Don't Tread On Me

[clughog]

Well, here's my newest Colt...a Talo Colt "Don't Tread on Me" that I picked up over the weekend. It's one of those pistols that I just had to have and I for sure can't explain my wanting it so bad any other way. My understanding is that Talo has produced three runs of these limited edition "Don't Tread on Me" pistols and this is one of the first editions. This run was limited to 200 pistols http://www.taloinc.com/colt.htm#3 . I've seen the second run at a gun show but have not seen the third edition in person, just pictures. Colt tells me that this one was made in 2003. I'd like to see pictures of other "Don't Tread on Me" pistols from you folks if you have 'em out there. Hunter, I believe from one of your posts that you have one as well but I don't recall seeing a picture of it. I don't think I can bring myself to shoot it, at least not initially. I said I would never have a pistol I wouldn't shoot, but this may be the exception. Never say never!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f290/clughog/IMG_0789.jpg

[pa_guns]

Hi

That's a very nice pistol !!!!

How about a picture of the other side of the pistol?

Bob

[Hunter]

Yes sir I have one I bought for the same reasons you did, I just had to have it. I have run about 8 rounds through mine (she was nib when I bought her) just to make sure it would function. Picture quality is poor, sorry about that.

[larry starling]

Nice looking pistols you guys have there. :D

[clughog]

Hi

That's a very nice pistol !!!!

How about a picture of the other side of the pistol?

BobThanks, Bob. The other side of the pistol is plain. VERY plain! Nothing on that side except the rampant Colt on the rear of the slide. It's not engraved at all like the Talo Dragon models are--they're engraved on top and both sides. I actually haven't taken a picture of the other side yet (and the camera's out of town!). It does have an ambi-thumb safety, though. Hunter, mine hasn't been used yet as far as I can see--you can't even tell if the slide has been back on it. No marks or scuffs anywhere! I had been looking at this one for a long time (several months) here in Dallas and the owner finally negotiated a price I could live with. I think he got tired of wiping the drool marks off the display case it was in and decided to let me get it!

[swampthang]

Some sharp pistols guys! I never get tired of looking at all these Colts

[Hunter]

Mine was a spur of the moment by. I really had not planned on spending any money but we were just looking around in Fayetteville NC and I can across it. Mine had never been fired so I took it out once and ran l8 rounds through it. I detail stripped it and cleaned her up real nice and she still looks unfired but any firearm I have I must know that it works, I reckon that is what has kept me from buying commemoratives

[pa_guns]

Hi

I obviously was thinking about the Dragon version that pretty much goes all over the pistol.

It's surprising to me that after a few centuries of engraving firearms somebody can come up with a process that is that unique and that good looking.

Very nice stuff.

Bob

[paul45]

Sure is pretty! I like yours alot as it is tastefully done....some of them seem kinda gaudy to me. Very nice......

[Ted Smith]

...on one of the auction sites (GB, Auction Arms, or GunsAmerica). If I remember correctly, the price didn't seem out of line for a limited production gun.

[dakota1911]

After I bought mine, used for about $750, I researched the subject and realized that Colt built different variants of "Don't tread on me" 45s. And of course the engraving / etching was often done at Talo. Anyway here is a picture of mine. The other side of the frame is blank. I always felt that it was like that so it could be engraved with some remarks and given to someone.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/colt_ntread_.jpg

The pistol will make sub 2 inch groups with 10 rounds at 25 yards over sand bags. This pistol lead me to buy a Silver Dragon. NIB the MSRP is $1295 and I paid a little more than that. Again sub 2 inch groups at 25 yards. Now my Special Combat Government makes a 50 cal hole at 25 yards over sandbags and my Gold Cup makes a little larger hole. So a lot of the cost of these pistols is "eye candy" Still, they are pretty.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/drag_1ar.jpg


http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/drag_cr.jpg


And even with a poor picture the Special Combat Gov. didn't want to be left out.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/spg_2br.jpg

[Deacon Aegis]

Elegant excellence. Very very nice dakota. Extremely eye catching and by Colt. True art in steel. Ahhhh I love it. Hehe

[Rio Vista Slim]

Well, here's my newest Colt...a Talo Colt "Don't Tread on Me" that I picked up over the weekend. It's one of those pistols that I just had to have and I for sure can't explain my wanting it so bad any other way.

