1991A1. Both have rpoven to be totally reliable and extremely accurate in their stock configuration.

[cslinger]

NRM Colt 1991A1 here. Basic bone stock gun. Very very reliable, no break in period needed, beautiful bluing. Big thumbs up from me.

Chris

[Black Majik]

The NRM Colt Government was my first pistol. It's absolutely fun to shoot.

I rate it: 10 out of 10. :D

[wildehond]

I have a Series 70 Mark IV. It is the only Auto I own and I carry it everyday for the last two years. I had a CZ75 before that. It is very reliable and I love it.

wildehond

[John Forsyth]

In the last two years, one XSE LW Commander, one new issue S70, and one NRM SS S80. All have worked right out of the box, accurate enough for me, and no FTF or FTE with my reloads. The S70 is just downright beautiful.

Thinking about getting myself a new S80 Goverment model in .38Super for my birthday next month.

[SouthpawShootr]

Depends on what you're interested in. I have no experience with the new guns, but I have 3 older Colts. A Government Model purchased in the late '80s, a 1991 Commander purchased somewhere in the mid-90s, and a stainless Officer's ACP from the about the same period. All have done well. My Government wasn't impressive until I put Bomars on it (the original sights stunk, to put it nicely). You'd think I dopped in a match barrel. Accuracy was phenomenal. The Commander did as well. Officer's was acceptable accuracy-wise. Fit and finish on all were excellent, particularly on my Government model. Very nice high luster blue.

[BamBam-31]

Only experience I have with Colts is w/ my buddy's NRM Colt 1991. Basic gun, lack of beavertail means it bites my hand. Frame-slide fit was loose. Trigger was heavy and creepy. Sights were small and hard to use. Accuracy was average. No failures of any kind, however, and the finish was great. It is a beautiful gun to look at. If it were mine, though, I'd have quite a bit of work done on it. Novak sights, beavertail grip safety, and a trigger job at least.

[photo_guy]

I've got a S70 Colt 1911a1 in 9mm that has been very reliable. It did need some tweaking when I first got it but it was used so it is likely the prior owner did something to it and I can't attribute it to Colt quality. I have put many thousand rounds through it without any issues.

I also have a Colt S70 repro that has been A-OK out of the box. Hasn't seen a lot of use yet but so far, so good.

[nhhillbilly]

I have an 1911 70's has been a great gun. This is an from the 70's though. MY M4 look a like from 2000 works great. I know this is not a handgun but the quality is there.

[Wildalaska]

If you are lucky enough to get a new Colt, you are getting perhaps the finest 1911 pistol made since the glory days of the 20s and 30s.

The finest 1911 on the market today, bar none.

An opinion held by not only us, but by numerous custom smiths.

We have the wherewithal to sell any 1911s we want. We chose to sell Colts, despite all the delays in gettin them. They are worth waiting for. Nothing on the market compares.

End of story

Flame
Discuss

Wildpony'sbehindAlaska

[mcmoyer]

I have two 1911's...both NRM, one Government model & one a Commander. Both are just great...quality all the way...have not had a failure in either. Have I said that I like them a lot??

:D :D

And they are indeed beautiful to behold.

[nero45acp]

I've owned a Kimber, 2 SA's, a Dan Wesson, and 3 Colts. The Colts are/were more reliable than the others. Despite the fact that they are looser than the others, the Colts are every bit as accurate as any 1911 I've ever shot. My Colt M1911A1 WW2 Reproduction is the only 1911 I've ever owned that has been 100% reliable out of the box.


nero

[StephenT]

In my experience, Colt makes a quality products, at least for the guns I've owned. I've got a very reliable commander size 1991A1 in stainless that has been extremely accurate. With checkered wood grips, it's my favorite 45 right now. However, I did have a gunsmith get rid of the plastic and lighten up the gritty trigger pull. It's a great gun now.

