Help me custom my Colt 70 Series

[1234Lizard]

If you saw my post about my new 1975 Colt MK IV 70 Series Nickel plated bad boy you understand my situtation.

Collectors this is the time to close your eyes or switch threads. This is about changing a collector piece. : )

I bought my Colt for $920 and it had some pitting on the top of the slide that looked minor, but cannot be repaired without a new finish. I sent the gun into Colt for that new Nickel finish already. They want $225 for the whole gun or like $190 for the barrel and slide. It's a no brainer. I'm doing the whole gun. I already bought real buffalo horn grips with the silver medallion from Ajax for like $80 with shipping. The gun cost about $60 to ship one way.

As you can see I'm into this gun $1285 with my current situation.

Because I have to have the gun refinished I understand that collector value is much less if any. I have to plan on keeping this gun and using it.

I'm an ex swat cop and currently a Detective. I wear a suit everyday and don't mind carrying a pretty 1911 with me as company.

My #1 priority is reliability for this gun as it is already beautiful. I don't need special sites or tight barrels or any extra junk.

I would like a better trigger pull and some slightly improved sites from the current ones which are almost non-existent.

Here is a list of options that I plan on having Colt Custom Shop complete with the quoted price:

1. Refinish entire gun. $225
2. Night sites $125
3. Lower and Flare Ejection Port $65
4. Bevell the mag well. $58
5. Extended Thumb Safety $58
6. Trigger Job to "crisp 3 1/2 lbs". (They did not charge.)

Return shipping will be $30.

I read an article last night about 70 series Colts. In that article it talked about all the changes they made to Colt when they put out the new 70 Series guns in like 2002. One of the major changes was the new barrel and solid barrel bushing. The original 70 series guns had the fingered barrel bushing for many reasons. However, Colt determined at some point that those break and they were not a good idea for the new 70 series. They also tried a new barrel with a modified ramp which they thought fed better than original ramps. There were several other minor changes like all the parts are 80 series parts, just not connected for the firing pin safety etc. Even the WWII reproductions have modern parts with holes etc that are not used. They did not want to reproduce original parts to make a gun look original on the exterior.

The article also mentioned that the beavertail style grips are not just for hammer bite. It said that they help your entire hand absorb shock during recoil and keep you on target.

I did some more reading and plan on adding some additional requests from Colt.

1. Replace the fingered barrel bushing with a solid bushing. If that is not possible replace the entire barrel with a modern barrel and bushing.

2. Add checkering or similar grip to the frontstrap of the receiver.

3. Make sure the night sites are low profile.

I told Colt another option might be for them to use my gun as a base to make their Gunsite model which has the options I want.

I'm waiting for their response on these ideas.

I know I really picked an expensive gun to use a base for a custom gun. I did not plan it that way.

I'm going to look at the costs vs. what I could sell the gun for used if the only change is a refinish.

I cannot find more than one or two of these old Nickel 70 series guns for sale and they range from $1000-2000.

After I pencil this out if it cost too much more to get this gun to my specs, I might consider selling it and just buying a pre-made gun. Does anyone have any realistic ideas about what I could sell my gun for if refinished. It has what looks like the original box and some paperwork.

I'm not sure what the refinishing does to the guns value if everything else is original to the average consumer. I know I would not care if that was the gun I wanted, but a hardcore "lock it in a safe and never shoot it" collector would not be happy with that.

As I see it I'm at $1611 for the gun with the modifications I've already asked for or have. I'm guessing I'm looking at another 200-300 for the rest.

Is 2k way too much to have into this gun. If at some point I have to sell this gun with these mods and it's in excellent shape what could I expect to receive?

Thanks for helping me through this process.

Lizard

[cliff731]

IMHO, while a re-finished pistol might have a lesser value to a collector, one that is done by the factory (and in this case it's Colt) should not see too much value diminished... especially when the entire pistol is re-finished and you maintain the paperwork to prove it was a factory job.

