Colt 1911 Confusion

[titus75]

This started as a question in FFL forum as to whether or not this Colt was ok to have shipped into CA (still not 100% sure) and dros'ed because (I thought) it was a on roster M1991A1 with custom finish (which technically makes it off roster I guess), I assumed this was a 01991 M1991A1 that was matte blue and was sent to the CC shop for the custom satin/bright nickel finish. I was wrong (according to what I'm being told anyways), this is a new Colt that came from CC shop with the custom finish, it has box that says 01991Z Custom M1991 A1 Matte Blue (which it's not), dealer says it's not uncommon for Colt to send 1911's in factory boxes that don't have exact matching color on them , (I have no idea if this is true or not). According to what I've read the "Z" indicates it came from the CC shop and and there are all different kinds of "Z" models, special requests, engravings, etc. I see a few 01991Z models on the DOJ Roster, both listed as "steel" period, no color. This comes with factory box, a factory letter, and presentation case. FFL says he's not sure about bringing this into the state except possibly by single shot exemption. Anyone have any info or experience with Colt 01991Z?

[Cyphre]

If the model number on the box is on roster, is there a serial number that could match?

[gono]

If anything deviates from the roster listing, barrel length, caliber, finish, etc. It's not on roster. It could be the same gun just different grips and it would be considered off roster.

[titus75]

Dealer has box with matching serial number, this a new gun (or being sold as one anyway), my understanding is that any "Z" model means it came from or was worked on by Colts Custom Shop and Z guns are anything from custom engraving to custom finish, the only Z models I see on roster are all listed as "steel". Yes, it's off roster as far as I can tell, would need single shot conversion. Since there are all different kinds of "Z" models I think this might have been a special request from the CC shop. Dealer says it came just like it is from Colt and if CC was going to plate a 1911 they would start with a blue matte and then do the finish (I think). This makes more sense to me with the box saying "matte blue" than the dealers explanation which is that Colt sends boxes with finish color labels that don't match the box all the time. I'm working on getting the serial number or maybe a copy of the factory letter (I don't know if it's normal for dealers to do that). It's a beauty judging from the picture, I'm just trying to figure out exactly what it is and who did what do it.

[FNH5-7]

Got any more pictures? top of the box or maybe theres an engraving on the other side of the pistol? A lot of special edition Colts come with their own fancy box and the model of the pistol engraved somewhere on it.

I see:
01991Z Custom M1991 A1 (America Remembers) / Steel
01991Z Custom M1991A1 (NRA 2011 Gun of the Year) / Steel
01991Z Custom M1991A1 (USMA 2011) / Steel

On the roster. Could be one of those. Can't really tell from one picture.

Here's a WWII commemorative. Saw one in prestine condition for $900 once, regret not buying it.

[titus75]

Got any more pictures?

No, unfortunately not. I asked for some pics of opposite side but have not got them yet, I'm told it has no custom engraving on opposite side, just Series 80. As far as I can tell this is O.R. because of the custom finish, it has bright/satin nickel combo and all the "Z" models on the roster are steel. Also the Colt factory box that it comes with says 01991Z Custom M1991A1, thats all, nothing referring to any of the Z models on the roster. Yah I've seen those commemorative editions also, I'm a little leery of those, I've read that many are Colts purhcased by companies who do the engraving, finishing, etc, themselves, they are not Colt Custom shop products. The "Z" model, if what I've been told is correct, means that it came from the CC shop, not an aftermarket company

[morrcarr67]

I think SSE is gonna be the way to go. Buy it if you want it. The SSE is a very simple process on the 1911 plat form. Install longer barrel and replace a grip screw with a longer one to prevent a magazine from being inserted and you now have a Dimensionally Compliant Single Shot Exempt 1911.

[Colt]

Check the C&R list. Some are actually on there if they were limited run.