View Full Version : How many like to carry a boxstock Colt?
I can have any brand or model that I want. But I just prefer a boxstock 70 series or 1991 80 series. That is proven and practiced with. Carry ammo is plain ball too. I think I,m just getting old and set in my ways,but after over 4 decades 45,s no pistol or ammo makes me feel more protected than old plain slabsides and pumpkin rolling hardball. I think my head is getting slabsided and hard balled too! Works for me. semper-fi Hum a warm and fussy feeling in front of the fireplace with Wildturkey over ice. Old Col .Cooper had it right some 65 years ago and John Browning near 100 years ago.
As long as it has decent sights (like the late hi-profile ones, the short WWII ones are useless for me) and a beavertail-like grip safety (or the one similar to the ones on Combat Commanders), I don't have a problem.
Hunter
2nd July 2006, 14:55
I like factory Colts myself. The Gold Cup is about as fancy as I get though several of my 1911s are plain Colt Series 80. I have a full size Series 80 1991A1 that I like to carry as well as a 1991A1 Compact. Something about a factory Colt that really does it for me. All though I have on occasion carried my Colt Cowboy in .45LC with 250gr LRN.
wetidlerjr
2nd July 2006, 18:33
I can have any brand or model that I want. But I just prefer a boxstock 70 series or 1991 80 series. That is proven and practiced with. Carry ammo is plain ball too. I think I,m just getting old and set in my ways,but after over 4 decades 45,s no pistol or ammo makes me feel more protected than old plain slabsides and pumpkin rolling hardball. I think my head is getting slabsided and hard balled too! Works for me. semper-fi Hum a warm and fussy feeling in front of the fireplace with Wildturkey over ice. Old Col .Cooper had it right some 65 years ago and John Browning near 100 years ago.
My CCW is a stock S70 re-pro that has been tuned by Bob Rodgers. It does, however have a different trigger as Mr. Rodgers is not a fan of what Colt put on it.
Works for me! My Colt's MKIV/Series 70 Government Model 45 ACP is stock with the exception of an extra strength firing pin spring I replaced the original with after the firing pin stop plate dropped down and caused a stoppage. I was shooting Double Tap hot loads (230 gr XTP HP 1010fps) which might have been at least partly to blame but, with the new "extra strength" spring, it hasn't happened again.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y25/kmastf/P3130001A.jpg
I've been advised here the collet style bushing might fail but it hasn't happened. I carry a spare bushing in my range bag - just in case.
I confess to carrying Hydra-Shok 230 gr ammo, though, and using ball ammo with pretty much the same ballistics (880 fps) for practice.
Dunno your age but, in a month I'll experience my 80th birthday and I'm in agreement with your feelings also. If the Gods made anything better than the 1911, they kept it for themselves. Hard to understand how JMB has been overlooked for sainthood. ;)
:D
Hersh
2nd July 2006, 20:08
My CCW is a stock S70 re-pro that has been tuned by Bob Rodgers.
I expect to get my 91A1 Commander back from Bob a week from Monday!
Hersh
I can have any brand or model that I want. But I just prefer a boxstock 70 series or 1991 80 series. That is proven and practiced with. Carry ammo is plain ball too. I think I,m just getting old and set in my ways,but after over 4 decades 45,s no pistol or ammo makes me feel more protected than old plain slabsides and pumpkin rolling hardball. I think my head is getting slabsided and hard balled too! Works for me. semper-fi Hum a warm and fussy feeling in front of the fireplace with Wildturkey over ice. Old Col .Cooper had it right some 65 years ago and John Browning near 100 years ago.
I agree. You can get so caught with the "hobby" aspect of guns that you can lose sight of reality.
Any Colt 1911, firing a good 'ole 230gr FMJ round will do the job every time. You hit 'em anywhere (or even close) with one round like that, and 99.999999% of the time they'll have a whole new attitude that is solely focused on gettin' the h*** away from you as fast as they can drag their wounded body - if they're still capable of thinking.
