Thinking about a Colt 1911 in 9mm, but which?

[gregp74]

When it comes to pistols I'm primarily a Beretta guy, but the idea of a nice quality 1911 chambered in 9mm has been bouncing around in my head for a few weeks now. I've looked at a few and I'm leaning towards a Colt, but unsure of which.

The two that have caught my eye are the Series 70 Competition (O1972CCS) and the Gold Cup National Match (O5872A1)

The Gold Cup model is quite a bit pricier but I'm ok with spending some money. Buy once cry once. I've learned my lesson over the years saving a few bucks but later regretting not getting what I really wanted.

Either one would probably shoot better than me and I think they're probably both great guns. They both have pluses and minuses it seems like and I'm probably going to drive myself crazy going back and forth. The Gold Cup seems to have better sights and a better finish. But then again the Competition model has that nice undercut below the trigger guard and a rounded slide. I'm not crazy about that flat rail across the top of the NM one. The Competition also has that pencil barrel IIRC. Is that an issue?

Anyway I'm interested if anyone has thoughts or experience with either or both.

 

[whatnickname]

I too have a fondness for the 1911 in 9MM. At present, I have a Taurus PT1911, a Springfield Range Officer, a Kimber CDP II and a Springfield EMP all in 9MM. The only issues I’ve ever had was with the Taurus and that was due to a defectively manufactured slide that they replaced free of charge. Free if you don’t count the fact that I had to send it back to Taurus twice for them to get it right. All run flawlessly and are more accurate on balance than I am. While I do not own a Ruger SR1911 in 9MM, I do have four of them in 45 ACP. In my opinion the Ruger just may be the best value for the money. Ruger has a tendency to get it right the first time. I’ve owned a couple of Colts over the years in 9MM as well as an RIA in that caliber as well. Nothing bad to say about the Colts. Wish I hadn’t parted with them. The RIA I owned was reliable but for the difference in $ I had rather go with the Ruger, as I feel the Ruger is fit and finished better. Kind of got soured a bit on RIA due to several older RIA pistols I once owned that never ran very well. With guns you typically get what you pay for so go with the better makes and I’m sure you will not regret the decision.

 

[gregp74]

Thanks for the info! Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the Colt Competition model. But because I can't help but second guess myself I'm thinking thinking, and now also thinking maybe I should go .45 rather than 9mm, but I probably won't. I don't need to have ANOTHER caliber of ammo to stock up on when I've got 9mm coming out my ears just about.

 

[gotboostvr]

I do really like an undercut trigger. Sights are easier to change to preference without having to pay for machine work.

 

[WestKentucky]

I have had a few colts. I don’t even look at colt anymore. Premium price for an average product. Your paying for the dancing pony.

Look at hard at Ruger, Springfield, and Remington in that order. If you want a basic gun look at ROck Island.

 

[brunowbe]

I thoroughly love my Colt Competition in 9mm. I bought the two toned version with the titanium blue frame. The barrel does not seem to be thin at all and it is very smooth too shoot. I would buy it again. My only complaint is that the stainless slide scratches easily (more easily than Ruger’s on their 1911s, my Ruger has been used more roughly and has no noticeable scratches), but that’s only cosmetic and I have no intention of ever selling any of my 1911s.

 

[cfullgraf]

I like my 9x19 Colt Gold Cup but I do not have any experience with the Competition models.

 

[Slamfire]

The local Cabelas had these on sale, and I had to have one. I sent the slide off to Clark's Gunsmithing and they drilled and tapped the slide and installed one of their mounts. My eyes are horrible, irons are a blur, but that Ultra Dot sure makes things great.

Anyway, this Kimber is accurate and reliable.I would have to check, but as a general rule, I remove those guide rods. I have had instances where my crappy ammunition jammed the slide going forward. And the slide was jammed so hard forward I could not retract the slide, nor could I fire the round, because the slide was not all the way forward. Yes this is my fault, but guess what, acknowledging responsibility does not a jam clear. Without a guide rod, all you do is put the recoil spring plug on the edge of the shooting table, and press down on the grip. Round comes out nice and easy. With a guide rod, extraction is much more difficult. I got rid of guide rods because I have not observed any function improvement, any accuracy improvement, makes it more difficult to remove the recoil spring plug, and it prevents me from easily clearing one type of malfunction. I don't need it or want it. Whoever thought this was an improvement, was probably only thinking about improving corporate profit, because I can't see any other value in the things.



I removed the firing pin block under the rear sight, however the trigger mechanism still has the lower actuator. I am not a fan of series 80's or firing pin blocks on a M1911.



I have had jams due to the series 80's firing pin block dropping down. It happens during extraction, the slide clears the frame, the firing pin block drops down, and then the slide is jammed against the frame. That could get you killed in a bad situation. You have to take time to figure out that it is not a cartridge jam, then flip the pistol upside down, and press the firing pin block in. That is not something I would want to do in a stress ful situation, or against a time limit.

 

[bannockburn]

No experience with the Competition Model but do have several other newer Government Models and am very pleased with their overall fit, finish, and function. I did have a Gold Cup years ago and while it was well made and accurate it could be a little fussy about what loads it preferred.