My suggestion is to proceed with the re-finishing by Colt- then sell the pistol and buy exactly what you want in a new Colt Gunsite pistol. I think you'll come out way ahead.

There's bound to be some collectors out there who will give a "re-finished" Colt 1911-A1 pistol much merit when there's a Colt original document showing the trip it made back to Hartford.

[1234Lizard]

Cliff,

After much thought and deliberation I agree with you. The dollar amount keeps climbing to make this gun what I need and want. I'll leave it stock for the collectors with a new Colt finish.

I'll wait till it gets back and then head to the gun show. There's bound to be someone interested even when I tell them about the new finish and show them the Colt paperwork showing they did the work.

Everything will remain stock and she will remain in the box until I find someone interested in paying enough for me to break even on this nonsensical loop of a learning experience.

Thanks,

Lizard

[cliff731]

(edit)...There's bound to be someone interested even when I tell them about the new finish and show them the Colt paperwork showing they did the work.

Everything will remain stock and she will remain in the box until I find someone interested in paying enough for me to break even on this nonsensical loop of a learning experience.

Thanks,

Lizard

Agreed!!! I'm sure there will be some folks very interested in your Series 70 Colt with it's newly restored nickel plated finish... which, BTW, was done the right way.

What is your opinion on this?... having Colt prepare one of their Archive Letters (http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/historical.asp) to document the original specifications and delivery of your pistol. How much might that add to the value of the firearm for a potential collector?

[jeff1124]

Here's another thought. Have your weapon refinished and sell it and buy a Light weight XSE Commander and have night sights put on that. It would be cheaper ( I think) then a Gunsite piece, and a whole lot easier to carry and it sounds like you intend to carry it daily. Just a thought. :)

[Phil]

Even with a factory re-plate, $1,285 is starting to push what you can expect to get for this gun, IMHO.

[Joni Lynn]

I had this seies 70 Gov't in nickel..............I wasn't fond of nickel and wanted ...........well..............more.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/Joni_Lynn/GovtSeries70.jpg
Well...........it got sent off to Bob Rodgers and now it is this..........http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/Joni_Lynn/lgcolt2.jpg
about as totally changed as it can be.
It's one of my favorite 1911's now. Bob did wonderful work and it came out pretty good.

[dakota1911]

I also carry an XSE LW Commander these days. If it was me I would not mess with it and pick up a carry gun. That's just me however. Back in 1974 I bought a blued gov. for about $220 1974 dollars (I'll let you do the conversion to 2006 dollars.). Also in 1974 I had better sights put on it and the ejection port opened up. I put a flat mainspring housing on it and a longer trigger. I did the trigger job to give me a crisp 5 lb pull, which is what I like on a carry gun, and I did carry it for years. I kept all the parts, like grips, trigger, arched mainspring housing etc. What I can't change back are the sights and the ejection port. Still have it and love it, but retired it for a Colt Defender for a couple of years and now have the XSE LW Commander. (O.K. Don't tell Hunter but for about a year I did carry a Commander sized S&W 1911Sc, and won't do a picture of that one, although it is a great gun also and still have it).

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e193/dakota1911/1911A170_r.jpg

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

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

[wetidlerjr]

This is my SS Commander. The frame is bead blasted and the slide is done in Duracoat. The stocks are VZ. All changes were cosmetic with no mechanical upgrades or tuning.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/wetidlerjr/Colt%201911/ColtCommander.jpg

[Rio Vista Slim]

1234Lizard,
Ultimately, it is your gun, and your decision. Whether you recoup what you have invested will be decided by the marketplace.

I only change the grips/stocks that are on my Colt pistols. Others will go for other cosmetic changes, while some (wetidlerjr and Joni Lynn) will alter their guns considerably. It falls to each of us to decide whether our guns are to remain as a personal treasure, or, a means to a future end. If the latter is the case, then how much the gun is worth will be determined by future buyers, and not by what has been invested in it.