Moose63845
2nd July 2006, 23:06
I'm not sure yet, but as soon as I get to fire my Colt I'm gonna make that decision. Right now I'm thinking all it needs is 3 dot, or tritium sights, a slighty wider safety, and wrap around grips of some kind.
SMMAssociates
2nd July 2006, 23:45
Dunno....
To me, being able to customize the heck out of these things is part of the fun (and mystique) of the 1911.
My daily carry is a Kimber Compact Custom - that's a all-steel 4" slide over an "Officer's" frame. I added an arched MSH and XS "24/7" (small ball) night sights and Pachmayr grips to it. It replaced a now-retired Combat Commander with stock sights and Pachmayrs. I added a beavertail to it. The guy who willed it to me put an extended safety and slide stop on it.
My other two 1911's (one's a carry) are Para's - a Tac-Four (with an arched MSH and Pearce grips) and a PX745E (GM clone) with an arched MSH and Pearce "modular" grips (Para wood over Pearce finger-grooves). (I rarely carry the PX745E.)
All things considered, I don't like flat MSH's or GI sights, and prefer a beavertail. I'm the guy who has to carry it.... :p
Regards,
r0gue
3rd July 2006, 01:30
As long as it has decent sights (like the late hi-profile ones, the short WWII ones are useless for me) and a beavertail-like grip safety (or the one similar to the ones on Combat Commanders), I don't have a problem.
Personally, I'm not so sure I really even need sights at all on a carry arm (remember the Kimber RCP?). Point and click is probably a more likely scenario. But if I am using sights, I will give you the fact that the GI sights are tough to read under difficult conditions.
I have been through several hobbies where the customization bug has bitten and burning dollars was the only cure. I have a Combat Commander, a pre 70 commercial and an old Argentinian. Bone stock. Right now I don't carry the combat commander (I use a HK P7), but I am moving to the Colt CC and dumping the Euro rod. It's a great gun (accurate, reliable and safe), but I love to shoot the big hole, so I should probably carry what I shoot (there's a concept). ;)
wetidlerjr
3rd July 2006, 03:58
I expect to get my 91A1 Commander back from Bob a week from Monday!
Hersh
Great ! I love mine and Bob is good to deal with. :D
Well, mine are basically stock. ;)
191145
3rd July 2006, 11:44
Every one of my A1-type 1911s is in straight Government configuration. Good enough for the Army and G-men for all those years, good enough for me. When an attacker is coming at you and you decide to fire from five feet, it's point-shoot every time - no sights involved.
OJ; that's a beautiful Government Model, and I like the big roll mark! I have a similar one, but it's from 1983 (70B28xxx) and has the smaller roll mark and blued trigger.
....so I should probably carry what I shoot (there's a concept). ;)
Good advice for us all............... :)
middle age fat man
3rd July 2006, 16:03
I have an older lightweight commander that is the perfect carry gun just as it came from colt. It feeds everything I put in it and it just works. Maybe not the best tool for distance shooting, but at combat distances it will get the job done everytime.
1911Tuner
3rd July 2006, 17:02
Here's one that's in the carry rotation...A rebuilt '42 USGI with a barrel upgrade. (Now wearing a short, milled trigger) Have carried stock Rands, Ithacas, and 1918/1919 "Black Army" Colts, and likely will again at some point.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e243/1911Tuner/195.jpg
That trigger in the picture above, reminds me of something!!! :) :D
1911Tuner
3rd July 2006, 17:18
That trigger in the picture above, reminds me of something!!! :) :D
'Cept that one's a milled one-piece steel trigger that was robbed out of a derelict Black Army Colt. :p
Hersh
3rd July 2006, 18:13
Have carried stock Rands, Ithacas, and 1918/1919 "Black Army" Colts, and likely will again at some point.
What's a "Black Army" Colt Johnny?