You'll have to decide if you want the adjustable sights or the Novak sights and what you're going to be doing with this gun (are you going to compete with it or is more for the range). Check both of them out if you can, see which one feels best in your hand, and take it from there. Let us know what which one you go with.

 

[RON in PA]

I have a Colt Series 80 9mm Competition, it's been 100% reliable. The sights are great. Highly recommend.

 

[JTQ]

There are usually only two things I tell folks to decide on when choosing a 1911, sights and grip safety. Do you want fixed or adjustable sights, and do you want a GI or beavertail grip safety. Choose wrong on either, and chances are good you're spending money to have somebody either grind or weld on your gun. Your two choices are excellent examples of the differences seen on 1911's. The Competition has Novak sights and a beavertail grip safety, while the Gold Cup National Match has an adjustable sight cut (I don't know what it is, Bomar, LPA, Eliason), and a GI grip safety.

Most folks coming to the 1911 from other guns like Glock, or SIG, or in your case Beretta, don't realize all 1911 sight cuts are not the same, and the grip tangs used on GI equipped guns are not the same as those used on most guns with a beavertail. Your aftermarket sight options will be limited with either choice, but you can hedge your bets by choosing something that may match your intended use. For instance, if the gun will never be carried and only shot at the range, adjustable sights - and their specific sight dovetail - may give you what you want. On the other hand if this is going to be a carry gun, the Novak cut on the Competition Series gun will give you a lot of options.

Colt Competition Series https://www.colt.com/series/COMPETITION_SERIES

Colt Gold Cup National Match https://www.colt.com/detail-page/gold-cup-nat-match-9mm-bl-5

 

[JTQ]

Anyway, this Kimber is accurate and reliable.I would have to check, but as a general rule, I remove those guide rods. I have had instances where my crappy ammunition jammed the slide going forward. ...Without a guide rod, all you do is put the recoil spring plug on the edge of the shooting table, and press down on the grip. Round comes out nice and easy. With a guide rod, extraction is much more difficult. I got rid of guide rods because I have not observed any function improvement, any accuracy improvement, makes it more difficult to remove the recoil spring plug, and it prevents me from easily clearing one type of malfunction. I don't need it or want it. Whoever thought this was an improvement, was probably only thinking about improving corporate profit, because I can't see any other value in the things.

View attachment 802252

I removed the firing pin block under the rear sight, however the trigger mechanism still has the lower actuator. I am not a fan of series 80's or firing pin blocks on a M1911.

View attachment 802253

I have had jams due to the series 80's firing pin block dropping down. It happens during extraction, the slide clears the frame, the firing pin block drops down, and then the slide is jammed against the frame. That could get you killed in a bad situation. You have to take time to figure out that it is not a cartridge jam, then flip the pistol upside down, and press the firing pin block in. That is not something I would want to do in a stress ful situation, or against a time limit.

The local Cabelas had these on sale, and I had to have one. I sent the slide off to Clark's Gunsmithing and they drilled and tapped the slide and installed one of their mounts. My eyes are horrible, irons are a blur, but that Ultra Dot sure makes things great.

Anyway, this Kimber is accurate and reliable.I would have to check, but as a general rule, I remove those guide rods. I have had instances where my crappy ammunition jammed the slide going forward. And the slide was jammed so hard forward I could not retract the slide, nor could I fire the round, because the slide was not all the way forward. Yes this is my fault, but guess what, acknowledging responsibility does not a jam clear. Without a guide rod, all you do is put the recoil spring plug on the edge of the shooting table, and press down on the grip. Round comes out nice and easy. With a guide rod, extraction is much more difficult. I got rid of guide rods because I have not observed any function improvement, any accuracy improvement, makes it more difficult to remove the recoil spring plug, and it prevents me from easily clearing one type of malfunction. I don't need it or want it. Whoever thought this was an improvement, was probably only thinking about improving corporate profit, because I can't see any other value in the things.

View attachment 802252

I removed the firing pin block under the rear sight, however the trigger mechanism still has the lower actuator. I am not a fan of series 80's or firing pin blocks on a M1911.

View attachment 802253

I have had jams due to the series 80's firing pin block dropping down. It happens during extraction, the slide clears the frame, the firing pin block drops down, and then the slide is jammed against the frame. That could get you killed in a bad situation. You have to take time to figure out that it is not a cartridge jam, then flip the pistol upside down, and press the firing pin block in. That is not something I would want to do in a stress ful situation, or against a time limit.

Just for clarity, all 1911's have a guide rod. Not all have a full length guide rod as your pictured Kimber has, but all have a guide rod, most a short GI style guide rod.

Second, it is a Swartz style firing pin safety that Kimber uses and not a Schwartz firing pin safety. May the Schwartz be with you. While both are firing pin safeties, the Colt Series 80 and the Swartz are different designs and the two shouldn't be confused.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Sorry I can't comment on the Colts, but I will address the 9mm vs. .45 ACP question. My Ruger 1911 Commander is chambered in 9mm as are all my centerfire pistols. It is so sweet to have a competent round loaded in every gun without having to stock up on a variety of calibers. 9mm is cheap and good and readily available in a wide variety of loadings. It is easy shooting in a Commander size 1911 even with the lightweight aluminum frame. I shoot the 9mm 1911 more precisely (see the avatar) than I can shoot my .22 LR S&W Victory. I just love that gun. If I had to have only one, that would be it, no question.