[Ala Dan]

Well I haven't owned an offical Colt auto-loader in a while; but when I
did, they served me well. Here are the ones that I put my faith in quite
a few year's ago:

a) .45 cal steel Combat Commander
b) .45 cal Lightweight (CLW) Commander
d) several .45 cal 70 series Colt Government models
e) 2x 70 series .45 cal Colt Gold Cup National Match Guns

*FootNote: the first two on the list, I stole for $125 each.

Like I said, all of them were fine weapons. Wish I had 'em all again. On
the lighter side, I even owned a Colt Jr. 22 cal short auto-loader that
served me well. I just never trusted that caliber at all. So all in all, I
will have to give the old Colt's a thumbs up! :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Black_Talon]

Had a couple of Series 70's back in the late '70's, also had a couple of lwt Commanders and a steel Commander in the late '70's/early '80's. All worked just fine right out of the box, but of course I had to "customize" them a bit anyway. Fast-forward through a bunch of Springfields to a couple of years ago when I got an ORM Series 80. It's also been very trouble-free and is quite accurate, right out of the box.

It's safe to say that my experience with Colt-made 1911's has been very positive.

[Stevie-Ray]

My first was 1903 Pocket Auto .32 ACP. Handed down to me when my father died, I have fired it very little. About 2 boxes worth. Not very reliable, and not very accurate. But it has sentimental value. Next was a Mark IV series 80 which was ultra-reliable, but alas, not very accurate. I customized it myself for pin shooting. It is now the most accurate gun I own, and my pride and joy. Next was a Delta Elite. Only thing I've done to it was make it prettier than it already was by putting ivory polymer grips on it. It has been and is a perfect weapon, flawless in reliability, accurate, and fun to shoot. It is also the weapon I would keep if I had to give up all others, as indicated in one or two threads.

If they weren't so expensive, I'd probably have a dozen. Even so, I'm sure I'm not done buying Colts.

[10-Ring]

I started a few years ago w/ a stock 1991 that soon turned into a project that went wrong. Late last year I bought an XSE that has been absolutely awesome! Recommend Colt products highly & to leave the tinkering to the pros!

[wally]

I've three Colts 1911s purchased new in the early to mid 80's

First was what is now called Series 70 Government model. This has been my worst out of the box experience with any new handgun, but I learned a lot fixing it and its been very reliable since. Factory extractor broke circa 1995 after very many thousands of rounds -- I used to shoot IPSC with it. Would have been a much easier fix if forums like this existed back then!

Second was Series 80 Government model. Fine out of the box but had a defective slide lock that would seemingly randomly lock back prematurely with any ammo. Replaced it and the gun has been fine since.

Last was a Series 80 Officers ACP. No problems with it whatsoever.

--wally.

[stans]

I have two genuine Colt 1911's. The first is a Colt that was assembled by an armorer in the U.S. Army. The slide and frame are mismatched as are many of the small parts. It has been very reliable and is reasonably accurate. My other Colt 1911 is a stainless steel Delta Elite. It has been a flawless performer, ultra reliable (will even feed a whole magazine of empty cases), and can hold groups of around 3 inches at 25 yards.

[Dorrin79]

I own two 1911 type pistols, a Springfield mil-spec and a Charles Daly EMS (4") I recently acquired.

The Springfield's gone about 800rds to date with no troubles, with the original extractor.

The Daly, which is a surprisingly well-fit and accurate little gun, has been good through 200 rds; I had a few failures to extract/eject with the mags that came with the gun, but using my wolff-upgraded chip mccormick's, it's been fine.

Both are good pistols; good trigger, accurate. Neither, of course, is a BHP. But that's another thread. :neener:

[Lt. G]

I shot my father's Colt at the young age of eleven. I was in awe. I currently own 7 Colt 45 in 70s series, CCO, WWI, WWI repros, Delta Elite SS, Sistemias

All run great no failures and dead nuts on target. My Coilt rifles are the same.

I find all of them easy to disassemble and put back together. Great weapons.

