Glocker
Member
Thinking of getting a Colt officers model, never had a .45ACP. Who's got one and likes it, who's had one a hated it? Feed back please, as always...Thanks for your help.
Colt .45 ACP
- Thread starter Glocker
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Winnisimmet
Member
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2004
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- 24
Had a stainless officer's model years ago
In the 1980s, I used to pack that Officer's Model .45 and it functioned perfectly with Black Talon rounds and other odd defensive ammo. Forget whether it was a model 70 or 80? Don't remember too what happened to that gun, but may have traded it in for something else along the way. Having carried a full size Model 1911 for many years, the slightly smaller Officer's Model was better to manage as a concealed piece. Shot every round without malfunction and I even used that Officer's Model 45 a couple of times at a pistol range plate shoot.
In the 1980s, I used to pack that Officer's Model .45 and it functioned perfectly with Black Talon rounds and other odd defensive ammo. Forget whether it was a model 70 or 80? Don't remember too what happened to that gun, but may have traded it in for something else along the way. Having carried a full size Model 1911 for many years, the slightly smaller Officer's Model was better to manage as a concealed piece. Shot every round without malfunction and I even used that Officer's Model 45 a couple of times at a pistol range plate shoot.
ReadyontheRight
Member
Great choice! It's still all steel and fairly heavy, so the recoil is not too bad.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Also, I had a stainless Colt Officers Model .45 ACP back in the late 80's.
Functioned flawlessly, even with JHP ammunition. I ended up letting a
very dear lady friend purchase that gun from me; another mistake~!
Wish I had it back, but its in good use cuz she is a assistant DA working
in the Jefferson County (AL) district attorneys office~!
Functioned flawlessly, even with JHP ammunition. I ended up letting a
very dear lady friend purchase that gun from me; another mistake~!
Wish I had it back, but its in good use cuz she is a assistant DA working
in the Jefferson County (AL) district attorneys office~!
farscott
Member
All Colt Officer's ACP pistols have the Series '80 firing pin safety since they were introduced after the introduction of the Series '80 system. These pistols are no longer in production and have been replaced by the Defender (which is marked as a Series '90 pistol but uses the Series '80 parts). The Officer's ACP pistols were made with both aluminum alloy and steel alloy frames paired with both blued and stainless slides.
The Officer's ACP pistols are famed for launching the recoil spring plugs downrange. There are quite a few aftermarket solutions to the problem. However, I must admit that I have never seen one fail. Still something to keep in mind.
Personally I do not like the short-barreled 1911-variants since they seem to be harder to get running right and go through springs at much faster rates than the full-size pistols. My Defender (an even shorter variant) needed a new recoil spring assembly every five hundred to one thousand rounds. With my shooting schedule, I was changing springs every few months. Unless I had a very special need, I would not go any shorter than the 4.25" Commander. Even with Commanders, I have seen some funky issues which has me rethinking the Commander.
The Officer's ACP pistols are famed for launching the recoil spring plugs downrange. There are quite a few aftermarket solutions to the problem. However, I must admit that I have never seen one fail. Still something to keep in mind.
Personally I do not like the short-barreled 1911-variants since they seem to be harder to get running right and go through springs at much faster rates than the full-size pistols. My Defender (an even shorter variant) needed a new recoil spring assembly every five hundred to one thousand rounds. With my shooting schedule, I was changing springs every few months. Unless I had a very special need, I would not go any shorter than the 4.25" Commander. Even with Commanders, I have seen some funky issues which has me rethinking the Commander.
ScottsGT
Member
Here's mine:
Never had any problems from mine. Now I don't shoot it all the time. Usually take my 5" for range time. But it eats anything you feed it. Still want to do a little more work to it though. Dehorn the edges, better sights, grove the flat top on the slide and hard chrome the slide and stainless parts.
Never had any problems from mine. Now I don't shoot it all the time. Usually take my 5" for range time. But it eats anything you feed it. Still want to do a little more work to it though. Dehorn the edges, better sights, grove the flat top on the slide and hard chrome the slide and stainless parts.
