Colt M45 vs SA MC Operator

[stilixdax1]

Hey fellow calgunners! Looking for a little help. I've been in the market for a 1911 for the longest time. Being a Marine Veteran I've been leaning towards the Colt M45A1 cause its being used by the Marines. I like to hear what you prefer and why over the pistol. Much appreciated

[Marteen]

I think the MC operator will be cheaper for you since there is an On Roster Variant.

If you can get the Colt at a reasonable price get that one. If you can get the one with the USMC roll mark that one is worth more.

[stilixdax1]

I think the MC operator will be cheaper for you since there is an On Roster Variant.

If you can get the Colt at a reasonable price get that one. If you can get the one with the USMC roll mark that one is worth more.

Thanks for the input Marteen! I am currently talking to a potential seller of the Colt whose already put 300 rounds into the gun. We are currently working on pricing and he says he'll take it to a couple of gun shops to get an appraisal for it. What do you think the appraisal value should be?

[Marteen]

A buddy of mine just sold his for 2300. It was BNIB though. I've seen MC Operators go for 950 to 1300 on here

[stormvet]

The Springfield is a standard railed 1911, almost all railed 1911 holsters will fit it.

The Colt needs a holster designed for its thicker rail, if you have other railed 1911s your holsters will not fit the Colt.

The Springfield has a standard single spring recoil spring.

The Colt uses a double recoil spring assembly.

The Springfield is on the roaster(old style anyway) and much cheaper, around $1100.

Colt is off roaster, civilian model roughly $1600, military model $2500.

I own the Springfield, buddy owns the Colt(civilian model). Both shoot well, but I think I would still rether have the Springer. But I have other railed 1911s, all my holsters and recoil springs are interchangeable and I like that.

[Marteen]

Another thing that came to mind. At the 1500-1700 price range you can probably get a TRP Operator (full rail is on roster, half rail is off).

The benefit is of you wanted a checkered front strap it's done already. Otherwise it will cost you 200 to 500 to checker the Colt or the MC Operator.

The TRP was modeled after the HRT which is the FBI Hostage Rescue Team 1911. It also has all the hand fitting that make them sweet shooters.

[stilixdax1]

If the price wasn't too much a factor and I just want one 1911 for a nightstand/range gun does that sway any of your guys opinion?

[Rhyyke]

I would go with the Springfield as personally I don't find the Colt to be worth the off-roster premium. Out in the free world I would probably go with the Colt.

[stilixdax1]

I would go with the Springfield as personally I don't find the Colt to be worth the off-roster premium. Out in the free world I would probably go with the Colt.

If only the Colt was on the roster it may change everything.

[1911Luvr]

I have the MC Operator and the Colt Railgun which is almost identical to the M45, and the Springfield is hands down a much better pistol. The quality on the Colt sucked out of the box, with the fit and finish of parts being way below expectations. The MIM parts were crappy even by MIM standards, and I had to have the rail machined to fit my SurefireX300 because it was out of spec. The Springfield fit and finish is superb, and the warranty is the best in the business. Overall the MC Operator would get my vote every time.

[heidad01]

That colt is one of the most rediculously over priced 1911s I have ever seen. And, no, it won't make you an Army Ranger or Special Ops if you spent that kind of cash on a gun that has nothing special other than the name. You want a Colt? They make many other 1911s that sell at reasonable prices and do the exact same thing.

[stilixdax1]

I have the MC Operator and the Colt Railgun which is almost identical to the M45, and the Springfield is hands down a much better pistol. The quality on the Colt sucked out of the box, with the fit and finish of parts being way below expectations. The MIM parts were crappy even by MIM standards, and I had to have the rail machined to fit my SurefireX300 because it was out of spec. The Springfield fit and finish is superb, and the warranty is the best in the business. Overall the MC Operator would get my vote every time.

I've been hearing a lot about Springfield's excellent customer service. Can you elaborate about their warranty and overall cs? Thanks!

[Kwikvette]

From one marine vet to another, you need; an M4 variant, M16A4 variant, a couple of beretta's, an M1A.......it goes on and on....

[jarhead714]

That colt is one of the most rediculously over priced 1911s I have ever seen. And, no, it won't make you an Army Ranger or Special Ops if you spent that kind of cash on a gun that has nothing special other than the name. You want a Colt? They make many other 1911s that sell at reasonable prices and do the exact same thing.

This^ and the Springfield isn't ugly like the Colt.

[stilixdax1]

Man at first I was really hard set on the Colt. Now you guys are positively influencing me into the Springfield! I love the power of the forum