Don't get me wrong my safe also has Kimbers, Sig 220, 245s, Para-Ords, Glocks all in 45 caliber.

They just don't see as much playtime as my Colts.

Buy it, if you don't like it sell it to me, <grin>

[Rob96]

The Colts are/were more reliable than the others. Despite the fact that they are looser than the others, the Colts are every bit as accurate as any 1911 I've ever shot.

"Looser" is actually original spec which translates into reliability. The accuracy comes from the good barrel to slide fit that Colt does. I shot my stainless Colt side by side with my Brothers Kimber Custom Classic. I used the same ammo from the same boxes (2 or 3 different kinds). I could not get the Kimber to group like the Colt, despite the Kimbers tight fit. But it did have a couple failures. :neener:

[TRK2AJK]

i always fall for the horsey.
i hate buying colts because 1st they need a new mainspring housing, then a trigger, maybe a new hammer, then a beavertail, dehorning, sights etc. . . blahblahblah
i still cannot see myself buying a skimber, stringfield, or any other COPY as long as i can get the real thing. :D :neener:

;) i think this comes from my father who carried a satin commander for as long as i can remember. he still has it and oneday it will have a place of honor in my safe.

[1911Tuner]

Mine has been very good overall. From USGI Colts that range from 90 years old to the present, they've been very good on average...if we can discount the early Series 70 era when they were in some sorta transition. Quality was
a hit and miss proposition then. The guns ranged from very-good-to-excellent
all the way to near-hopeless junk.

Flat statement:

Most functional issues are simple to correct. Too many people get a new
pistol that produces a stoppage or jam 4 or 5 times, get nervous about it and
give up on the gun...when the problem likely could have been corrected in 30 minutes or less About 90% of the time, it was due to incorrect extractor tension or geometry...or magazine trouble. The fault lies squarely on the manufacturer in these instances...for failing to provide a proper extractor and/or magazine. Not our fault, and our having to correct the problems
is a travesty...but there it is.

I bought two of the early 1991-A1s when they were introduced. Both guns had functional issues out of box. Both were corrected in about 30 minutes total for the pair. I can't recall the last malfunction that I've had with either...and I've put tens of thousands of reloads with my funky home-cast bullets through'em. I clean the guns about every 2500 rounds, whether they need it or not.

Just my nickel's worth...YMMV

Luck!

[tkosiba]

I just purchsed a new Colt series 70 stainless steel. It's a very nice gun in terms of accuracy, finish and somewhat more unique due to limited production. However, my intent was to enhance or modify it to a higher level. If I was looking for an "out of the box" gun with the most value and functionality, I would buy a Kimber (which I own the stainless target).

[Zach S]

Rate your experiece with Colt 1911.
Dont have any, but my 1991A1 has never failed me:D

I clean the guns about every 2500 rounds, whether they need it or not. Do you ever get weird looks when you say that? Ever find yourself in a heated discussion with someone who insists they should be cleaned after each range session? People think I'm crazy because I only clean it if I'm changing the recoil spring, somewhere between 1500 and 2000 rounds.

or was 2500 a typo?

[mec]

My series 70 went 900 rounds and then became unreliable. I've had a series 80 stainless and still have a series 80 Enhanced Gold cup and have shot a series 1991.

The 80s and 1991 proved very reliable. The factory had put the proper tension on the extrators and even beveled the lower inside hook as they should be. The 1991 AI is accurate with all loads. Both Series 80s would throw 230 grain ball ammo in five to seven inch groups at 25 yards but would cut the x ring with 185 grain match loads and quite a few 200 grain factory and hand loads. I never have figured that out but had ten ring precision fix up the Gold cup to the point that it shot very well with ball.

