NIB 1991A1 Colt ORM Parkarized vs. Springfield Mil-Spec

[Brett Byers AKA Slow]

I just was offered a NIB Colt ORM Parkarized 1991A1 for $400.00. It's been locked in the gun safe for years... my dilemma is should I buy this for CCW or spend a little more to get a Springfield Mil-spec. in Parkarized or more $$$ still and get one in Stainless? I'm not sure how long this Colt offer will last...The poll I've posted seems to be in favor of single safety (GI or similiar) and Stainless but I've no decision yet except I'm leaning towards single thumb safety. Thanks for the input
Brett

 

[B. Adams]

I just bought a used Parkerized 1991 Commander 2 days ago. I'd say go for it, $400 is a great deal.

The Springfield's are nice, but they're everywhere right now. That Colt will be gone in a few days, I'd say go for it.

 

[byf43]

Colt.


Hands down.

 

[Chindo18Z]

Brett: I would get the Colt.

From a purely monetary value, that's an extremely attractive price for the Colt. It will hold its resale value better than the Springfields over the long haul (say, a couple of years). The Colt allegedly has fewer MIM parts than the SA (if that's important to you).

On the other hand, the Colt is, like the SA Mil-Spec, pretty utilitarian, but without the better sights of the SA. I believe the SA comes with a factory lowered ejection port as well. Additionally, the Colt you're looking at may have the plastic trigger that Colt ran for the first couple of years on the Model 1991A1. Not horrible, just not esthetically pleasing.

The Colt has the Series 80 firing pin safety and the SA doesn't. Some folks hate 'em, but I actually prefer the additional safety provided provided by the Colt. YMMV.

If you spend more...

Stainless is really nice looking and wearing. Parkerization is also a pretty tough finish for CCW use. It's a wash in my book.

You can get into a new stainless SA or Colt (both with decent fixed sights) at around the $700-$750 mark. The SAs start to show more standard feature bells & whistles at this price range.

I had a parkerized SA Mil-Spec that was one of the better 1911s I've ever owned. Dead-nuts reliable and accurate. Wish I had not traded it away.

I've owned (I think) about 8-9 Colts over the years (GM, 1911A1, Commander, or Combat Commander). Still have several. I tend to keep them longer than some other brands. I've carried another 6 (GI 1911A1s) that I was issued at work, including a GI Frankengun fitted with Wilson parts (ambi-safety, trigger, bushing, etc.) that I caried earlier this year in Iraq. Colt 1911 upper, Remington Rand lower, SA barrel...but it ran like the EverReady Bunny.

Of your choices, the Colt is far and away the best deal (good price, name recognition, resale value, etc.).

At a higher price point, get the one that really, truly appeals to you. You'll be unsatisfied if you settle for one version / brand over another based purely upon price.

----------------

BTW: The question of standard vs. ambidexterous safety should be weighed against the following considerations:

1. Are you left handed? If so, get the ambi.

2. Do you intend to carry your pistol cocked and locked [round in chamber, hammer cocked, and safety applied ("on")]? If not, stick with the single safety. It's simpler and eliminates the rare possibility of separation failure that some models of ambi-safeties exhibit.

3. Are you concerned about rapid manipulation using your weak hand (due to strong hand being disabled or occupied)? Always a concern, but you can actually use your left thumb to pretty good effect...just practice with it.

4. Are you going to CCW in a GOOD holster, stiff enough to offer protection from accidental wiping off of the safety to the "fire" position. It may sound counterintuitive, but my personal experience is that ambi safeties (especially oversized/extended "combat" safeties) are more likely to be accidentally disengaged through pressure against the outside (right side) of the frame...by chairs, car seats, seat belts, door frames, crowds, poor holster/gun belt/carry position choice, or by grappling with antagonists.
A Safariland hard-shell duty holster (e.g., Model 6004) will protect your safety through a car crash. Some well made boned-leather retention holsters will protect the safety...some won't...regardless of price or maker. Even worse, a cheap soft nylon or suede leather belt clip holster is an invitation to a disengaged safety. Not in and of itself fatal (you still have a functioning grip safety and a holster protected trigger), but it can be disconcerting.

After 34 years of carrying them, I no longer choose to have ambi-safeties on my 1911s.

Finally...subscribing to the Lays Potato Chip Theory of Firearm Accumulation ("Bet ya can't eat just one..."), get the Colt. Then start saving for the prettier version. You can always use the Colt in trade. Remember the part about better resale value?

Hope this helps.

 

[byf43]

GREAT post, Chindo!!!!!!!!

 

[XavierBreath]

The Springfield Mil-Spec is a great 1911 for a person who wants to try out the 1911 platform, and it will continue to be a gun that will perform for them long afterwards. It's only two issues are:

1. A two piece barrel. admittedly, not much of a concern, but it is a two piece barrel.

2. The ILS in the mainspring housing. Admittedly, it is easily swapped out, or you can just leave it in the off position.

The Colt ORM 1911 also has a few issues. To wit:

1. A plastic trigger. The stirrup is steel, but the rest is plastic. Not much of an issue, and it is easily swapped out.

2. A plastic mainspring housing. Again, not really an issue, and easily swapped out.

3. The Series 80 firing pin safety. Not really an issue, unless you do not want it.

Assuming both pistols are five inch Government Models, I would go with the Colt. The price is much more attractive, and you rarely see any Colt 1911 for under $500 now. You can quickly turn it over for what you paid if you change your mind. On a new Springfield, you will take a hit, and a significant one if you sell the gun. Don't forget to tack the taxes to the price tag. No taxes on the Colt.

You are correct on the thumb safety. A single sided thumb safety works best for CCW. Parkerizing, while not as durable as stainless, can work very well on a CCW gun. Done right, it will last a long time, and you can repark the gun on your stove. I'd go with the Colt.

 

[DMK]

Buy the Colt. Sell it for profit. Buy a Stainless Springfield.

 

[Hunter0924]

Buy the Colt, if you buy the Springfield and sell it you will loose money.
The Colt is a better made pistol using quality parts and hand built in the USA.

 

[jdc1244]

I just was offered a NIB Colt ORM Parkarized 1991A1 for $400.00.

Lucky man - you'd be crazy not to buy the Colt.

 

[GunNut]

$400 is a great price on a ORM Colt 1991A1.

 

[Gordon]

The Colt isn't made in Brazil.

 

[Brett Byers AKA Slow]

I bought the Colt

Thanks for all the input it was helpful, I may get a chance to shoot it today. I'm going to try FMJ,XTP,HST and Gold Dots to see which gives greatest reliability and accuracy.
Brett

 

[weisse52]

Great!

A Colt will always be the right answer.....

And if it is not, you can get more for it when you sell....

And, Made in the USA....