Colt 1911?

[mwt1980]

I think that is what i decided on, but...

Have some questions first...

Which model should i get?

How are they?

How are they tuned up and are they easy to customize?

How do they compare to the springer?

[robert101]

I bought the SA Loaded and never looked back. I also own a DW PM-7. I have heard mixed reviews on quality and Colt customer service. That has been the main reason for me to go SA & DW.

[Cyc Wid It]

Almost all of the custom pistols here are Colts, some are Springers... almost none are CZ.

http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewforum.php?f=6&sid=72dffa0375b6f8518ffc8357036aabe9

[FUBAR]

I like Springers and Kimbers. Already made up for you w/ a warranty.

[Ducman]

you really don't have much of a choice here in ca. unless you get from a PP. the xse and 80 series are the only ones approved by the doj.

[AQtahoe]

Personally I would stay away from Colt. They aren't as reliable as they used to be. It truly pains me to to not recommend them because I have a great history with Colt. I just got a Kimber Custom TLE 2, it cost me about the same as a Colt XSE would have. I hate to throw your decision off, but Kimber is probably the way to go, and every one of their guns is approved by the DOJ.

[Bart1]

I love my enhanced 80 series Government. 600+ rnds without a hickup. Even fed some cheap reloads and it ate it up no rpoblem. Very accurate also.

[tiko]

Springfield or Kimber. Colt for collection only, not for target.

[3GunFunShooter]

Check out the Smith & Wesson line of 1911's. Stay away from the Para's.

[Barkoff]

Check out the Smith & Wesson line of 1911's. Stay away from the Para's.

I settled on the S&W 1911PD. 28oz, two eight shot mags, nice looking commander sized pistol. I sure hopes she loosens up, man it is one tight fitting gun. I know some don't like the external extractor, but I have heard nothing but good comments about them, as well as S&W support. The FFL I bought from now says he sells more S&W 1911s than any other brand.

[nickvig]

Since it seems like everyone would rather suggest an alternative than answer your questions, I'll give it a stab.

Which model? - Depends on what you want.
Government style? e.g. no beavertail, single sided safety, etc. Go for the 1991
Custom Style? e.g. beavertail, ambi safety, etc. Go for the XSE

For a starting point, I like the 1991. The biggest difference that isn't easily customizable is the undercut trigger guard on the XSE series. The 1991 does not have this.

Production Colt 1911 pistols have the least amount of MIM parts when compared to other production pistols, e.g. Kimber, SA, S&W, Sig. Components are either cast or machined, which makes a big difference to me. I basically got rid of all my Kimbers and replaced them with Colt pistols as it would cost too much to convert the MIM parts.

Springfield Armory pistols are nice, but have Brazilian Imbel made frames and final assembly is done in the US. Biggest difference between SA and Colt is the S-70 vs. S-80 firing pin block system (which the SA doesn't have) and the MIM parts on the SA.

The post commenting about Colt reliability issues is way off base, IMO. I have a 1991 and an XSE and have NO issues with FTF, FTE, stovepipes or any other malfunctions. What Colt has that no other company does is a dimpled barrel. The feed ramp has a dimple at the 6 o'clock position which allows the gun to feed JHP, ball ammo, frangible, you-name-it, with no issues at all. You will only find this barrel on newer NRM Colt 1911's and XSE's. 1980 through mid 90's do not have the dimpled barrel.

Almost all 1911 pistols are easily customized. There are hundreds of good gunsmiths that can do just about any work you'll need. If you want, Colt also has a great custom department, but the work may take some time. If you like the 1991 but want something that's a hybrid of sorts, I suggest buying a 1991 and sending it in for the model O package.

[GunLover]

If you can find members with the guns you choose i am sure a lot of them will be willing to let you try out theirs. I have a Kimber Eclipse.

[Redlinegts]

I have a Kimber Custom II and am very happy with it. I don't know if I'll ever get a colt :/

[Southpaw45]

I bought a Colt 1911 XSE Government Enhanced in stainless about a year ago and just love it. I had a choice of many other brands but wanted the original. Lets dont forget what the "C" in ACP stands for..

[Ducman]

If you're in the riverside area, I can let you shoot my XSE, dunno about others but my XSe is like a dream to shoot. no ftf, fte, goes bang evrytime i pull the trigger.