What Colt 1911?

[Cellar Hound]

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.

 

[Laketime]

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

 

[JH1951]

USGI 1911.

 

[davsel]

Wiley Clapp Government Series 70
Colt's Manufacturing LLC

 

[CH4]

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.

 

[Rpg]

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.

 

[Dougaz]

#3 of course

 

[Ingramite]

Stainless Steel XSE

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

 

[S-W4EVER]

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

I believe the Colt 1991 is a Series 80.

 

[hyena]

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!

 

[junglefighter]

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.

 

[Fishinfool]

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

 

[Rudi]

An original WWI or WWII USGI 1911 or 1911A1.

 

[CCantu357]

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.

 

[Westie1]

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

 

[Grayfox]

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.

 

[ContinentalOp]

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.

 

[Cellar Hound]

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

 

[OLDSTER]

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.

 

[tops]

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