I've seen the second run at a gun show but have not seen the third edition in person, just pictures.
clughog, Hunter, and dakota1911,

My compliments to all three of you for your excellent taste in engraved Colts.
Thank you for the photographs, as well.

I think I know where you were seeing that "Don't Tread On Me" Colt at the gun shows, clughog. That guy has quite a few "primo" Colts for sale, doesn't he?

[Joni Lynn]

Nice gun! I haven't seen many if any of them.

[larry starling]

Mine was a spur of the moment by. I really had not planned on spending any money but we were just looking around in Fayetteville NC and I can across it.
HEY WATCH IT THATS MY AREA......LOL :lm:

[daveohno]

How did he get it? I thought all the Colt's in NC resided in your gun safe and Hunter's.

[larry starling]

How did he get it? I thought all the Colt's in NC resided in your gun safe and Hunter's.
I guess he beat me to the store on that one...... :scared:

[Hunter]

Larry I got mine from Trey at Jim's. he twisted my arm bad. :D

[larry starling]

Larry I got mine from Trey at Jim's. he twisted my arm bad. :D
I hear ya bud....Was in there last time I was home nothing new... :)

[clughog]

clughog[/B]. That guy has quite a few "primo" Colts for sale, doesn't he?Nope, Steve, didn't get it from the guy with all the Colts. He does have a couple of the Dragons and one of the second series "Don't Tread on Me" (and he wants a LOT for them, too!). I got mine from an individual that has mostly knives and such, and an occasional pistol. He had taken this one in trade from the original owner and I had been looking at it for a LONG time. I sure didn't get as good a deal as dakota1911, but I'm happy. My first limited edition! I hope folks post pictures of the other editions, too.

[pa_guns]

Hi

I have often said that one gold loaded gun is plenty of engraved pistols for me.

These babies are the only thing I have seen that makes me question weather I can stick to that or not.

How durable is the engraving / coloring process on these pistols?

Help :scared: !!! I'm weakening already ....

Bob

[Hunter]

Bob so far mine has stayed like it was new but I do not take it out the safe much. It is definitely different to say the least.

[pa_guns]

Hi

Is it durable enough to shoot it?

There obviously is a cost issue here and let's ignore that for right now. Getting a scratch at the range isn't what I'm concerned about. It's basic wear and tear during transport and cleaning.

Bob

[Hunter]

I think so. I have not shot mine very much (a total of 8 rounds) but I imagine with proper care (as with any firearm) there should be no problems.

[clughog]

Hi

Is it durable enough to shoot it?

There obviously is a cost issue here and let's ignore that for right now. Getting a scratch at the range isn't what I'm concerned about. It's basic wear and tear during transport and cleaning.

BobI'd guess that Hunter is right about durability. From what I can tell, it should hold up as well as any of the other Colts. Engraving doesn't look delicate to me at all. Since I have others to shoot regular, I'll probably not take this one to the range for a while. And, as for the cost, mine wasn't enough more than an new one to really matter. So If you're not buying it as an investment, then I'd say shoot it and have fun! The dealer that Rio Vista Slim referenced in an earlier post now has the second and third runs of the "Don't Trad on Me" rattlesnake. The grips are different on each one, but the engraving is the same on the third edition as on the first (like mine). The first and second editions are stainless slide/blued frame, and the third edition is all stainless. I was told that they only made 100 of the third editon and 200 each of the first and second editions. Now I've at least seen all three in person! Surely some folks out there have pictures they'll post of the second and third editions!

[pa_guns]

Hi

My issue with gold engraving has always been taking a chunk off. You can obviously put it back on, but that's a trip back to the engraver.

Sounds like this stuff is a bit more sturdy.

Thanks!

Bob

[clughog]

The "Don't Tread on Me" isn't as intricately gold filled as the Dragons, for sure. Only thing gold on it is the fangs and the eye! I think mine would wear a whole lot better than the Dragons or any of the other really ornate pistols. I don't think I'd be afraid to shoot mine at all, but I'll probably hold off a while just to keep it's value up. I honestly bought it just because the rattlesnake really appealed to me AND it's serial number is my favorite number--just too much to pass up! Besides, if the owner hadn't come WAY down on his asking price I would not have bought it.