1911Tuner
3rd July 2006, 18:18
Since I'm only gonna go 'round once...and because I'm a true Renaissance Man...and because it's gobbled everything I can throw at it, including Flying Ashtrays and lead SWCs...after I get .010 inch tigged onto the rear face of the barrel hood to get rid of the slap...I think I'm gonna carry this 1925 Commercial Colt when I'm feelin' all nostalgic. (Sorry Johnny...It's an irresistable impulse.) Besides...It's a better pistol than anything I can buy today for 500 bucks more than I gave for it, and it's been refinished...so why not!
Here 'tis!
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e243/1911Tuner/25Colt.jpg
"Black Army"
In mid-1918, to speed production, the final surface preparation ended with the "rough stage" causing the carbonia bluing to appear "black."
Really stirs my heart to see working forty-fives. The big hole and slabside look and mean all bussiness. Some nice pics posted of plain jane working forty-fives.
1911Tuner
3rd July 2006, 20:51
Well, jeep...You'll be pleased to know that ALL of mine are potential working pistols. From the ragged-out beaters with mucho miles on'em to the Union Switch Twins. I'd call any one of'em into service if the need arose. Of course, it's like the draft. The old warhorses/collectibles would be the last to get called up. ;)
191145
3rd July 2006, 22:28
Tuner; Can you explain what you mean by 'slap' involving the barrel hood? Thanks.
1911Tuner
3rd July 2006, 22:58
Surely.
First, it will help to understand that the "Locked Breech" 1911 pistol doesn't lock until it fires. Before that, it's held in battery by friction and spring tension...but it's not actually locked. Lock occurs under pressure, when the slide and barrel lugs engage in opposite directions.
Slap occurs when there is fore and aft play between barrel and slide. When the gun fires, the barrel is held forward by the bullet entering the rifling under pressure, and the slide is driven rearward. When there is play...sometimes referred to as "Endshake" or "Endplay" the lugs get a running start at each other before engaging and accomplishing the locked breech part of the 1911's function.
By lengthening the barrel hood, the barrel is pushed farther forward by the slide, until the lugs touch, or nearly so, reducing much or all of the running start, and the ensuing crash. The lugs don't take such a beating, and deformation of the lugs is greatly delayed.
As the lugs deform, the headspace increases, and more case head support is lost because the amount of endshake equals the amount of breech opening prior to lug engagement and lockup. This deformation is self-perpetuating, and accelerates as the play grows...because the lugs get a longer running start.
An analogy that I've used is to imagine pressing two hammer heads together under 500 pounds of force. Then, hold the hammers a foot apart and slam them together with 500 foot pounds of force. Which will deform the hammer heads faster?
Among the positive side effects of reducing endshake is often enhanced accuracy. While I don't really like to see the gun tightly wedged into battery, I do like to hold endshake to about .003 inch or so...mainly for reliability when the pistol is hot and dirty. Smiths who fit barrels for the nth degree of accuracy generally fit barrels tighter, even to the point of light interference in the lugs. It's all in what the gun is intended for.
Coltman80
4th July 2006, 04:42
Tuner,
Those are some beautiful classics ;)
They don't make 'em like they used to.
1911Tuner
4th July 2006, 09:06
Tuner,
Those are some beautiful classics ;)
They don't make 'em like they used to.
Well, then you're really gonna like these next two. :)
Minty, original, unrefinished late '45 production Remington Rand.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e243/1911Tuner/45RR.jpg
1911Tuner
4th July 2006, 09:11
Still tight, original where it counts/correct 1919 Colt. Serial places it within the last 2500 that Colt ever produced for the US Government. Bore is pit-free, and the rifling is clean and sharp. What little I've fired it has shown the gun to be more accurate than I am, and will eat hollowpoints and lead SWCs equally as well as hardball.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e243/1911Tuner/Colt.jpg
Bud White
4th July 2006, 09:12
Depends on which box stock model .. As long as it comes with a Ambi safety I'm a lefty then yeah ill carry box stock
Well, then you're really gonna like these next two. :)
Minty, original, unrefinished late '45 production Remington Rand.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e243/1911Tuner/45RR.jpg
That pistol is definitely included in the Lena's exchange. I don't want to hear any objections, or the deal is off.
