A while back I received a new Colt 1911 with a damaged crown from the factory. I had it repaired by a local gunsmith.

Here is a new in box Colt competiton. It has a small gouge in the frame. It looks like an assembler at the factory caught the rear of the slide right at on the side of the frame where the rails begin.

I wonder if this will affect long term integrity? I noticed it when I took it home to clean.

I’m incline to keep it as shoot the Tar out of it.

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That isn't going to hurt anything as far as integrity of the thing.

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Straight shootin'
SWCA#2439

The damage is only cosmetic.You can shoot it safely.

Nah, shoot it; not going effect it one way or the other. I think we all need to get over the fact that mass produced anything will be something less than perfect. Not saying this is the OP's stance but even the almighty Colt are just like all of the other firearm manufactures in production defects, flaws, and mistakes. Actually maybe more from what I've seen past and present!

Wobn't hurt a thing. However the finish around it looks terrible.

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S&W Accumulator

There's ballistol on there from cleaning the pistol. The 'swirls' are the ballistol.

If I may ask, why would you pay a gunsmith to fix the previously mentioned issue on a new gun ?

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1st smiles,lies.Last,gunfire.

I didn't want to deal with Colt. I also wanted to see if the gunsmith who is 5 mins away was any good. He does very nice work, and so now i know who to bring my stuff to for repair.

A few years ago, Colt's stuff was impeccable. I guess since their recent bankruptcy, and firing of their main gunsmith, things have taken a dump for the worse over there. Two new guns, both with issues from the factory. This Colt has a 'spongy' thumb safety (i've seen this before on other guns). as well. I can live with that.

Colt is a shadow of its former self. What a disappointment and I agree the finish does not look good.

I love my Colts, that being said, Colts ain't Colts anymore. They seem to be a pig-ina-poke now days.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Here's what I've noticed so far with the newest Colts (2015 and newer). They seem to be less 'fitted' and more varied in tolerances and in overall care when assembling. The little gouge in the frame of this particular pistol is a fine example. Also, the spongy thumb safety, and now that I just noticed, a grip safety that rattles laterally. However, they still function very reliability. so far I've never had a problematic Colt, even with all of their fit and finish issues.

On the other hand, I've had 1911's from other brands that are fit and finished very nicely, very tight, but didn't function as reliably as my Colts.

Colts seem to be very functional, with a high rate of out of the box reliablity. they just aren't as 'pretty' as other brands.

I bought a few 1911’s from about 5-10 years ago that were gorgeous, what has happened since?

They filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy, and they fired one of their best and most popular gunsmiths who would frequent some of the 1911 forums.

Like I said, I have yet to have issues with the most important aspect of a 1911, its reliability. It's just they are more sloppily fit and finished.

I have a Combat Commander satin nickle finish in .45 built in the '70s which I hold very dearly for personnal reasons.The thing was built for nasty social encounters.Built like a tank!
I also have a Gold Cup Trophy bought new 10 years ago.While the blue on it is not as deep as my friends Gold Cups from the '70s,it is still acceptable for a Gold Cup but barely.
The proof of the pudding is in the tasting;tastes sour!My Combat Commander's action is as good and the gun shoots as tight groups(this from a 3/4'' less radius between front and rear sights)than the Gold Cup.
Looks like Colt's problem with quality date back from the early 21st century.Hope they clean it up;it is sad to see one of the greatest name in gunmaking history slide down the path of keeping the price low by cutting on quality.

"Looks like Colt's problem with quality date back from the early 21st century."

Need to read more.

"Looks like Colt's problem with quality date back from the early 21st century."

Need to read more books, old Gun Digests, etc.