NOTE: Thanks to Joni Lynn, Bill, and dakota1911 for the fabulous pictures of their guns.

[1234Lizard]

Thanks guys!

I'm sure if I put the brand new buffalo grips on this piece and carrying it around at a gun show for awhile in the original box with paperwork I'll find a buyer who can bail me out. This gun will look brand new and if collectors want brand new WWII pistols, the original gun with a new finish from the same factory should not hurt that much. All potential buyers, but the 1% extremist collectors would be perfectly happy with this gun in my opinion.

This gun really stands out in a crowd and I can only find two of them forsale on the internet. One is the same exact gun maybe a few years newer and it is going for 2k. It said that gun was new, never fired. I'm not sure how accurate that is or if you would ever really no for sure. When my gun comes back it will look just as new. However, I do not have the moral and ethical freedom to be less than honest with a buyer. I'll tell them what I have and go from there.

I wonder how many people have refinshed guns and resold them for more money, not reporting a refinish or true amount of usage.

In the end we will all be judged.

Lizard

[chugwater]

Hey Lizard,

When your LIFE depends on your weapon (as probably will someday), take it from someone who has been there, its performance that counts, NOT LOOKS. Collect the pretty ones and carry the reliable one. IMHO

Chug

[1234Lizard]

Chug,

I agree fully about reliability being priority number one. However, I respectfully disagree about the last part of your post. If you have a beautiful gun that is also reliable it doesnt hurt to use it. You sound like my work partner. He likes the plain dull looking tools they issue us. Maybe I'm getting crazy, but if I have to wear a suit all day I want to carry a gun that's just as dressy. I will not comprimise reliability for those looks though.

The bad guys aleady think I'm crazy when they see me cocked and locked. Imagine a pretty cocked and locked gun.

If I go back on SWAT or to the road, I'll most likely go back to a plain jane looking 1911.

Thanks,

Lizard

[cwmoss]

Lizard,
Since buying my Colt Gold Cup new in 1977, it has been my carry gun while I was working as a reserve cop back then and I still have it today. It looks like it has been around the world a few times, but is still totally reliable with factory ammo. Recently I have kinda retired it and now have a Colt Gunsite CCO that is my carry gun, along with a LB TRS which is Baer Coated. I wanted my pistols to have a finish that would be less prone to rusting and both of these fill the bill. If you want something with other than a black finish, I would go with Satin Hard Chrome. They are beautiful! That will be the finish I have on my next 1911. Be safe.

cwmoss

[Phil]

If I go back on SWAT or to the road, I'll most likely go back to a plain jane looking 1911Fancy guns definitely have a place in LE. Years ago I worked deep nights in the housing projects of a major city. Another officer on my shift carried a large, nickle plated S&W with pearl grips. We kidded him about it, but when he pulled that thing out at night it was impressive, even in dim light. It drew attention like a magnet, which was exactly what he wanted, and tended to cause the street creeps to pay attention, even with some booze or dope in them. Different guns for different purposes. :D

[1234Lizard]

Phil,

I read an article somewhere about the mental effect of the 1911 cocked and locked on goodguys and bad.

Your co-workers who don't know much about guns think it looks unsafe. They don't know their Glock goes off when they pull the trigger same as mine. Except I have a real safety lever.

The article talked about the media use of the 1911 pistol and it's reputation as a "mad stopper" with the .45 round. Bad guys have a lot of time to watch TV.

It said bad guys were interviewed and most said what types of cops they would pull a gun on rather than run or submit. These guys look at the way the cop is dressed the overall condition of his equipment and the look in his eyes. When they see a cop with food all over his uniform and a dusty unkept looking stock sidearm they don't see someone who is taking this seriously. They see someone they can take. They might be wrong, but that's what they think. Think about your own experience in sizing people up. Who do you take more serious a guy dressed like a slob or a guy dressed proffesionally for the business he is conducting?