wetidlerjr
4th July 2006, 09:58
Well, then you're really gonna like these next two. :)
Minty, original, unrefinished late '45 production Remington Rand.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e243/1911Tuner/45RR.jpg
Please stop showing those pictures as I become very disturbed when I see near mint 1911s that don't belong to me. :mad:
Joke ! (of course) :lm:
Ted Smith
5th July 2006, 13:47
I agree that there are a lot of bells and whistles that are just plain unnecessary. Alterations on this 1971 Series 70: Solid Barrel Bushing, Lowered Ejection Port, Better Sights, and a Trigger Job. All for practicality and reliability.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i90/TedG954/Colts/S70GM2.jpg
And it is a nice one Ted!
Rio Vista Slim
5th July 2006, 19:28
I agree that there are a lot of bells and whistles that are just plain unnecessary.
Very nice looking Series 70, Ted.
I've been trying to reply to this thread for three days, but my computer has been "sick". Now that it's well, here are my "box-stock" re-issue Series 70s with a special touch (our new M1911.Org patch).
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_0716.jpg
Only change is a set of gold medallion Colt grips for the blued model.
1911Tuner
5th July 2006, 19:43
Ted and Slim...That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! :cool:
Bud White
5th July 2006, 20:07
Nice looking pair Slim
in_betts
5th July 2006, 20:34
All things considered, I don't like flat MSH's or GI sights, and prefer a beavertail.
Stu-
Just out of curiousity, are you large or small handed? Do you use stock, short or long triggers? Do you use stock, thin or extra large grips?
Not that its a major expense just to try it and see, but currently all mine have flat MSH and I have heard several arguements both ways.
SMMAssociates
6th July 2006, 02:58
Stu-
Just out of curiousity, are you large or small handed? Do you use stock, short or long triggers? Do you use stock, thin or extra large grips?
I'd say large hands, but nothing extreme.
My dad was a Dentist. He had large hands. I can't wear his old Accutron - the band is at least an inch too long for me....
(And I'm not exactly a kid - the Para was my 60th Birthday gift to myself.)
I've stuck with stock grips in a manner of speaking. Stock Pachmayr or Pearce or....
Actually, other than the combination of Pearce finger groove modular grips with Para stock grips over them on my new PX745E, whatever there is whatever came in the box with chosen aftermarket grips. I don't see much difference in the grip thickness. Some people do, though.
I like the finger grooves for some combination of control and comfort, but could easily live without them. My hands are big enough to use them easily, but I'm easygoing enough to not really care. The little Kimber doesn't have them, for example.
Arched MSH's are another story.... I inherited my first 1911. A Combat Commander with an arched MSH and Pachmayr "Signature" grips. (No finger grooves....) I sort of liked it.... My old S&W M39 also has an arched grip that's quite similar. Liked that too.... I bought a Para Tac-Four and it came with a flat MSH. I found that it just didn't quite wan't to point where I thought it should. The arched MSH helped me. I'm guessing that it's just because everything else was set up that way. Succeeding 1911's have been set up the same way, and all seem to point "right" now....
Personal preference seems to really be the definition....
Not that its a major expense just to try it and see, but currently all mine have flat MSH and I have heard several arguements both ways.
The Military put the arched MSH on the 1911 (making the 1911A1) because it seemed that the troops had bigger hands and needed more of a grip. I'm not sure if they were totally correct (men's hands had gotten bigger for some reason) but it seems to be better for me. I never shot the PX745E without it - it came flat - but I've shot the others both ways and just like the arched housing better....
If you can swap 'em yourself (easy for the "Officers" length grip frames) it's not a big deal to try it. The absolute simplest way to test (short of borrowing a gun that's already set up) is to steal the arched MSH from another gun temporarily. Generally the same sized grip frame will swap MSH's without any "tricks". I stole the arched MSH off the Commander for the PX745E 'cause the Commander is now retired. Someday I may swap it back and get something else for the big Para....
