Got $600 burning a hole in my pocket and I'm eyeballing some 1911s.
I know, buy them all, but I have to get one at a time.
For $1200 or so I can get a Colt Combat Elite or a Colt Gold Cup.
Ideas please.

I'd think a lot would depend upon your intended use for it. For me it would be the Gold Cup since a 1911 for me is a range toy.

It would be the GC for me as well. Always had a soft spot for them.

Larry

Compare the sight profiles if you plan on using a holster!

Ivan

Thanks for all the replies so far!

I have always liked the finish of the Combat Elite, I also like that you can get it in a Commander size.

If this is something you are going to carry, Id definitely look at the Combat Elite Commander, though the Government model is easy to carry as well.

Nightstand gun or range toy, both would be great. Id tend to lean towards the Combat Elite though.

Picked up the GC as the CE has an idiot scratch.

Now, he has a factory engraved S&W 1911 I might go for next.

If I had $1200 and wanted another 1911 I would be looking for a well cared for Dan Wesson. Kind of depends on what caliber you are wanting. 45's are the easiest to come by.

Dan Wesson's a good option at that price.

I know you've made your choice, but if I were in your position, I'd look pretty hard at the Colt Wiley Clapp 1911s, though I'd probably get the Colt Classic as I've been developing a taste for the GI-style pistols.

Just my opinion.

I like accuracy and don't plan concealed carry with a 1911 so I bought a Gold Cup . My buddy thought the Commander would carry better in the field on a belt holster . I could shoot much better groups with the Gold Cup than he cold with the Commander so he quickly became disillusioned with it and sold it ... I still have the Gold Cup and it carries in a belt holster just fine .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

The Colt Gold Cup is a great choice!

I just don’t share the confidence in a Colt 1911 that so many do.

When I bought a new Colt Delta Elite (2010) I was surprised (not happily) that the mainspring housing was plastic. And then upon field strip, I was actually a little shocked that Colt put a plastic guide rod in it. I don’t think even Glock put a plastic guide rod in my G29.

The Colt has definite value in the name and that is not to be ignored, because when you want a better 1911, you have some value in the Colt when it’s time to go away.

It’s difficult for me to compare a Colt and a Dan Wesson directly as each has so many different models. And unfortunately the prices have climbed on the Dan Wesson and they aren’t as much of a steal as they were some time ago.

But I’d much rather own a Dan Wesson than a Colt if we are talking 1911 pistols... in any caliber.

One of the bang for the buck is a Springfield Armory, Range Master. Last I saw was under $1000 and ready to go for either competition or range/self defense. Available in 45 or 9mm.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I have a carry gun if I want / need one. I also have fun guns for the range.

There are only a couple of guns that I passed up and regretted it. A 1970 Gold Cup was the major one.

It was only slightly used and the guy wanted $200. I only had $150. He let me try it and it was the most accurate semi I ever fired. Instead I bought a brand new 1976 Commemorative .45 Colt Blackhawk convertible for $140, and it was my deer gun for many, many years after.

Nevertheless, I should have sneaked the GC into the house without the wife knowing it, and put it on my Mastercard....

The Gold Cup looks like it was hardly used and cleaned up real nice.
There really is not much for sale around here and I had the $600 burning a hole, haha.

And a Dan and a GI was mentioned. I also have a CZ 1911.

I also cast and load .45 ACP so I'm good to go with a bunch of ammo too.

Now, I need a .44 for my income tax refund!

I would give Rock Island a try.

I would read with great interest a thread started by you with your insights, thoughts and pictures of your personal Rock 1911s.

Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK
I would give Rock Island a try.

I don't want to put down anyones choice in firearms but Rock Island would be at the bottom of my list for a 1911.

Burley, what's with the Cars album cover for your avitar?

I'm going to swerve off of the main path here and suggest something that will be a likely good investment, too..... Latch on to a nice USGI 1911 or 1911A1. Buy it right and you will not loose any of your investment, you will own a piece of history, and you can enjoy shooting it as well. After all, this is where the 1911 got its claim to fame.
Now, that said, if you want one for carry, that's a whole different story and I would stick with a Colts or SIG with something around 3" barrel.

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Proud NRA Endowment Member

So glad you asked!