When the bad guy sees the cop with a 1911 in general they assume the cop is a gun nut or ex-military. They assume he is trained since very few cops carry 1911's anymore. Yes, there are a few agencies that carry them, but they are very much in the minority. If the cop is dressed sharp and crisp looking, steal eyed, and carries a a nickle plated 1911 with pearl grips tells the bad guy that the cop they are looking at is nuts and probably spends every pay check on his gun habit. They also assume that cop bought a pretty gun to shoot bad guys with. They don't see him as a good target and they might opt for compliance.

I personally have encountered this situation with an "Armed Career Criminal" who had a loaded .22 Ruger semi auto in his pocket with hollow points. He told me and the background information backed it up, that he had been in shoot outs with the police before. He was a gun runner and his car broke down in our town. He talked about the lazy cops who were eating at the 24 hour restaurant just after his break down. He said he watched them and sized up exactly how he was going to respond if they contacted him since he was in the restaurant with a duffle bag of goodies. He told me that had I not approached him tactically in a L style cover/contact position with my back up officer he was already planning his assault since he was cornered and knew he was going back to the Federal Penn for a long time. He said he saw my gun the condition of my uniform, my tactical approach along with my telling him to get his hands out of his pockets. He said he could tell I took this job seriously and he did not feel he could take both of us. He said his plan initially was a head shot with his .22 as he said he practices this shot often and which he had in his hands within his pocket when we walked up. He said he knows about body armor and plans accordingly. In this case I got into the mind of a criminal who made the same decisions that a lion in the jungle might make when judging potential prey and the risks and benefits associated with that confrontation.

It should be noted that this call was simply a hotel saying an "unwanted subject" was hanging out in the lobby with a duffle bag. I tend to be a little more cautious than many of my coworkers and they give me a good ribbing about it often. In this case I trusted my instincts, which said something is wrong with this guy and the overall scenario. Something just did not look right. We all size up every encounter we have without even thinking about it. If you don't size up encounters you won't last long in the genetic code, just like certain animals that did not last long to pass along genetics. This is the circle of life.

It never hurts to look sharp and have a weapon to match. I'm not saying you need a tricked out weapon, I'm just saying it's obvious who takes pride in their weapon and who does not. Look at the next cop you see and try to determine if he is prepared or if he has forgotten the danger and evil that we encounter every day. Or a easy example would be cars and trucks. You can usually look at a truck's interior and exterior and get a good idea what kind of owner it has.

Sorry I went rambling onto another subject, but I have a little problem with that.

Be safe, look sharp and stay prepared! Everyday you go into work you should plan on a life and death battle. If you have one you are ready, if you don't you might have one the next shift, but either way you are ready and you go home at the end of shift.

There are bad guys out there that are every bit as prepared if not better prepared and equipped than the police. Those guys get the advantage in that they get the first move. In a gun fight that's a huge advantage! You better be on the top of your game!

Who said monsters arent real? I see them all the time. There are no animals in the animal kingdom that treat their own species as violently and cruel as human beings treat one another.

Lizard

[daveohno]

Fancy guns definitely have a place in LE. Years ago I worked deep nights in the housing projects of a major city. Another officer on my shift carried a large, nickle plated S&W with pearl grips. We kidded him about it, but when he pulled that thing out at night it was impressive, even in dim light. It drew attention like a magnet, which was exactly what he wanted, and tended to cause the street creeps to pay attention, even with some booze or dope in them. Different guns for different purposes. :D
A Bright Stainless Python will have the eye opening affect that is needed. They think, you think, you're Dirty Harry. Big shiny wheelguns usually intimidate bad guys.

[bill may]

1234Lizard: Like you, as a LEO, I kept going back and forth on what to do about a 1911. Since my agency does not authorize the carrying of a cocked-and-locked pistol, one for duty was not a problem. But since I am an instructor, and teach all over our state and elsewhere, I use that 1911 platform for other agencies. So, having a 1911 pistol that works each and every time the trigger is pulled is a must. Reliability on the range, when teaching, is almost as important as reliability on the streets. While on the range a weapon that fails will not result in an injury or death, it is still embarassing and time-consuming, not to mention frustrating.

