Colt 1911 variants

[Zeede]

I've been looking at the Colt website and I can't figure out what the differences are between some of the variants they make. Perhaps if I just tell y'all what I want in a 1911 you can point me to the correct variant.

I want a 1911 as close to the original John Browning design as I can get, except with better sights (they don't have to be adjustable) and the longer beavertail to prevent hammer bite. I don't need a fancy adjustable trigger, 8+1 or 9+1 magazines, bevelled mag wells, none of that is necessary.

Most companies have a 1911A1 listed as a model, but Colt has the original design, then a XSE, a Model 70, a 1991, and a Gold Cup Trophy.

Thanks in advance!

Cameron

 

[Elbeeo]

I want a 1911 as close to the original John Browning design as I can get, except with better sights (they don't have to be adjustable) and the longer beavertail to prevent hammer bite. I don't need a fancy adjustable trigger, 8+1 or 9+1 magazines, bevelled mag wells, none of that is necessary.

Not necessary or not desired? You'll be hard pressed to find something with those exact specs short of getting a base 1991/Series 70 and having some custom work done it.

If you don't mind other extras, such as ambi safeties or adjustable sights, then the Special Combat Government might fit the bill, though I don't know off hand if it has a beavertail or not. I think it has a spur hammer, so you shouldn't get any hammer bite.

 

[mljdeckard]

Keep in mind, with the exception of a few historical reproductions whose manufacturers elude me at the moment, none of them will be 1911 frames, they will all be 1911A1 frames, with the divot cut behind the trigger guard. None of the 1911 or 1911A1 'historical' models will have a beavertail safety. They will all have low mil-spec sights. Their idea is to make it as close to WWI issue as possible. I doubt Colt makes any 1911 framed guns at all. For the spec you are describing, you are looking as a little customizing no matter what.

 

[Sniper X]

Get the series 70 Gold Cup if you have the clams and you'll never be sorry.

 

[Zeede]

I'll be happy with whichever Colt variant has the extended beavertail safety and non-military spec sights. If it has ambi-safeties or beveled mag wells, those are just nice extras, as far as I am concerned.

Cameron

 

[Jim Watson]

Start with a bare bones 1991 and have the Colt "O" package done. That will get you bigger (Novak) sights, a beavertail grip safety, and "dehorning" of sharp edges.

 

[BlindJustice]

What is the difference between the
'70 Series Repro. & 1991A1 Variants?

Randall

 

[Elbeeo]

What is the difference between the
'70 Series Repro. & 1991A1 Variants?

Randall

See here.

In short, the Series 70 are, well, series 70 (original JMB design no firing pin safety) and are generally finished better. The 1991 is a "budget" gun, in general, similar to the Springfield GI that is series 80, unlike the Springfield, but has a cheaper finish (Parkerized instead of Blue, I think).

 

[BlindJustice]

Thanks,

'70 Series Repro it is then.... for a build project

Randall

 

[Zeede]

Looks like the 1991s have the extended beavertail though.

Cameron