I know you didn't ask, but just let me say that red dot on a 1911 is a dynamite combination. Every handgun magazine is showing pictures of red dots on even carry pistols several times in each issue. It is the future of handguns, and I wouldn't shoot anything else. If the 1911 you buy has any of a wide selection of rear sight cuts (Novak, Bomar, LPA, original gov't, etc.) you will be able to find mounts for a red dot that don't require cutting or drilling on the slide. Jus' sayin'.

 

[Slamfire]

Just for clarity, all 1911's have a guide rod. Not all have a full length guide rod as your pictured Kimber has, but all have a guide rod, most a short GI style guide rod.

Second, it is a Swartz style firing pin safety that Kimber uses and not a Schwartz firing pin safety. May the Schwartz be with you. While both are firing pin safeties, the Colt Series 80 and the Swartz are different designs and the two shouldn't be confused.

Agree.

There is no more significance to my rant than to what flavors of ice cream I prefer.

 

[Jim Watson]

Do you want fixed or adjustable sights, and do you want a GI or beavertail grip safety.

Yup. As my FLG says, "If the factory will do it, LET the factory do it." Yes he could do a closer fit on a beavertail or sight but it would run the cost up fast.

My current IDPA ESP has adjustable sights - LPA on a Springfield - fibre optic front, and a beavertail grip safety. My #2 gun has a King fixed rear sight, fibre optic front, and a beavertail. My #3 gun has a Novak fixed rear, a fibre optic front, and a beavertail. Get the picture? I like fibre optic sights and beavertails.

While I prefer the "barn door" sight picture and precise adjustments of the Bomar-oid or LPA, the others are serviceable. And you ought to be concentrating on the front sight anyhow. Colt says of the Competition "Novak Adjustable Fiber Optic Sights". I don't know how good the Novak adjustments are, but if you don't change ammo a lot, you will likely set it and forget it.

I also like stainless steel. Not because I am prone to let a blue gun rust but because if I want to change something, I don't have to get the gun refinished.

 

[gregp74]

I went over to the LGS yesterday and played around with the 1911s again. The Gold Cup NM is probably more than I need for what I'll use this thing for. I'm still considering the S70 Competition model, and I spent some time looking more at the Springfield RO models. They both seem solid and well made. When it comes to the rear sights they're different but I can't say what I like better maybe the Springfield but just a little. Certainly no deal breaker. I like the wood grips on the Springfield better than those god awful blue things on the Colt.

All that being said, I just think the Colt with the undercut trigger guard feels better in my hand, but I could have that done later.

 

[JTQ]

When it comes to the rear sights they're different but I can't say what I like better maybe the Springfield but just a little. Certainly no deal breaker.

Look at the dovetails, and think (research) what options those dovetails would give you. If I had a nickel for every guy that bought a Springfield Range Officer when they came out and were the new "hotness" only to later realize for their uses, they would have been much better off with the "old" Loaded model, because of the sight issue, I'd have a whole bunch of nickels.

All that being said, I just think the Colt with the undercut trigger guard feels better in my hand, but I could have that done later.

As Jim Watson mentioned above...

As my FLG says, "If the factory will do it, LET the factory do it." Yes he could do a closer fit on a beavertail or sight but it would run the cost up fast.

 

[Texas10mm]

Dan Wesson.

Not much more money than a Colt but a much finer firearm.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'm still considering the S70 Competition model, and I spent some time looking more at the Springfield RO models. They both seem solid and well made.

I have a Springfield 9x19 M1911 Range Officer and it is a nice pistol. It would be a good alternative to the Gold Cup if you do not want to spend the coin on the Gold Cup.

But, the Gold Cups are good pistols. I have two Gold Cups, one 9x19 and other converted to 38/45 Clerke, and one Gold Cup Trophy in 45 ACP. They shoot rings around the other M1911s that I have.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I went over to the LGS yesterday and played around with the 1911s again. The Gold Cup NM is probably more than I need for what I'll use this thing for. I'm still considering the S70 Competition model, and I spent some time looking more at the Springfield RO models. They both seem solid and well made. When it comes to the rear sights they're different but I can't say what I like better maybe the Springfield but just a little. Certainly no deal breaker. I like the wood grips on the Springfield better than those god awful blue things on the Colt.

All that being said, I just think the Colt with the undercut trigger guard feels better in my hand, but I could have that done later.

I was about to recommend looking at the Springfield but I see you already did. I like Springfield 1911s and my opinion of Colt, well let's say they cost more that they are worth and you are paying for a name that is no longer what it was. The Springfield RO Elite Target model is amazing IMO.

Bud 's Gun shop online has it in stock for $899.

Good luck picking and don't forget pictures with a range report...