I settled on a Colt Gunsight with nite sights. It will go bang every time I pull the trigger.

[daveohno]

I settled on a Colt Gunsight with nite sights. It will go bang every time I pull the trigger.
+1 on a Gunsite with night sites! :D Mine is stainless.

I'm considering changing the sites on the blue one, also.

[1234Lizard]

Thanks,

I might be switching gears again. My Master Sergeant (Wife) said she does not want me selling my Colt and Kimber to buy a new gun. Too much time and effort. She said make this Colt work, sell my Kimber to help make it work and stop bugging her about guns.

I'm having a heck of a time with Colt's Customer Service. They don't provide a list of costs for anything and don't tell you what you options are. You have to call up and ask a secretary who then asks someone who knows. By the time they get back to you nothing gets answered because of the miscommunication. They won't let me email or corospond with the Custom Shop because they are too busy. I waited several weeks for my work order paperwork to arrive. They told me that the paperwork would answer all of my questions which I presented in a letter and by phone. This paperwork was a joke. It simply listed general descriptions of what services they are doing and a cost. I can't seem to get anyone to tell me what nightsites or extended thumb safety I'm ordering. I also asked that they make my gun 100% reliable. They did not answer my question about my existing 70 series fingered collet bushing which should be replaced. It was not even mentioned in the paperwork. I feel like I'm pulling teeth to ask what services they provide, the costs and what exactly I'm getting for my money.

I felt like I know more going through the Wendy's drive through when I look at the screen than what I know about my gun and the ton of money I'm spending on permanent alterations.

I suggested to one of the secretaries that they look at Wilson's system and learn from it. With Wilson you are able to download an entire list of every possible option and service along with price and part numbers. You know what you are ordering. Imagine that. That list allows you to write notes to the gun smith about your specific desires. Then you can call or email Wilson and they give you someone who knows about guns.

Is it unreasonable to want to know exactly what you are getting for your money when you are making permanent alterations? Are they so busy at Colt they can't make a price list for the custom shop? Or at least a list of part options.

So far I have spent the first week while my gun was in transit and shipping trying to find out what options I have and the cost. After the gun was received they were able to give me general info and cost. No specific brands, styles or colors. They told me that when my paperwork arrived I would know everything. This paperwork looks like it took 5 minutes to write up. They listed my return shipping insurance amount at "450,00". Whatever that means. I'll have darn near 2k into this gun so I hope they werent doing it for $450.

I wrote an email yesterday, which has not been answered. In that email I asked my questions again and mentioned the options they got right and the ones I want to add or change. I also mentioned It would have been nice to know my gun had a fingured collet bushing that has been prone to failure in the past and was discontinued. That would fall under the reliability request and my telephonic request that they check on a new barrel and bushing.

So far I know I'm getting the gun refinished and I know the cost. I also know I'm getting the trigger adjusted, lowering and flaring port. Those are self explanatory. Beyond that I'd just like to know what kind of nightsites I'm getting for $125 installed and if there are any options on color of lights and style. Also what kind of thumb safety am I getting. Will it match the gun?

Most if not all of those questions would have been answered by a simple list like Wilson uses and a better website.

I've now had my gun at Colt for a couple of weeks trying to figure out what they are selling me and at what cost. Once I get that information I'll make payment and wait another 50 days for the gun.

I sent my gun to Colt so they could do the finish primarily. But after reading this site I decided to have them do everything I was planning on having Wilson do. Wilson said to said it to Wilson first so they could cut anything that needed cutted etc before refinish. I did it the other way around because I felt Colt should be able to do this just as well if not better than Wilson.

In my email I told Colt I'd like to complete this process, but if it's too much to provide the customer with some information about what he is buying I'll go to Wilson for the work.

I have not heard anything yet, but I anticipate a very short email or call with very little information if the past dictates the future.