David III
Member
I have two Officer's models. One is a safe queen (belonged to a good friend of mine who died of cancer). I carried the other for several years. Only thing I did was to change the recoil spring plug to one of Clark's drop-in ones. Never had a problem with the stock plug, but heard too many stories about them failing and made me nervous.
Both Officer's have worked fine -- the "safe queen" though will only feed FMJ, but I don't need it to do otherwise. My stainless one feeds most anything.
Recently got a Colt Defender and it's been running great as well. Haven't carried it long enough to comment on whether the lighter weight is worth buying one, but the little gun is amazingly accurate.
I've also owned a Springfield with the 3 1/2" barrel. The only reason I sold it was to buy one of my Colts (just because I like the horse on the side) and I was about broke. If my friend ever wants to sell the Springfield, I'd buy it back (if I had the money....).
Both Officer's have worked fine -- the "safe queen" though will only feed FMJ, but I don't need it to do otherwise. My stainless one feeds most anything.
Recently got a Colt Defender and it's been running great as well. Haven't carried it long enough to comment on whether the lighter weight is worth buying one, but the little gun is amazingly accurate.
I've also owned a Springfield with the 3 1/2" barrel. The only reason I sold it was to buy one of my Colts (just because I like the horse on the side) and I was about broke. If my friend ever wants to sell the Springfield, I'd buy it back (if I had the money....).
FrankU in GA
Member
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2005
- Messages
- 6
Got one in polished SS, Love it!
It was my first Colt and is my fav. I had a couple minor issues, bought it used but have put a little time and $$ into it and it has been a real nice shooter. Very accurate.
I bought it cause I always wanted a REAL Colt. I was given the oportunity to shoot a brand new one by my manager one day and put the first 3 of 5 into the same hole at about 15-18 ft. The last 2 were within an inch and only cause I couldn't believe the first 3. It just felt so good in the hand that I had to have one. It's one I won't part with.
I had the front sight dovetailed because the staked one fell out. Kinda irked me but I am glad it did so I would be forced to put a new front on. I put a Tritium front blade on. The dove tail was very nicely done. I also put in a new extractor because when i first got the gun I would drop in a round and let the slide close on it which I think messed up the extractor causing stove pipes. Since then it has never failed to function. I also had a guide rod and reverse plug put in when I had the sight done.
It has fed standard ball and GD's very well.
I have probably put close to 1000 rounds through it and it has proven pretty accurate. I mostly shoot at the range and would shoot one ragged hole about 3-4" out of the center of the target at about 33' without trying real hard. I did shoot at my brothers place in Tn. and was hitting beer cans at 75' to 100' regularly. Misses were very close.
Overall I really like the gun. It just feels so good in my hand. It feels very solid. It's one I don't plan on getting rid of. It also looks nice with that Horsey on the side.
Frank
It was my first Colt and is my fav. I had a couple minor issues, bought it used but have put a little time and $$ into it and it has been a real nice shooter. Very accurate.
I bought it cause I always wanted a REAL Colt. I was given the oportunity to shoot a brand new one by my manager one day and put the first 3 of 5 into the same hole at about 15-18 ft. The last 2 were within an inch and only cause I couldn't believe the first 3. It just felt so good in the hand that I had to have one. It's one I won't part with.
I had the front sight dovetailed because the staked one fell out. Kinda irked me but I am glad it did so I would be forced to put a new front on. I put a Tritium front blade on. The dove tail was very nicely done. I also put in a new extractor because when i first got the gun I would drop in a round and let the slide close on it which I think messed up the extractor causing stove pipes. Since then it has never failed to function. I also had a guide rod and reverse plug put in when I had the sight done.
It has fed standard ball and GD's very well.
I have probably put close to 1000 rounds through it and it has proven pretty accurate. I mostly shoot at the range and would shoot one ragged hole about 3-4" out of the center of the target at about 33' without trying real hard. I did shoot at my brothers place in Tn. and was hitting beer cans at 75' to 100' regularly. Misses were very close.
