Ordered my first 1911 - Colt New Agent

[PakWaan]

I just ordered my first 1911 (first .45 for that matter), a Colt New Agent. I spent 2 hours at Gander yesterday trying to find a new carry weapon and fell in love with the Colt. It's easily concealable and extremely thin. I looked at a Kimber Ultra Carry, but the New Agent was much thinner in the grip and will print less as a result under a t-shirt.

Gander wanted $999 for it ($100 over suggested retail!), but found a new one from a reputable dealer on GunDealer.com for $735.00 "Buy It Now".

I'm sure you've heard this here 1000 times, but being that this is my first 1911, I've got a mental qualm to get over about carrying it cocked and locked.

After reading a few million posts, I've reached the conclusion that it's the proper way to carry it and it's safe - just have to get used to it. My only concern is the safety being accidentally disengaged, even though my brain knows that the grip safety will still prevent it from going off. I'm sure time, familiarity and practice will overcome this perceived issue.....

As an ex-LEO, I started with a S&W 686 .357 revolver as my first duty weapon, then went to a Glock when my department mandated the change. I always hated the Glock trigger safety, so switched to a DAO Taurus PT-111 when I became a civilian. The 1911 is quite a different weapon, but I really like the idea of carrying a .45 load, and despite the fact that it's almost the same size, this gun is easier to conceal on my body frame due to it's thin silhouette.

 

[pogo2]

Good choice

I think you will like the Colt New Agent .45. I use the very similar Colt Defender, with slim grip panels added to make the grip thickness the same as the New Agent, which comes from the factory with slim wood grip panels. I also use the 7 round Wilson Officer's magazines to give me an 8 round capacity in the gun.

Mine has run perfectly through about 600 rounds to date, and there are many holster options on the market for these 3 inch 1911s. I prefer a Kramer horsehide belt scabbard OWB myself. The gun conceals very easily because of its thin profile and short grip and slide. I think you will get used to cocked and locked carry in short order - just practice flipping the safety on and off so it becomes second nature as you draw and reholster.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Good choice You will get used to C&L . But will be the SA trigger that will take real getting used to. Be real carfull It only moves a little then bang. Once you used to C&L and the 1911 great trigger (even a heavy one better than a DA trigger) you will want nothing else. Except a Commander, LTW Commander ,Officer ,Defender, Goverment , They just keep coming Can't own just one.

 

[jdc1244]

Congrats and well done – everyone’s first 1911 should be a Colt.

 

[Geno]

Now you've gone and done it! You're in more trouble than I can express. Colt's don't breed, but they multiply. On a more personal note, I frequently find myself lusting over my Colts, and well, frankly that concerns me. I hope you manage better than I and can control your urge to extend the "Pony Corral." I haven't done so well, having added my 8th pony in about 18 months. Never saw a Colt I didn't like...and want.

Edit to add: Be sure to clean and lube it extremely well because of the aluminum receiver. Also, I always use NECO Moly on mine. It is sold at the Bushmaster website. It helps to protect aluminum/steel link-ups.

Deepest sympathy for your newly acquired addiction,

Geno

 

[Gordon]

Better practice hostage shots at 15 yards with those "sights". Your S&W 66 had a good set, the Glock had a useable set, but..... Would you have felt confident with a sightless duty gun? What's the difference for a CCW?

 

[PakWaan]

I wouldn't have carried it as a duty gun, no. But the circumstances are different - a police officer's job is to be called in to many more situations than I am liable to encounter as a civilian without the target on my chest. And at longer range.... for self defense, I doubt more than 5-10 yards will ever be an issue. I don't need to chase anyone anymore!

 

[PakWaan]

By the way, if you doubt the accuracy of the trench sites, check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HknC2j3hys4

 

[Steve B.]

Welcome to the fold. I'm up to 9 now. They are very addictive!!!

 

[massglockman]

just got the word today mine will be ready on thursday i cant wait im glad too hear of ur purchase. good times will follow

 

[Geno]

Here is the link to Hunter's review of the New Agent:

http://ezine.m1911.org/contents.htm

It's a great read! He actually managed several 1" groups at 7 yards!!

Doc2005

 

[Dan-O]

Colt New Agent

Bought one on Gunbroker.com as well. Will post pics as soon as I get it. Not my first 1911, but my first Colt. Can't wait to wring some rounds out of this little fella.

 

[bandelo]

Gun Dealer.com ???

PakWaan said he ordered a Colt New Agent from GunDeakers.com for $735.00. When I go to the site, they advertise everything other than a Colt New Agent. Does anybody have any contact info for this company? Thanks.

 

[wditto]

don't worry about carrying with it cocked; just cock the hammer back when you pull it - or AS you pull it actually- and you sre ready to go - it takes NO more time to cock the hammer with your thumb than it does to knock off the safety with the same thumb !!!

 

[Gideon]

I know this is an old post so please forgive me but I just saw the last post. With all due respect that advise has a chance of getting you killed!!

If you don't feel comfortable carrying a 1911 style gun cocked and locked, then DON'T carry the 1911! The gun is designed and set up to be carried that way. As it is, you must practice so it becomes second nature to swipe the thumb safety on the draw. You can't do this and cock the pistol effectively and at the very best you'll be too slow and at the worst you'll be fumbling and risk loosing control of your weapon.

I know the previous gentleman was trying to be helpful and undoubtedly sincere but with all due respect it's an unlearned opinion.

Many prefer a CCW weapon that has no external safetys. This is why so many like DAO weapons because the long (sometimes hard) trigger pull is the 2nd safety. The first safety is supposed to be between our ears!

The 1911 is totally safe carried cocked and locked. for the hammer to come down it would have to recieve one heck of a whollop. And even then the gun won't discharge with out the grip safety being depressed and the thumb safety being off.

So you see, it's actually very very safe with two manual safeties that must be disengaged for the weapon to discharge.

If you fail to adequately practice drawing (without any ammo in the gun or room at first), and swiping the thumb safety you'll be equally in jeopordy because you'll fumble that.

There's a HUGE difference between civilian CCW and LEO/Military work. One must under law only react defensively. This means we're going for concealment, cover and retreat if those options are present. In some states if you don't take those opportunities you can be held liable for the shooting. For an LEO, they are routinely involved in scenarios where they deploy their weapon offensively. This means they have to be able to engage a target with greater accuracy and at greater distances. Don't get me wrong....we have to be accurate but it's even more critical for an LEO.

I say all this to say this...please don't carry a 1911 until you're confident with it cocked and locked and have really practiced swiping that thumb safety. And make sure that your thumb safety has a very positive click when engaging and disengaging.

Okay, I'm getting off the stump now....

God Bless
Gideon