It's also very frustrating that I wrote a two page letter with all of my needs and requirements clearly listed when I sent this gun in. Why did I write this letter?

I love the look and history of Colt guns. I have not shot enough of them to say what I think about that, but I don't think they have this custom shop thing down yet with regard to communication.

I have several other options I'd like to consider, but can't because I can't get an answer on anything. I'm afraid to ask them anymore questions as I know it will take days to get a partial answer back and further delay this process.

Sorry, but this has been frustrating.

Lizard

[1234Lizard]

Colt responded to my email with acceptable answers. I'm still trying to get more info. I'll keep you posted.

I will say that they emailed me back within 2 working days. That was nice.

Lizard

[paul45]

Gosh Almighty.....I am gettin a headache reading all these flip-floppin posts about your adventure! May I suggest you sit down and do NOTHING until you decide what to do? None of my business, I know....but your not having a clear plan is costing a boatload of money. Easy for me to be critical....but an XSE or Gunsite would have filled all your desires for ALOT less. :confused:

[1234Lizard]

I'm real sorry Paul 45 about your headaches. Maybe you should be more careful about your choice in reading material. This thread was asking for help. That's usually an indicator that someone needs help or advice and may be uncertain about how to proceed without it.

A good way to offer help and advice is to not start your talking or typing with a negative remark about the person. People tend to listen more carefully when you avoid this. Beyond that this website is about positive things and helping people learn more about 1911's, not criticizing people in that process. I'm not a moderator, but I was not pleased with your last post on my thread and this one is par for the course.

Thanks to all who had positve advise! I'm leaving the gun stock with few things that can be changed right back. I'll post photos when I get her back. It may hurt your eyes if taller 70 series sights and an extended thumb safety bother you. : )

Thanks,

Lizard

[paul45]

I'm real sorry Paul 45 about your headaches. Maybe you should be more careful about your choice in reading material. This thread was asking for help. That's usually an indicator that someone needs help or advice and may be uncertain about how to proceed without it.

A good way to offer help and advice is to not start your talking or typing with a negative remark about the person. People tend to listen more carefully when you avoid this. Beyond that this website is about positive things and helping people learn more about 1911's, not criticizing people in that process. I'm not a moderator, but I was not pleased with your last post on my thread and this one is par for the course.

Thanks to all who had positve advise! I'm leaving the gun stock with few things that can be changed right back. I'll post photos when I get her back. It may hurt your eyes if taller 70 series sights and an extended thumb safety bother you. : )

Thanks,

LizardSorry to see you are so sensitive.....I will stand with what I stated in my post......cause that is my opinion.

[larry starling]

I'm real sorry Paul 45 about your headaches. Maybe you should be more careful about your choice in reading material. This thread was asking for help. That's usually an indicator that someone needs help or advice and may be uncertain about how to proceed without it.

A good way to offer help and advice is to not start your talking or typing with a negative remark about the person. People tend to listen more carefully when you avoid this. Beyond that this website is about positive things and helping people learn more about 1911's, not criticizing people in that process. I'm not a moderator, but I was not pleased with your last post on my thread and this one is par for the course.

Thanks to all who had positive advise! I'm leaving the gun stock with few things that can be changed right back. I'll post photos when I get her back. It may hurt your eyes if taller 70 series sights and an extended thumb safety bother you. : )

Thanks,

Lizard
FWIW I don't think Paul 45 was attacking you personally. But I would like to add you have changed your mind quite a bit in this and the other thread you posted on this subject. May I suggest you make a decision and stick with it. :)

[OD*]

Agree with Larry, I can't see where Paul was attacking you, he raises some good points. There isn't anything wrong with constructive criticism.

[Rio Vista Slim]

Agree with Larry, I can't see where Paul was attacking you, he raises some good points. There isn't anything wrong with constructive criticism.
When I first joined this forum, I owned a 3" barreled 1911 manufactured by someone other than Colt. This pistol later became "infamous" in its propensity to constantly fail to function. I wrote about my problems in the forum.

