OK...

My last post gave me great information, so it’s time to take it to the next level. Many said “If you only have one 1911, it should be a Colt”. I know other brands may be just as good or better but I want to have a piece of history. So, let’s just say I’m prepared to buy a Colt. What 1911 should it be?

1. Colt Gold Cup Trophy
2. Colt Gold Cup National Match
3. Colt Government Model
4. Colt Special Government Model
5. Colt Combat Commander XSE
6. Colt Custom
7. Some other Colt

Please give me your opinion on Colt Options. I’m looking for a range/night stand gun. I am prepared to spend up to $2,000. All of your feedback is appreciated.

Thanks.

Model of 1991 government model would be my choice series 70”s

USGI 1911.

Wiley Clapp Government Series 70
Colt's Manufacturing LLC

Series 70 Gold Cup national Match. I’ve owned 2 of the current production and was not impressed - dumped both of them. For the price of a new Colt, I’d be looking at Dan Wesson.

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213th FBINA

Get a Series 70 Gold Cup.

Even gently used, it’s nicer than the current versions and you’ll have money to spend on leather and ammo.

#3 of course

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I only take a knee for God

The Light Weight Commander XSE would be my choice.
Mine is stainless for ease of maintenance in our hot and humid climate.

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I believe the Colt 1991 is a Series 80.

After shooting handguns for around 45 years, I decided the same thing in 2016. 1911's had never appealed to me, but suddenly I felt the desire to get one, and knew I wanted it to be a Colt. Just because.

I bought the Colt Competition .45 ACP in stainless steel. I shoot it better than any handgun I own. Its accuracy exceeds my ability, something not true of other guns I own. It has not had a single failure. Zip. Nada. With factory ammo or my reloads.

And it just sits in my gun safe. I guess I'm just not a 1911 guy after all. I don't regret buying a Colt (or the gun itself, for that matter), but it's one of the few guns I own I probably wouldn't buy again.

Anyway - that one wasn't on your list, and it does merit consideration.

Good luck with your decision!

Whichever Colt you decide on,be sure it is a Series 70.If you decide that you do not like it,just put in your safe for the future.They are the originals and just to have a Colt you really want an original as made,even new production.Staying in 45 ACP is also my suggestion.

I have not looked closely at, or shot one of the new Gold Cups, so I cant say how they are. I would look at one and decide for yourself, because if they are sub-par as some have indicated, what does that say about the lesser models?

I can say I own an original series 70 and 80 GC, and they are fine handguns. The series 70 is blue, and has a beautiful finish. The series 80 is SS. Colt had a spotty quality reputation with some of their 1911's in this era, But I believe back then they went the extra mile on their GC / National Match pistols. If a new GC isn't to your liking, I'd look for an older, clean, used GC. If you really want a real Colt, and have the money to spend, might as well get one of their nicest models.

Larry

An original WWI or WWII USGI 1911 or 1911A1.

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No baby we aint

I have a Government Model 1991A1 Series 80. It is a basic but reliable pistol. I prefer Colt and I think if I could only have one I would choose a Gold Cup National Match. I always liked the look of them - blue finish, Bomar sights, slanted serrations, and that unique trigger. Sure, you can get those features on many 1911 clones now, but the Gold Cup was such an iconic gun for many years.

Actually, for what you plan for the use, get 2. National Match for the range and a plain simple Government Model for the nightstand.

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Peace was my Profession

For your needs, go with a classic Government Model. That's all you need. Anything more is just extra expense.
IMHO for at least the last 20 years the Gold Cup has been nothing special. Simply a Government model with adjustable sights. If that's what suits you, go for it.
If you want a true target model, you have to back to the Series 70 Gold Cup and pay accordingly.

Some have mentioned getting an older Series 70 Gold Cup. I'm actually going to recommend against it, and I have one. Two problems with the older GC. One, it has a wider than standard trigger. It's fine if you never want to change the trigger, but if you do it's going to be problematic. I don't know if anyone makes an aftermarket wide GC trigger. Two, the sear depressor spring. The GC trigger is wide, long, and made of steel, so very heavy. In order to prevent hammer follow, Colt installed a sear depressor spring. It adds a complication to the mechanism, and is a PITA if you ever decide to do a detail strip. Ask me how I know. I don't know if the current production GCs are like that, but I would caution against getting an older Series 70 GC, unless you don't think you'll ever change the trigger or want to detail strip it. But other than those two issues, it's a fine gun.