Overall I really like the gun. It just feels so good in my hand. It feels very solid. It's one I don't plan on getting rid of. It also looks nice with that Horsey on the side.
Frank
Ric
Member
got one. one of my favorites
StrikeEagle
Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2004
- Messages
- 709
I have a Colt Double Eagle Officer's Model. Jammed when I got it, took it back to Colt. Still jammed, took it back again.
Seems to work now if everything is clean and oiled just right and the moon and tides are in the correct position.
But somehow... I like the little freak. It's small and reasonably accurate. I guess what I really like is the IDEA of a very small, concealable .45.
I guess, though, in the final analysis, they aren't worth messing with. Sigh. Stick with Commander size, minimum. That's what I'd do if I had it to do over.
StrikeEagle
Seems to work now if everything is clean and oiled just right and the moon and tides are in the correct position.
But somehow... I like the little freak. It's small and reasonably accurate. I guess what I really like is the IDEA of a very small, concealable .45.
I guess, though, in the final analysis, they aren't worth messing with. Sigh. Stick with Commander size, minimum. That's what I'd do if I had it to do over.
StrikeEagle
Kramer Krazy
Member
I've got a 1981 matte finish Officers that I bought in a pawn shop back in 1993 or so. It was nothing but headaches and problems....I had FTF and FTE issues.....until 1911Tuner got a hold of it last year. There were a few things that were out of tolerance on the slide, but those were massaged to near extinction. I used to have a failure almost every magazine, but I've only had 3 or so failures in somewhere around 500 rounds. I think those were my fault. Possibly limp-wristing or something. I will say that the little blaster was not 1911Tuner's best friend and it was bull-headed as anything. I still like the little gun, and would love to have another, but I'll probably get a Commander-sized one, if I ever buy another 1911. BTW, I have a 70's Gold Cup, 1989 Goverment Model, and a RIA 1911-A1, also. For some odd reason, I prefer to shoot my Officers, though.
DPD06
Member
I love all things 1911 and have had an opportunity to fire a friends Officer model. Excellent pistol and reliable...Yes, I did mention 1911 and reliable in the same sentence.
BluesBear
member
Ahhh yes the Officers ACP...
Some work some don't.
It's the luck of the draw.
I have actually seen fewer problems with the less expensive and lesser finished Colt M1991A1 Compact models. Same as the Officers ACP just a different name. The OACPs all wore nicer finishes.
When you get the barrel shorter than 4¼" things start changing pretty quickly.
All sorts of spring tension problems arise. The angle the barrel drop angle changes and everything just gets a little more intollerent of anything being a teensy bit off kilter.
Don't get me wrong, I love them. An Officers ACP in somewhere in my future. And just like the Detonics that insprired them, they can be made to run. Some just involve a little more hair pulling and cussing than others.
Some work some don't.
It's the luck of the draw.
I have actually seen fewer problems with the less expensive and lesser finished Colt M1991A1 Compact models. Same as the Officers ACP just a different name. The OACPs all wore nicer finishes.
When you get the barrel shorter than 4¼" things start changing pretty quickly.
All sorts of spring tension problems arise. The angle the barrel drop angle changes and everything just gets a little more intollerent of anything being a teensy bit off kilter.
Don't get me wrong, I love them. An Officers ACP in somewhere in my future. And just like the Detonics that insprired them, they can be made to run. Some just involve a little more hair pulling and cussing than others.
get it
are you talking officer's model 45acp or the newer lw defender?
I have an officer's model and like it, but recommend you do this...
a) give the feed ramp a mild throating and polishing
b) replace the factory recoil system with one of the better after-market types available through brownell's...
this is not NECESSARY, but are nice options...with the short action
these will help insure good function with a variety of ammo.....
BUT, I think you will like the gun...expect it to be a handful at first, but
a fun thing to shoot and a comfort to own.
are you talking officer's model 45acp or the newer lw defender?