Regards,
Perry F.
19th July 2006, 23:00
I occasionally carry a stock Colt Govt.Model. It has to be with FMJ, the only JHP I have tried a WWB 230g , seemed to jam . Anyone got any advice about JHP, or do you just use FMJ?
I really do enjoy shooting the Colt, I started with Glocks:scared: in USPSA. I am contemplating shooting the Colt 1911 in their Single Stack division.
Thanks, Perry
garrettwc
20th July 2006, 00:26
Perry, jams with JHP are frequently caused by the shape of the bullet nose being to drastic.
Try some Remington Golden Sabers. The area around the hollow point cavity is more rounded like the nose of FMJ. That alone will sometimes cure the problem.
Depending on the age of your 1911 you can also help by polishing the feed ramp. Do this LIGHTLY with some fine grit emery cloth or metal polish. Leave the Dremel in the drawer for this operation. You just want to smooth and brighten, not ruin the frame.
Dustoff '68
20th July 2006, 07:38
I can have any brand or model that I want. But I just prefer a boxstock 70 series or 1991 80 series. That is proven and practiced with. Carry ammo is plain ball too. I think I,m just getting old and set in my ways,but after over 4 decades 45,s no pistol or ammo makes me feel more protected than old plain slabsides and pumpkin rolling hardball. I think my head is getting slabsided and hard balled too! Works for me. semper-fi Hum a warm and fussy feeling in front of the fireplace with Wildturkey over ice. Old Col .Cooper had it right some 65 years ago and John Browning near 100 years ago.
My latest Colt will stay box stock...my pre 70 series babies are box stock....only one Colt, my 1991, had work done, to compensate for the awful out of the box appearance and performance, and of course, my three Springfields have all had identical work ups. I can't say I will carry my new Series 70, but it will be a weekly shooter, along with my SA's.
Perry F.
20th July 2006, 08:18
Perry, jams with JHP are frequently caused by the shape of the bullet nose being to drastic.
Try some Remington Golden Sabers. The area around the hollow point cavity is more rounded like the nose of FMJ. That alone will sometimes cure the problem.
Depending on the age of your 1911 you can also help by polishing the feed ramp. Do this LIGHTLY with some fine grit emery cloth or metal polish. Leave the Dremel in the drawer for this operation. You just want to smooth and brighten, not ruin the frame.
Thanks for the insight, I might try some Golden Sabres.
My Colt is the a new model ORM 1911 govt. It has that dimple in the feed ramp.
Perry
1911 Shooter
20th July 2006, 08:24
I own only one "Box-Stock" Colt that will be used as a carry weapon. It's an XSE, and from the first trip to the range and months of weekly training sessions, it has never presented one single malfunction. She feeds every type of ammo and no matter the bullet design, it's "may I have more please sir"!
Now I want a Commander version of the XSE to go with it.
Ted Smith
20th July 2006, 10:00
The parts are all Colt, the finish is required in South Florida. Feeds and fires every time.
Perry.... you might try CorBon .45 PowerBall ammo. They feed just like hardball but pack a much harder punch. Check them out for defense.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i90/TedG954/Colts/EnLWTCommander2.jpg All
Perry F.
20th July 2006, 18:58
Sounds good. Power Ball
Phil
20th July 2006, 22:13
I occasionally carry a stock Colt Govt.Model. It has to be with FMJ, the only JHP I have tried a WWB 230g , seemed to jam.
Thanks, PerryHave you polished the ramp and throat? Also, years ago when I carried hollow points on the street, I took each round that I carried and very lightly twirled it, point down, on a piece of emry cloth to remove any roughness on the end of the jacket. Ammo has gotten better since then, but on my carry rounds I still run my finger around the end of each one to check for any roughness.
Sandhills Writer
21st July 2006, 00:00
:) I have several Colts that are stock and I carry regularly. The only thing done to them is a trigger job, otherwise stock. ;)
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