What do you think of the Colt Combat Elite?

[Mark8252]

I may in the near future purchase a like new Colt, MK II, Series 80 Combat Elite. ( I think I got the description right)
The price is $595 and like I stated in like new condition. 45 cal acp.
Appears to have a two tone finish and adjustable sights.

Can anyone tell me anything about this firearm?
I will check back often.
Thanks.

Mark8252
Colorado, USA

 

[freedomlover]

I'm happy with mine. Accurate, extremely reliable, OK trigger. I still wish it was a Series 70 though...

$595 sounds like a great deal if the pistol is indeed in like new condition. While shopping for mine last year I was seeing prices in the $600-$800 range.

Will you have the chance to take it for a "test drive?" I would recommend a reliability check with various bullet types.

shoot straight,
freedomlover

 

[Mark8252]

Combat Elite

What makes the series 70 more desirable? It is my understanding the 80 series made improvements. Am I wrong?

 

[Ala Dan]

Colt Combat Elite .45 ACP

Greeting's All-

This is perhaps a refined version of the finest combat
pistol ever made? I purchased one NIB in July of 1988
for $500. Colt really put forth a nice effort in fit N' finish
on this pistol. I shot lots of different .45 caliber loads
in my Combat Elite; without even a hiicup. And at $595,
you need not waste any time; RUN quickly and retrieve
a wonderful firearm. You won't be disappointed!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Siggyboy]

That's a good price for a nice gun.

The real series 70 guns were not Colts' best. The Combat Elite is better. The new series 70 reissue are nice guns, often used as a base for a custom gun. While nice, the current series 80 are just as good and slightly safer for every day carry due to the firing pin safety. Some like to talk trash about how the series 80 trigger is no good because the firing pin safety linkage is connected to the trigger and affects trigger pull. While the series 80 system does add 4 small parts for the firing pin block not in previous 1911's and does rely on the trigger connection, you shouldn't notice a difference in trigger pull. A gunsmith can do a 3-4 lbs trigger job (usual trigger weight for carry gun) no problem. For bullesye or a 2 lb trigger, then you'd want to avoid the series 80, otherwise it is fine.

 

[Mark8252]

Combat Elite

Thank you all for your input. Keep them coming please, I find this interesting. Anyone have any pictures of their Combat Elite?
I think I am going to purchase this firearm. The one I am interested in does not come with a box or case of any kind or an extra magazine. Does this make the value less? If so how much less? Surely still worth the $595 asking price.

 

[Brian D.]

Mark, it never hurts to remind the seller that not having the box diminishes value a bit, eh? But that's not a hateful price in any event. Anyway, the blue-over-stainless two tone just looks "right" to me, as compared to the stainless-over-blue. Have never been able to warm up to the latter, it looks upside down or bass ackwards!

 

[Logan5]

I have a Combat Elite and I like it a lot. $595 is a good bit cheaper than what I paid NIB, and really the box brings me very little joy. All the paperwork never fits back in nicely. Mine did not have adjustable sights, and I changed out the factory synthetic wraparounds for checkered wood panel grips, but that's a personal peeve I guess. They also have a collet bushing, which I find vaguely annoying, but it's a lovely pistol. I'd say go for it.

 

[Sean Smith]

That is a great deal for a Combat Elite. The prices on them are going up.

 

[BigG]

I like em fine. Especially mine!

 

[Ala Dan]

Hey Big G My Friend-

Looks mighty fine too me! Don't think I've ever seen one
as attractive as that one. Nice pic work there too, bud.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[BigG]

Thanks Ala Dan, ole buddy! I got to get Skunkabilly or one of those gee-whiz photo guys to take a real good picture. He said you're doing it wrong if the picture comes out yeller. Heck, it looks pretty good to me but what do I know?

 

[BluesBear]

My advice is to GRAB IT

$595 is a really good price! But as usual it doesn't hurt to negotiate a little.

If I recall, at that time Colt only included one magazine with their pistols.
And the plastic carrying case is a P-poor case in my opinion. They seem to love to scratch the finish.

 

[Mark8252]

Combat Elite

So I "Ran" back and bought it. Wish I could take a nice picture.. but that is just not in the cards. My pic does not do it justice.
It is my first... but something tells me it will not be my last Colt 45.
So how many you guys have??

 

[BluesBear]

Congratulations Mark8252

That's a fine one you have there. Definately a keeper.

But if you EVER want to change that grip safety I'll buy it from you in a heartbeat!

 

[Jacobus Rex]

I had a Colt Combat Elite for a number of years and really liked it. The quality was good. The only issue that I ever had with it was the white dots on the sights fell off on the first day that I owned it! I painted them back in.

 

[Mark8252]

Better Pic?

Maybe this is a better pic?
I do like this 45. So far anyway.

 

[Mossyrock]

I like Colt Combat Elites a lot. Mine is currently at Chuck Rogers' shop in Phoenix getting spruced up a bit. Nothing wrong with it stock, but I just can't leave well enough alone. Interesting thing about yours, though....I've never seen one of these with adjustable sights.

 

[Logan5]

Hmmm... as I said, mine had the fixed factory sights, and just like Jacobus Rex, when I shot it the dots fell off. I've also got vertical slide serrations and the old government model style hammer. Does the enhanced style Combat Elite not have the collet bushing?
BigG, that photo is killing me... at one point I had an Elite Ten/Forty, and sold it for far less than it was worth in a fit of madness. Still kicking myself.