I have an officer's model and like it, but recommend you do this...
a) give the feed ramp a mild throating and polishing
b) replace the factory recoil system with one of the better after-market types available through brownell's...
this is not NECESSARY, but are nice options...with the short action
these will help insure good function with a variety of ammo.....
BUT, I think you will like the gun...expect it to be a handful at first, but
a fun thing to shoot and a comfort to own.
3 Colt 1911s...ALL excellent
I have owned the following three Colt 1911s:
1) WWI Reproduction (Carbonia)
2) WWII Series 70 Reproduction (Stainless)**
3) XSE Series 80 (Stainless)
ALL of my Colts are excellent. I admit, I did sell my XSE. Sorry. I just had too many guns. At the time, I think I had in the order of 12 model 1911s. Not only did I have a difficult time storing them, they tended to be so tightly packed that I would easily scratch them taking them out, putting them away.
I have NEVER had a Colt fail me...ever. Now, I am in the market for one final 1911...it will be a 4 1/4 inch Colt (Stanless Steel Officer's model).
**My concealed carry piece is usually the STS Series 70 and/or my Glock 17.
Doc2005
I have owned the following three Colt 1911s:
1) WWI Reproduction (Carbonia)
2) WWII Series 70 Reproduction (Stainless)**
3) XSE Series 80 (Stainless)
ALL of my Colts are excellent. I admit, I did sell my XSE. Sorry. I just had too many guns. At the time, I think I had in the order of 12 model 1911s. Not only did I have a difficult time storing them, they tended to be so tightly packed that I would easily scratch them taking them out, putting them away.
I have NEVER had a Colt fail me...ever. Now, I am in the market for one final 1911...it will be a 4 1/4 inch Colt (Stanless Steel Officer's model).
**My concealed carry piece is usually the STS Series 70 and/or my Glock 17.
Doc2005
BBBCTC
Member
45ACP--The Old Dog For A Reason
In this case, older is DEFINITELY better.
The round, in and of itself, is more inherently accurate than other duty calibres. It also has been found to be a better manstopper in hardball than the others. Using El Dorado/Hornady/Cor Bon big mouth hollowpoint, you're talking about some real serious hurt on the bad guys.
The 1911 platform (regardless of size) is a format that has proved itself so good, many law enforcement agencies and more than half of the armed forces' ops corps are going BACK to it. It simply WORKS.
Gitcha one, love it, feed it good ammo, and it'll save your bacon.
In this case, older is DEFINITELY better.
The round, in and of itself, is more inherently accurate than other duty calibres. It also has been found to be a better manstopper in hardball than the others. Using El Dorado/Hornady/Cor Bon big mouth hollowpoint, you're talking about some real serious hurt on the bad guys.
The 1911 platform (regardless of size) is a format that has proved itself so good, many law enforcement agencies and more than half of the armed forces' ops corps are going BACK to it. It simply WORKS.
Gitcha one, love it, feed it good ammo, and it'll save your bacon.
Glocker, the Officer's ACP does have its place. It is a fine CCW weapon, can be made reliable and is accurate for defensive distances. Its excellent size is perfect when used under a sport coat or business suit.
As others have mentioned, the recoil spring requires frequent replacement.
I do not enjoy shooting my Officer's ACP for more than 100 rounds during practice. Nor, do I carry it when traveling through brush or desert terrain.
Whereas I find limits to its use, I cannot say the same for either the Commander or Government size pistols. Either of these two sizes can be used for every purpose for which I carry a pistol.
As others have mentioned, the recoil spring requires frequent replacement.
I do not enjoy shooting my Officer's ACP for more than 100 rounds during practice. Nor, do I carry it when traveling through brush or desert terrain.
Whereas I find limits to its use, I cannot say the same for either the Commander or Government size pistols. Either of these two sizes can be used for every purpose for which I carry a pistol.
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ulflyer
Member
Give the Defender a close look. They seem to be more trouble free. I bought mine used and it functions perfectly. Pretty darn accurate too.
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