So, looking at the current website's offerings, for me, I'd go with the 1911 Classic in .45ACP. Nice, basic GI-style 1911. If you decide to have custom work done, it'd make for a nice base, but should be fine as-is.

Based on your previous post, I'd suggest the Combat Commander in .45ACP. I think it's a good size and weight suitable for both range use and home defense, and carry if you decide to do so. While I've yet to fire a Commander, the ones I've handled felt better balanced in the hand than the Govt Models. I believe this current version is similar to the XSE on your list.

I also really like the Wiley Clapp Commander and CCO. The only reason I didn't suggest them first is the small thumb safety. It's the only thing I don't like about them, though that can be changed by a gunsmith without too much trouble. But it may work fine for you as-is. Depending on your hand size, the Commander may be a better option than the CCO, but the CCO is going to be a bit more concealable than the Commander if you decide to carry it.

As for Series 70 vs Series 80, I have both. I prefer the Series 70 for the simplicity, but have no problem with the Series 80. Given the same pull weight, I think one would have to have a pretty finely-tuned trigger finger to tell the difference.

As always, just my opinion.

As expected, you have all given great feedback. I learn something new every time I request information on this forum. Please continue to post if you can provide more insight. I will continue to do my research and will let you know when I find my 1911. More to follow....

Thanks,
Cellar Hound

When it comes to 1911s, I'm a Mil-Spec guy, so the Government . But any 1911 lover drools over a nice Gold Cup National Match. So those would be my recommendations depending on what flavor you prefer.

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John

A pre 70 series. Those are the real 1911s. Colt made changes in the 70 series and more changes in the 80 series. Anything but a Colt is a wannabe. Larry

I have a bunch of Colts. My go to time and time again is my Colt Gunsite Pistol in SS. I've had it quite awhile now and come to think of it I had the front sight replaced with a trijicon night sight and its starting to get dim. Its hard to pick just one with so many variations that I settled on like 10.

I carried a government 1911 in Vietnam. I have qoned 2 other Colts in 45acp and 38 Super. I now own an ATI goverment 45acp which cost $500 versus Colt's much higher cost. It is exactly like a Colt, accepts all 1911 upgrades and is much more accurate than my Colts.

At the time when I was looking for my first COLT 1911, I had decided to purchase a Gold Cup. I asked my gunsmith and close acquaintance to please find me a Colt GC NM.
He did come up with a series 70 Colt , a little used but nice.
I passed on that pistol for some unknown , thoughtless reason.
Wasn't the price at $300 bucks. A month or two went buy, looking again , I purchased a Series 80 Colt GC NM. for near $500. I kick my self often ...to this day & remember being a younger & fickle bone head.
I had the money to buy both at once, if possible. Why why why?
Get which one that you desire, trust your first intuition , buy two and sell the second favorite later.

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Dino in Pittsburgh's Rat Pack

True. I would buy another 1911 lite 1911 but it wouldn’t be a 1911.

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Sure you did

GCNM 70 series, earlier model the better.

+1. I’ve got one and I agree. What a beautiful pistol!

Colt Combat Commander blued

I owned a series 70 Gold Cup back in the day. The accuracy certainly was NOT up to match standards. The roll pin holding the rear sight would work loose and the trigger pull was not great. The collet bushings also tended to break. The slide to frame fit wasn't up to to the standards of today's premium 1911's. If I were going to buy a Colt 1911 today, it would be a Colt Defender.

Gold Cup Trophy 1911's are nice, but in my opinion, you do not need sharp edged and adjustable sights on a defensive pistol. For a Colt 1911 for defensive use, fixed sights and either Government Model or Commander sizes. Keep it simple, keep it rugged, keep it reliable.

For ammo, keep the operating pressure at normal, no need for +P ammo, and the keep the bullet weight at 230 grains as that is the standard sight regulation for most 45 ACP pistols.

Use high quality magazines like genuine Colt, MecGar, or Checkmate. 7-round standard, flush fit mags. 8 rounds only if the magazine has an extended body. 8-round flush fit mags sometimes work, are very hard to seat when fully loaded, and may cause a feed jam on the last round. Yeah, ask me how I know.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I thought they just recently came out with a series 70's configuration of that one.

