New Colt

[Jeff Higgins]

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":



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.

[pwd72s]

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

[Red88Carrera]

I hate you!

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

[Hugh R]

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

[jyl]

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

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by jyl

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.

[manbridge 74]

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

Nice buy.

[sc_rufctr]

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).

[onewhippedpuppy]

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.

[Jeff Higgins]

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.

[Bill Douglas]

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

[Rick Lee]

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.

[Jim Bremner]

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.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

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

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...

[aschen]

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

[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.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

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

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?

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by speeder

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?

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.

[RANDY P]

LMK if you wish to sell those grips PM Me.

Nice score BTW.

[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.