Less-than-Impressed with My Newest Colt 1911 Series 70 Reissue

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Geno

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What effect has a receiver that is not flat? Is this Colt receiver’s wavy surface 1) merely cosmetic defect, or 2) substantive to accuracy? I ask because this pistol’s stainless steel twin, which has a flawless receiver, is not only accurate, it is consistently accurate. This carbon version is hit-or-miss at best. When I broke it down to clean after the first 100 rounds, this is what I discovered. The waves are actually quite deep, and very noticeable when felt with the finger tips. My question: does this new pistol need to go back to Colt for a new receiver, or am I over-reacting and expecting perfection? Note, I have broken down all of my other 1911s, and none of them is wavy. All of the other receivers are beautiful, and perfectly flat, etc.

All feedback appreciated,

Doc2005

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I'd send it back! Just out of cosmetic reasons. I've seen a few Colts slip through QC, that's not the worst I've seen. The WW II recreations aren't known for thier accuracy, weather made by Colt or SA.

Being a 1911 guy I probly don't need to tell you this.

As far as accuracy, I had a SA GI; 98% of the accuracy issues were in the almost 18# trigger pull (I'm not kidding), did a home trigger job on her to 6#'s, added a EGW bushing and then swapped barrel links to tighten her up a bit, she started to chew knot holes with all 7 rounds, holding 2" groups at 25yrds, even with an extreamly loose slide to frame fitment. I sold the GI in favor of a SA Mil Spec for the base to the wifes NRA Hard Ball gun.
 
I don't know that the irregularities on the top of the frame would make that much of an impact on accuracy, however: to me it looks like a strong indicator of the overall quality, fit and finish of the weapon. Yes, I would send it back.

I haven't bought a colt newer than 1975 and will still throw up my 1967 GCNM against anything that has come out under the colt name in the last 30 years... I recently looked at a NIB 1972 Series 70 Gold Cup $1,200.00 and that isn't much more than what they are selling current issues for. If and when I buy another colt, it will be another oldie.
 
I agree. Even if it does not effect accuracy, it has a negative affect. The majority of 1911 guys and gals would take one look at the receiver, feel it and say...that's crappy! I just noticied this a day or two ago, and so I haven't had time to call Colt. I think I'll take it back to Double Action in Madison Heights where I bought it, and let them get after Colt. I can't see me paying nearly $1,000.00 for the pistol, then paying $60.00 for shipping when it wasn't my "doing".

This defect, to me, is seriously disappointing! That statement should be pacifying to the many Kimber owners who get upset at my criticisms based on my 5 defective Kimbers. I will go one step farther and say that this defect exceeds anything I had experienced with any of my Kimbers. That is a pretty profound condemnation, at least from me.

Thanks all for your feedback, and any future posts.

Doc2005
 
Call Colt and they will refund you any shipping cost you incur getting the gun back to them. Pen them a a nice letter explaining that you want the pistol replaced and they will get you a new gun.

Everyone sends a lemon out every now and then. To me its more about what they do once they have screwed up. Colt will make it right.
 
I expect they will refinish the top surface if that would still leave it within spec and reblue it and sell it. I can't see how that would effect accuracy, but it would bother me too.
 
Doc, in my one experience with Colt customer service they went far beyond the bounds of good support. A couple of years ago they replaced the slide on a 25-year-old limited edition 1911 that developed a problem. What they did was produce a new slide with the old rollmark and refit that slide to the frame. I did pay the shipping cost to them. Didn't bother me. Still doesn't.

Don't be put off if the customer support contact person refuses to commit to free repair or replacement over the telephone. My own experience is that it's standard procedure to be non-commital until after they have the gun in hand.

For what it's worth, I've never been dissatisfied with the treatment I've had from customer support by any firearms manufacturer. They've all done well by me, including Kimber.
 
Thanks Robert. Your input is also greatly appreciated!

Doc2005
 
I thought all current-production Colts were made in-house by Colt, here in the good ol' USA.

Doc2005
 
They have a plant in CA. You will see some rifles marked made in Canada.

I have not see a pistol made anywhere but the US.
 
:D Time to locate a new place to purchase firearms.

Doc2005
 
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When you write your letter to Colt, just remember to separate your frustrations with Colt from your frustrations with Double Action. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar and a particularly scathing letter will do little to grease the wheels in a situation where they ultimately have all the power.
 
Eldon519: Amen to that!!! :) Think I'll take a break before I start writing.

Richard: What is the owner's name?

Thanks,

Doc2005
 
Doc why don't you give Cindy a hollar at Colt in the morning and talk to her about it, she is great to deal with?
Are yall sure Colt has a factory in California? I know of Colt Canada but have never heard they had a plant in Ca.
 
Hey Hunter:

I've been waiting to hear from you for your take! Thank-you for the suggestion. I will call her, and drop your name if that is okay with you.

Appreciated,

Geno
 
I would be all over them to fix it...just does not look right...looks like a drunken machinist last worked on it...unacceptable even for Colt....
 
Letter discarded and new one written.
 
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A phone call to Colt would have been better .They might have had picked up . Now you send letter and they will say send it in. Time wasted. Cindy would have been much faster.
 
The dealer offered to ship it back to Colt, and they requested that I write the letter detailing the concerns.

If Colt were to have it picked up, I have to take a day off work waiting for UPS, or take a day off work to drop it at UPS. Also, when returned, I have to take another day off work to receive it from UPS. This happened way, way too many times with my 5 defective Kimbers. Better that the dealer ship it, and I'll call Cindy all the same.

Does the letter seem too harsh? I have not yet printed it, and am simply concerned that the person who receives the letter not feel like they are taking the heat that should rightly go to the negligent "inspector".

Doc2005
 
Just polishing it, I believe there is a grammatical error in the 3rd paragraph.
"I took it home and broke it down to be clean it."

Not a bad letter though. I'd say it's a little harsh with the ultimatum for my taste, but each man does business his own way. I'd say just wait and re-read it tomorrow before you send it to make sure you still feel the same way.
 
Correct on the grammar. Hate to edit my own writing. I agree. Let it set for an evening, then reread.

Thanks,

Doc2005
 
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