I have no idea how they are doing right now but, over the years, I had some contact with customer service.- I lost a couple of passive firing pin safety springs and Colt donated replacements to me free of charge. I thought that was nice.
http://www.gunpix.com/gallery/Handguns/Semi-Autos/gcoil.jpg
The roll pin on the rear sight let go and I replaced it with a solid pin made from an allen wrench. Later, Ten Ring replaced the sight with the Wilson Combat. On those occasions that I'm in the mood to carry an Autopistol, the Gold cup inspires confidence. I have a supply of 8 round Wilsons Mags generally loaded down one round.

[jeremiah]

Thanks for the responses. It helps much. I am looking at a xse govt blued with all the extras for 700.00. Good price or not? There is a combat commander xse for the same price also nice. Decisions...decisions....

[45auto]

mec:

How do you like the Wilson sight on the Gold Cup? I have a GC and I'm considering one.

Thanks

Edit: mec, thanks for the reply.

[mec]

It seems to be a very fine piece of work. i asked alex at 10 ring if it was really an improvement on the Colt Gold cup sight and he said that it was. That is good enough for me as he really does know his 1911s. Im satisfied with its adjustments and it has stayed on the gun and in one piece.

[Wildalaska]

$700 is an excellent price for a blue XSE....especially considering you even found one...

Right now we are backordered on about 100 Colts......they are working 7 days a week...for 6 days they build M4s...on the 7th day they build a pistol.

WildsnickerAlaska

[jeremiah]

wildalaska i can also get a blued goldcup for the same price. iIt would cost me more later for the ambi and grips later,is it that much more accurate than a standard gov;t model? thanks to all by the way....This weapon is for range mostly but also for carry. I have a great Defender for carry.

[Wildalaska]

My personal taste would be the XSE

WildbutithinkcourtneyloveishotwhatdoiknowabouttasteAlaska

[Jspy]

I have more Colts than any other 1911 style pistols, and they are all reliable. They run from a hard- chromed Spcl Combat Govt. down to the NRM Govt. which I consider a real good value for the quality. Also have an XSE Combat Commander which I would recommend. I've had the hots for the XS Series but haven't been able to find any at reasonable prices. I do have one of the early XS style Defenders which is my carry gun. Also would like to find one of the Combat Elites. Currently I have Colts in the following calibers: 9MM, 38 Super, 9x23, and of course 45 Auto. My 10MM is a Dan Wesson Razorback.

[Michael_2112]

I have an ORM 1991a1 commander. The pistol is put together great, and it is actually put together fairly tight. I originally wanted to do lots of mods to it, but it runs 100% right out of the box. You can't mess with that.

I now have about 2000 rounds through it, and havent had a single hiccup.

I strongly suggest the prancing pony!

Mike


P.S. The XSE is really nice. My best friend has one and his has been 100% reliable as well. Good choice, and $700 seems like a great price. I kinda prefer the commander length 1911's YMMV.

[tex_n_cal]

1. ORM 1991A1 - always reliable and accurate, if homely
2. Enhanced Gold Cup - outshoots the more expensive S1 Kimber it replaced, superb pistol
3. Defender, had its quirks (ejection into the forehead :cuss: ) but fine with the ammo it prefers
4. Stainless NRM Gov't - terrific pistol with some minor cosmetic flaws
5. another one like the above - no flaws, it is unfired in the safe and will stay that way
6. Customized .45 LW Commander - a used problem child when I got it, needed extractor tuning only - it has now become my 9mm LW Commander project
7. Enhanced blue 38 Super - accurate and reliable
8. Early Delta Elite - reliable, but inaccurate. I installed a Bar-Sto barrel and it is now a champ for accuracy and reliability
9. Elite Ten/Forty - just got it, accurate, reliable, and :cool:
10. Double Eagle .40 Commander - a dog, but it's not a 1911, now, is it? :D

edit to add: I really like the XSE's too, I've not heard of a bad one, and I think you will like it. Ya know as much as the old Colts are legendary weapons of honor, the American Katana, and possess remarkable worksmanship, I find myself lusting more for new ones, than old ones :)

[MICHAEL T]

lets see i guess :D :D :D :D