1911 Essex

[Fat Boy]

I have an opportunity to trade into a 1911-

This is a stainless Colt Commander slide (series 80) on an Essex frame. Everything is Colt except the frame and trigger-

My concern is the Essex frame- I would like to get into a 1911, and this seems like a good opportunity to do that but I don't want to buy (trade into) a gun that has a bad-quality frame. (In my research I have read a few negative comments on Essex frames)

Is there a way I can check out this gun to confirm good or bad about the frame?

Thanks!

 

[MICHAEL T]

No way really You will have a Essex pistol, no matter how much Colt. The frame has the serial number and brand.
It might be a fine pistol but I wouldn't put a lot of money in it That's just my opinion

 

[Captal_de_Buch]

Essex makes a good frame but you'll be buying a parts gun.

Unless you are into building your own 1911s you might want to avoid it.

I'd buy it if the price was right but I "do" 1911's.

Here's my latest build, Essex frame, Colt side and barrel, Chip McCormick and Wilson innards with a random Sarco part here and there.

Target is from 25 yards (75 feet), standing weaver stance.

 

[Kimber92]

I have heard a lot of negatives on not only those frames but the series 80 itself. I personally have a series 70 gov't model and it holds great groups and it hasnt been touched, although I think I am going to have the trigger re-worked.

 

[TexasGunbie]

It depends on what you are putting in the trade.

Many people advertise these as COLT gun on Essex frame with much emphasis on Colt parts in attempt to pass it off as a Colt. Like others have said, it's a gun with SOME Colt parts.
So to me, it's worth around 300-500 depending on condition, but if I am to buy one, I would not offer too much for it since there is no way for me to tell the function or condition of the parts. I would never go for one. If I take my time and dig around, I can find 600 dollars Colt somewhere, or trade for a like new 1911 with a lesser brand.

I am not a pro when it comes to 1911, so I avoid these guns where people play around with the parts. You can land yourself in quick sand if you are not a 1911 pro. It will help more if we know what you are trading it with though.

 

[stork]

It all depends on the smith who created it.

I built a hardball 45 on an essex frame 9 years ago and put a national match slide and Kart ezfit bbl. It shoots sub 3" @ 50 yards with match hardball out of my Ransom Rest (not out of my hand). It was good enough to get me distinguished in 3 EIC matches.

If its tight laterally and vertically, timed right, barrel fit tight, with a good trigger and most importantly the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate.

How much does he want for it? From my poor experience with stock Colt 1911's over the last 30 years, Id rather have a tight Essex than a loose Colt. Don't get me wrong, Colt makes excellent parts-they just don't seem to give a darn about fitting them together well.

And, as previously mentioned, its not a Colt-its a 1911 with some Colt parts.

FWIW

 

[Fat Boy]

Thanks to each person for the replies- I passed on the deal as described. However, I ran across another "frankengun?" in a local shop today. This is an essex frame (silver color- stainless, or some alloy?) with an Ithaca slide on it. The price on this gun with 2 magazines is $535. The trigger is adjustable, I think; has the allen key opening in the front; the slide isn't loose at all; sights are some type of night sight variation...I wonder if this is too much money for the gun? Thanks again!

 

[MICHAEL T]

Go buy a Rock island or a American Classic Then you will have a new 1911 for about the same price and with a warranty to boot .

I prefer the American Classic Deluxe it has a better finish than the Rock . Its also a little tighter. They are both great pistols for about 500.
The American Classic is 1911 compatible as is the Rock Island

 

[Jed Carter]

Allen screw in trigger is for over travel after the hammer breaks, too much screw and the pistol will not fire.
Many "frankenguns" are on the block for a reason, they don't shoot straight or cycle properly, caveat emptor.
Centerfire Systems in KY has a "match" Rock Island for $560 and the mispec for $380. http://centerfiresystems.com

 

[bannockburn]

Fat Boy

I have an Essex frame that I used to build a .38 Super with, fitting a Colt slide and barrel to it. The biggest problem I had with the Essex frame is that none of the holes in it were true; every one of them required extensive filing to get them to line up properly on the other side. All this without removing too much metal so as not to deform the hole itself. Other than that, the frame has held up very well over the years (unlike it's bluing which started to rust a short while after I got it), and the Colt slide on top has also been working fine with decent enough accuracy and complete reliabilty.

As for buying someone else's "creation"; unless you know who built it and can have a chance to put the gun through its paces, you're really buying into a whole lot of variables that may cost you more money to make it right. If it were me, I would probably pass on both Essex framed guns and get a new RIA Tactical if I were in the market for a M1911 on a budget.