New Colt
 

No, not another Peacemaker, but the last few I purchased new did kind of steer me in this direction. I just bought a new Colt 1911, of all things. Maybe that doesn't sound so remarkable to those who don't really follow the gun trade, but to those of us who do, and have followed Colt's ups and downs for, oh, the last several decades, buying a new Colt 1911 does represent somewhat of a gamble. A leap of faith, so to speak.

Back to the Peacemakers for just a moment - their recent uptick in quality is what got me curious about the 1911. I've owned several other makes of 1911's over the years, but by the time I was old enough to give a rip, Colts were well known as vastly over priced and of poor quality. So, with Colt's recent financial tribulations (including bankruptcy, yet again), and subsequent assurances that things were turning the corner (again...), I decided to give this storied old marque another chance. So, here it is, my new Colt 1911 "Competition Series":

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1467682505.jpg

Not real enamored with the blue laminate grips, but lots of other features are right in there with the current competition. Quality, at first blush, appears to be outstanding. We'll shoot it in the next few days and see how that turns out.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1467682977.jpg

Awaiting your shooting report...especially in the area of feed reliability.

I hate you!

Very nice spoon!!!
Did I mention I hate you?

I think CA says I can't be trusted with that. The State must know what's best for me.

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

I'm really not sure; I've been out of that loop for awhile. Comparing it to both a Kimber and a Springfield in the current inventory, however, it appears to be every bit of their quality. Very well machined, very tightly fitted, and nicely finished for a Parkerized gun. Granted, the ubiquitous "Colt Blue" is missing, but to me, a Parkerized 1911 seems "right". And, it's very well done. I hope it shoots - I would sure like to keep it.

I like the ergonomics of the original 1911 dimensions. Seems to be easier for me to place shots.

Nice buy.

Thanks Jeff. I always liked the 1911. It was the first pistol I ever shot.

I found this by accident... Not sure what to make of it but it looks expensive.

By Jesse James (West Coast Choppers).

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1467704175.jpg

That's pretty, I've found myself wondering about how the new Colts are. I wish they would bring back some of the more modern revolvers, a new Python would be awesome.

Finally got around to shooting this thing today (life and work kinda got in the way for awhile). All I can say is "wow". A couple hundred rounds of several different handloads, and not a single failure of any kind. My first shot was at my 8" diameter steel plate at 50 yards, offhand, and it was a hit. No sight adjustments required. It went on to ring that plate pretty much 95% of the time for the rest of the day. Definitely very "shootable" and friendly to use. I think it's a keeper.

That's good news. Sounds like a nice gun. Are you using 230 grain projectiles and keeping the feet per second down?

I read about this gun in the newest American Rifleman today and went out looking for one. I didn't find any in the three well-stocked stores I visited. I've had five Commanders and all my Springfields have outshot them. But these new ones got me interested. I've been hankering for a Dan Wesson Valor too, but can't bring myself to spend what they cost. I will keep my eyes peeled for one of the new Colts.

I want a Colt CCO, But I'm not to be trusted with this in my State. My Sig railed Nitron and my Springfield Armory EMP as my CCW I can be trusted with.

The loads were a 230 grain round nose and a 200 grain SWC, both cast and lubed with SPG. Both are seated over 5.6 grains of W-W 231, for about 830 fps from the 230 grain and just about 900 fps for the 200 grain. These are my standard "plinking" loads. They have shot well in every 1911 I've owned.

My "serious" load uses the 230 grain bullet over 7.0 grains of Unique. This is certainly a "+P" load, reaching 900 fps. A little more assurance that it will "leave a mark" if ever needed...

I have 2 1911s and they are both never colts, around 7 years old I think. THey both have been fantastic pistols with no problems.

You have 2 million good options when it comes to 1911 style pistols. However, I think nature intended 1911s to be colt and to be 45acp

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.

Seriously? Why is that?

I haven't been in a gun shop in CA. in quite a while, (have all I need), why would this pistol be banned? :confused:

CA has an "approved list" for handguns. I can't remember the specs. for getting on the list (microstamping, perhaps), but a lot of manufacturers don't want to deal with it. So they won't build guns to those specs and thus they can't be sold there. That's especially rich for 1911-style guns, since they literally have been around since 1911 and are largely built with the same tech and parts as they were back in 1911. And most 1911s are built to accept 7-8 round mags, so the evil hi-cap mags don't even fit unless it's some hideous extended mag that would be totally impractical to use.

LMK if you wish to sell those grips :) PM Me.

Nice score BTW.

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.

Gun control.

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

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

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

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

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.