Didn't want to start new thread. I've got this model. Does anyone see why this would bring this price? 2019 auction
Colt Commander 1991/1911 Model 04691, Blue 4 1/4" Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol & Box, Mfd Modern .45 Acp For Sale at GunAuction.com - 16035219

Owned and shot dozens of Colt 1911 over the
last near 50 years.
These two are the last out.
My recommendation for your stated purpose.
Colt Commander.

I have two mid 1990s vintage Gold Cups - I like them.

My buddy got two new Colt Classics : Colt Government Classic O1911C in 45 and 38Super. They are NICE! If I was in the market, that's what I'd be getting.

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Thread Killer.

I don't think so. The 1991 was Colt's budget line. They all had "1991" in big numbers roll-marked on the slide and I believe they were parkerized, or maybe had a matte blue finish. And they all had Series 80 firing pin blocks. I know they did a Series 70 Government Model reissue starting in the 2000s, with premium, non-MIM components, I think, then that gave way to the current Classic Government Model, which is a Series 70 gun and incorporates some cost-saving MIM parts, if I'm not mistaken. I've looked at the current Colt website, and I didn't see any models labeled 1991.

I will add that when I got my Colt Government Model in the mid-90s, it came with a plastic trigger and mainspring housing like the 1991, but was roll-marked "Government Model" and had the standard blue finish, IIRC.

Another vote for 70 series NM. The earlier the better in blue. They take less than 15 min. to clean.

I have 3 gov't models and a GC Trophy. I shoot the Trophy more than any of the others because I like the target sights.

If you're going to use it as a night stand gun you may want to consider a model with a rail. That would allow you to put a light on it.

Colt's Manufacturing LLC

If you don't think you want a light a Gold Cup would be my choice. Mostly because I have a lot of range time with both gov't models and a Gold Cup.

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That's just somebody talkin.

Good point. Personally, I'm not a fan of railed 1911s, but for me they're range guns, not defensive guns. From a pragmatic point of view, a rail is something to consider, but I wouldn't consider it essential, either.

You can't go wrong with any of your choices. One of my favorites is a "C" prefix, made in 1949. It started its life as a plain Government Model but, went through an AMU unit for an accuracy job and got an after market, adjustable Micro rear sight. It shoots great and was the first firearm that I ever had refinished. It wears Walter Birdsongs "Black Tea" finish.

I have a series 70 Gold Cup and although it is accurate, the older "Black Colt" is its equal.

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After I posted that this morning, I got curious, and got out my 1911s. They have the standard Colt thumb safety. After thousands of rounds of live fire, and many more times of dry fire "rounds," I can't recall a time when I failed to disengage the thumb safety. After working with it a while, I realized that the main point of contact with my thumb is actually about the same size as the Wiley Clapp thumb safety. So, I'm going to revise my opinion slightly. I think it would be fine as-is, but until I get the chance to handle one, I think I'd still prefer something bigger, especially on a defensive pistol.

I'm sure you're all relieved to hear that.

Boy, is the OP confused even more.

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Sure you did

Generally, the 5" models are less likely to be finicky. The shorter the barrel, the higher the odds of difficulties. Accept that you will have to research and study more, spend more and have to train more with the 1911. If you want to go lower cost, the reality is that a pair of Glock 21s or their MOS variants and a few cases of ammo are more cost effective. I don't dislike 1911 format pistols - they are just not cost effective at this point in my life. (And if I were not heavily invested in Glock stuff, I would look really hard at a pair of M&P 2.0 pistols in 9mm or 45 with a red dot and rail.)
If you are right handed, the standard safety should be fine.
Don't worry about the sights on it; replacement sights that fit your preferences (and eyes!)are plentiful.
The rail for a light is not a bad idea on a home defense gun, although not critical, and a WML requires its own training. A 2 cell Surefire at 500 lumens will adequately light the areas close enough to contain a threat in most houses.
The suggestion to stay with ammo as close to ball power and weight is a good one. Check out the ammo testing and suggestions of Doctor Roberts, who is by far the lading expert on such issues today.
Dean Caputo has written a bit about the 1911s his agency had, and their experiences - worth searching for an reading.

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NHI, 10-8.

A very valid point. My personal house 1911 has a rail and light. I like that set-up for home defense.

ALL my 1911's are Colt's. I've owned them all a very very long time (late 70's) and other than a normal recoil spring change or barrel bushing replacement, I have never had a problem with any of them. They shoot excellently and my Gold Cup is my most fired handgun of all time. Just shot it yesterday!

