New Colt

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

They need to have a drop test from 6' to see if the hammer will spring, a loaded chamber indicator and now after 1/1/2016 microstamping. To make it worse is that once you are on the safe roster there is a time limit that will require retesting in a few years we will not be able to purchase a pistol from a dealer. They also have stopped us from buying used pistols from a dealer.

Haven't Colt 1911s had a firing pin block since about 1980? What different does it make if the hammer drops or breaks off? It can't fire unless you squeeze the trigger. I know, I know.

[Jim Bremner]

Gun control.

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

They need to have a drop test from 6' to see if the hammer will spring, a loaded chamber indicator and now after 1/1/2016 microstamping. To make it worse is that once you are on the safe roster there is a time limit that will require retesting in a few years we will not be able to purchase a pistol from a dealer. They also have stopped us from buying used pistols from a dealer.

And every variation on the gun you offer has to be tested. Sell one in blued steel and one in stainless? 2 tests...

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

They need to have a drop test from 6' to see if the hammer will spring, a loaded chamber indicator and now after 1/1/2016 microstamping. To make it worse is that once you are on the safe roster there is a time limit that will require retesting in a few years we will not be able to purchase a pistol from a dealer. They also have stopped us from buying used pistols from a dealer.

Fking Kalifornia. Microstamping, yeah, that will solve everything.

Place was pretty GD nice before the party of the KKK ruined it.

I have a hankerin' for one of those Browning .380 mini 1911's, probably not legal in California either
Short list of decertified guns First 3 1/2 pages were taken out by microstamping law put forth by LA a-hole in the assembly, Mike "Fk the Constitution" Feuer

[Steve F]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Fking Kalifornia. Microstamping, yeah, that will solve everything.

Place was pretty GD nice before the party of the KKK ruined it.

I have a hankerin' for one of those Browning .380 mini 1911's, probably not legal in California either
Short list of decertified guns

Tobra, you might also look at the CZ 83 (.380 also) Fantastic trigger out of the box!

[Jim Bremner]

IF you have a child or parent out of state they can "gift" you a non roster firearm.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I've just about always been sorely disappointed by my Colts. So many other brands that perform better and cost less. But I'm willing to give them one more try, as this newest one gets good reviews and is priced pretty reasonably.

That's exactly where I was at. I've had Colt 1911's that were simply over priced junk, riding along on name recognition and reputation.

I've bought a few new Peacemakers over the last few years, and their quality has been outstanding. I think I mentioned here that they are the best examples I've seen, including first generation guns from Colt's "heyday". So, when I saw that they had merged back into one company, had reorganized, rolled up their sleeves, and gotten serious again, I figured I would give them another chance.

I'm glad I did. This is a lot of gun for the money. Every bit the quality of the Kimber or the Springfield, and priced a bit lower to boot. This could easily turn into my favorite 1911.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

Haven't Colt 1911s had a firing pin block since about 1980? ....

My Combat Commander that I purchased in '80 has one...it's been a keeper . My Diamondback from back then is sweet also...hopefully Colt is back!!!

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

That's exactly where I was at. I've had Colt 1911's that were simply over priced junk, riding along on name recognition and reputation.

My understanding (received admittedly through the lens of some Colt fanboyism) was that they had a bit of trouble dialing in their processes after the move to CNC. I'm sure their repeated financial struggles were of little help.

I have a couple recent examples, though, that I'm *very* happy with. This includes a 3" Defender model that eats anything and runs flawlessly, despite the dire predictions from "famous" gunsmiths that 1911s under 5" can never be made to run properly.

Congrats on the new Colt! Is the mainspring housing still plastic? I hate that - it's always the 1st thing I replace.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by KC911

My Combat Commander that I purchased in '80 has one...it's been a keeper . My Diamondback from back then is sweet also...hopefully Colt is back!!!

Yes, when they're good, they're effing great. But you don't get to try them out first when buying new. I helped my mom pick out a Series 70 Commander in Armalloy for my dad for Xmas when I was about six yrs. old. Cost $150 then and is still the best one (of very many) I've shot. I keep nagging him for it, as he never shoots it. But he won't give it up.

[Tobra]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

IF you have a child or parent out of state they can "gift" you a non roster firearm.

I see this in my future

CZ 83 you say...

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Tobra

I see this in my future

CZ 83 you say...

They are pretty sweet, my dad has one and I've shot it a few times.

[daepp]

Can we legally buy a used 1911 that was sold new in CA - say - in the last 10 years?

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by daepp

Can we legally buy a used 1911 that was sold new in CA - say - in the last 10 years?

Private party to you via a FFL yes. As long as the two parties are both subjects of California

[Tobra]

I think I saw one of those things in the case when I went and got a few boxes 38+P Winchester Ranger, which you rarely see around here. Looks like I need to shop guns like I do cars, gently used.

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by jyl

What do gunsmiths say about current day Colt 1911s?. Are you taking a big chance?

It's a Colt 1911. Not much new to talk about. It's the standard all 1911's are held to. It's old reliable. Now Colts customer service is really what needs a make over.

[jyl]

Thanks for the report, Jeff. What do you think about the finish - looks like sort of a matte blue?

[Jeff Higgins]

It's kind of a dark Parkerizing, almost black. I see it as a nod to modern times and cheaper manufacturing; the same gun with a really nice Colt Royal Blue finish would likely cost twice as much, be less durable, and function no better. I think Colt had gotten caught up in finish over function for awhile; we can have both, but at a much higher price. Most of us want function over finish, at least for our "using" guns. Maybe Colt finally gets that.

[Jrboulder]

Colt's website lists it as "blued"

They probably mean more like a black oxide kind of finish such as a Union Switch & Signal 1911.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by Jrboulder

Colt's website lists it as "blued"

They probably mean more like a black oxide kind of finish such as a Union Switch & Signal 1911.

Process wise, there is not much difference between "bluing" and "parkerizing". From what I understand, the chemicals used are the same. Surface prep and other details differ, making the matte finish of "parkerizing" cheaper, but the end result is more durable.

I love a finely blued gun. The Peacemakers I've purchased in the last several years have some of the best bluing I have ever seen, along with the best case colors as well. They can still do it (or, rather, Doug Turnbull can still do it for them). I would love to see his work on one of their new 1911's but, as he has demonstrated in his own line, it would be extraordinarily expensive - I believe his standard 1911 A1 is well over $3,000. Not exactly "carry gun" pricing, so I'm glad Colt has finally realized that and has started producing functional, accurate guns without the showpiece finishes. This should open up a whole new market segment for them.