An astute "older" member pointed out to me that I had some options.
1) Quit bellyaching about the gun, and return it to the manufacturer for repair.
2) Continue to bellyache on the forum until no one could stand me anymore.
3) Relegate the pistol to use as a paper-weight.
4) Cut my losses, and get rid of the pistol.

I took option #1. :D

[Phil]

Gosh Almighty.....I am gettin a headache reading all these flip-floppin posts about your adventure! Well, I'm apparently going against the grain here, but nobody HAS to read anything that they don't want to read on this forum. I, for one, don't want to have to consider whether somebody might get a headache from reading my posts or not.

You can't please everybody in the world and I don't intend to try. If paul45 doesn't like somebody's posts, he should just skip over them......... no one's forcing him to read them. It's not like they're being sent to his personal e-mail address. Just MY opinion. :)

[1234Lizard]

OD,

I respect your position as a moderator however I'll have to respectfully disagree with your use of the words "Constructive Criticism".

There is nothing about what he said on either of his two posts that resembles constructive anything. I'm not sure what dictionary or translation you are using.

Here is a definition of "Constructive Criticism" from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

"Constructive criticism is the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one. In collaborative work, this kind of criticism is often a valuable tool in raising and maintaining performance standards."

The key to that definition is "friendly manner rather than an oppositional one". Mr. 45 does not understand that concept apparently. I'm a grown man and don't take kindly to people talking to me in that manner. I'm sure it's because he is sitting behind a keyboard. People tend to be a bit less polite when they are 1000 miles away from the person they are insulting. Because that distance makes them feel safe and free of any consequences. Mr. Paul 45 I'm not sensitive I just have a short temper for any type of nonsense.

Either way most the civilized world would agree with me if they read both posts Mr. 45 posted for me. I stand by that statement and will not change my mind. That should make you happy.

To those of you who like being treated this way that is your choice. Please don't come on my thread and say just because some old guy in the southern United States talked down to you that it's fine. This is not boot camp and I'm not impressed with big talkers.

This site has an electronic moderator that is extremely tight. I've been suspended for posting in the wrong forum, using a word that was not even profanity but considered not polite or tasteful when using an expression most cops use everyday with regard to shooting your gun alot. I learned this in the first week. I guess I just expected a higher level of accountability and respect within this site. Maybe I was wrong. I'd like to know what John thinks. He was a real gentleman when we spoke about my trip to Greece after I was busted by the electronic moderator.

Please let me know what is acceptable so I can appropriately conduct myself on this site. If that type of behavior is acceptable I most certainly would like to respond fully rather than a polite short version of what I'd really like to say.

Thanks Phil I'm glad you can see the light. It's tough going against the grain, but when you are right, you are right. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck I'm gonna call it a duck.

Also there is an old saying about arguing with someone who is not being reasonable or proper. (I won't use the hurtful word from the saying.) If you have that argument there are two people that fit that criteria. I see it everyday at work and won't engage Mr. .45 any longer as it is pointless.

I'm sure I'll most likely get some penalty points for defending myself in a debate of sorts. Kinda Ironic isnt it?

Lizard

[OD*]

Sorry you feel that way but;
May I suggest you sit down and do NOTHING until you decide what to do?
is good advice.

[1234Lizard]

OD,

I agree that part was good advice. However the trick with giving "constructive" advice or criticism is that you not start your discussion with an insult or negative comment.

I just don't like hearing I'm causing a guy a headache because I'm asking for help. If it's that difficult to help someone then don't do it.

As a result of all the feedback I got I was able to make a choice I am very happy with. I thank everyone who contributed in a constructive manner. For those that did not I feel sorry for you. Life must be tough.

You are the boss OD. Whatever you say I will comply with. I may not agree, but I will do as I'm told on this site so I can continue to learn and share information with others who love 1911s.

"The unexamined life is not worth living" Socrates

I believe we should all look at our lives daily to see how we might change and become better human beings.