The first 2 pic's are from yesterday and the other two are one of my best targets. All fired at 50 ft. This particular GC is from the mid 70's.

Don't let ANYONE tell you Colts are not accurate, reliable and well made!

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When new shooters or guys interested in their first 1911 ask my for my advise on buying one - I ALWAYS recommend a Colt!

I shoot almost 100% reloaded ammo, (230 grain LRN) mixed cases that have been reloaded more times than I will admit too. SERIOUSLY..... I do not ever remember a FTF even with reloaded cases that should have been tossed 20 years ago.

I've been around 1911s since I was 14 years old and a high school freshman in ROTC. I have since put together a collection of GI 1911s and 1911A1s - see my album listing for some of them.

However, here are my picks for defense pistols. Above:

Top - a Colt stainless series 80. Some modifications were that I removed the collet bushing and substituted a solid version, installed a beavertail with commander-style hammer, installed a longer and wider thumb safety, removed the series 80 components, installed a match trigger with overtravel adjustment screw, custom grips, custom sights with tritium inserts, a mainspring housing with lanyard loop, and the use of better commercial 8-round magazines. Skateboard tape for a better forward grip surface. I gave the gun my personal reliability treatment, and it's perfect with any and all ammo I can feed it. Trigger tuned for letoff at 5 lbs. with minimum overtravel. I also rounded all sharp edges on the gun. For a full-size 1911, this one is "it" for me.

Middle: This is a Kimber with an officer's size stainless steel grip frame and a 4-inch barrel. Main modifications were tritium sights, rounded sharp edges, a match trigger with overtravel adjustment, skateboard tape on the front of the grip frame and custom grips. Right from the factory, this one reliably feeds everything. Match trigger tuned to 5 lbs. with minimum overtravel. I use good commercial magazines. It's more compact for concealment purposes.

Bottom: A Springfield Armory V10 Ultra Compact. It has an aluminum officer's-size frame and a ramped 3.5" barrel that avoids feeding damage on the frame. The ramp also works wonders with reliability and will allow feeding even empty cases. It's ported with 10 holes, making it easy on the hand and giving minimum muzzle flip. All sharp edges rounded. The original sights remain - the ports tend to blacken the front sight with use. Custom grips, skateboard tape and very reliable commercial magazines. This one is as light as I can find for a 1911 package, and repeat shots are as quick as trigger reset will allow. Match trigger tuned to 5 lbs. with minimal overtravel. It's an amazing discreet carry pistol. The only downside is that it's a bit flashy during discharge in low light situations.

These are my personal choices.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

My Colt Gold Cup wouldn't group well at 50 yards and I was using it to shoot outdoor 2700 bullseye pistol matches. I'll grant you that, as you say, if I had had the barrel bushing replaced, it might have done better. The trigger was nothing to write home about either. There certainly are better options than Colt out there.

The accuracy is amazing!! What series is the Gold Cup you have pictured?

The first thing anyone does on a comp 1911, unless it's a custom, is get a bushing fitted and a trigger job. It isn't that expensive. Going thru production 1911's looking for an accurate comp pistol is a waste of time and money.

The OP didn't ask about other 1911's. He ask about a Colt. I have a gov't model that will shoot like a comp pistol right out of the box. Never been tuned. You could buy 20 production 1911's and never get one like that, but it was a freak assembly and I know it.

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That's just somebody talkin.

Out of current production Colts my choice would be the Colt Gunsite Pistol. I bought the 5” model back in March, very happy with it. They also offer a Lightweight Commander version. I think MSRP is $1,800 but I paid less for mine.

My other picks would be one of the Wiley Clapp models, or the Classic model. I had a Clapp 5” Government Model years ago, very nice gun. I have yet to see a Classic in person, but I hear good things about them. They’re basically a hybrid of the 1991 and 70 Series repro with the 1960’s rollmarks. I’ll probably buy one when so find one.

If you don’t mind used then a pre 70 Series Government is a good choice. I just bought one a few weeks ago. The old 1980’s vintage Combat Government is also a nice pistol. An early example of Colt offering a “custom” Government Model.

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Wheel guns are real guns.

One of our forum members posted this pic elsewhere. It’s a Wiley Clapp.

Beautiful gun.

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Sure you did