I learn something everyday and hope I never turn into a know it all type internet surfer. I'll keep an open mind and try not to judge others. In the end we will all be judged.

Lizard

[OD*]

You are the boss OD. Whatever you say I will comply with.
No, I'm not the boss, that job don't pay enough.
I'm not telling you to do anything.

[1234Lizard]

OD,

Eitherway I'm here to learn. If it takes moderators to keep this crew in line I'm all for it. Nobody likes the cops, but I have a job to do also. They may not agree with me, but they will follow the rules.

On a more positive note I spoke with Colt on the phone today and they were great. I also got a call from someone in the custom shop. They are slow moving, but once they get going they are great with the customer service thing. When my gun comes back exactly as I requested I'll be very pleased with Colt.

I told them to do the following and his is the last time I promise. I'm paying on my credit card tomorrow.

1. Re-nickel entire gun.

2. Add current 70 series re-issue sites in matt nickel. (So I can see them.)

3. Add flat serrated mainstring housing.

4. Add Wilson extended tactical thumb safety.

5. New recoil spring.

6. New solid barell bushing.

7. polish ramp and throat barrel.

8. trigger set to a crisp 4.5 lbs.

9. Function test weapon.

I chose these items because I can always put the old parts back on and it's stock.

I like the classic look. I chose not to do the lowering and flaring of the ejection port because I don't reload and if that port worked in the big one it should work fine now.

Thanks again to all who helped! Even the grumpy guys helped some when the red color left my eyes and I could see the screen again.

Shoot them before they shoot you! Smooth is fast!

1234 Lizard (1234 means I'm crazy. Look it up.)

[OD*]

Some good choices there, it should be a sweet pistol on it's return. http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

[daveohno]

Did you ever consider hard chrome? :lm:


I'm just playing.

The changes you have requested sound good. You're really going to like her when she comes back!

[1234Lizard]

Thanks guys! As you know it took some real evaluation both mentally and financially to make this choice. There were a number of ways to skin the cat. I finally settled on the most sensible choice. Keep it stock with minor changes that make it a functional gun for my purpose. Maybe I'll keep my Kimber for the muddy range days with prone shooting and shooting while laying on our backs etc. Our training department comes up with some wild stuff sometimes.

The main thing for me is all my guns will be 1911's. I don't believe in carrying two types of weapon systems or different holster locations. Muscle memory and training must be consistant. I doubt my mind and body while know the difference between a blued Kimber TLE with night sights etc or a classic Colt 70 series nickel plated with black buffalo horn grips when I pull the trigger on a split second of notice. Those stock re-issue 70 series sites look like I can 5x a bad guy day or night just as well.

Sometimes I wonder if as cops we just like gadgets and extra stuff we don't need with light rails, ambi safeties and night sites.

I've yet to look at my sites when shooting up close when it counts. It's an instinctual point and shoot.

I might start a thread about ambi safeties. The only real reason I can think of using them is if you carry two 1911's holstered cocked and locked and you can't decide which gun belongs in which holster. : ) This will most likely stir up a good discussion. One of my co-workers told me the reason he has them on his gun is because he wanted a loaded SA TRP and ordered it like a car. He said I want the loaded model, give me it all. He then decided he liked the ambi because he rests one of his fingers on the other side a some point. I'm not clear why or when he does this.

I did think about the chrome and would prefer it in most cases. However I wanted to keep it 1970's stock. Don't get me started again I promised this was it! : )

Take care and remember if you even get in a gun fight don't give up. Dying is not an option or possibility until your threat is dead. Your body will keep fighting even after you are dead on your feet if that was your brains last transmission. Don't believe me? Read about how many guys are shot and recieve lethal wounds, but don't quit. Yes, it's usually those on drugs or the mentals that keep going. I guess I fall into the second catagory.

See it happened again I started rambling about non-sense unrelated to this thread. Somebody please stop me.

Take Care,

Lizard