enhanced models ???

[fatguy]

I have a few questions about "enhanced" models. I've noticed from other postings that some believe the enhanced models are worth more money, but others spend a lot of money to remove the enhanced features. Is this because the enhanced versions are more squared off and not comfortable as carry pistols? When did Colt first offer this option? I have a new in box Delta Gold Cup enhanced. Is it more desirable than an un-enhanced version? (I would post a photo, but sold camera to buy pistol ;) As a collector, does the enhanced option increase collector value?

[harleydog]

I wasn't aware that colt put out a delta gold cup enhanced. Learn something new everyday. See a old dog can learn new tricks.

[paul45]

Enhanced was just an option.....kinda like new model year "face-lifts" on cars. One cannot really remove enhanced features. I dont believe that feature adds any value to a Colt.....except to GunBroker dealers who are out to prey on the uninformed by creating a false impression of "rare".

[larry starling]

Enhanced was just an option.....kinda like new model year "face-lifts" on cars. One cannot really remove enhanced features. I don't believe that feature adds any value to a Colt.....except to Gun Broker dealers who are out to prey on the uninformed by creating a false impression of "rare".
Yep have to agree with Paul on this one....At the beginning of 1992 Colt made several changes to the Model 1911a1 in the form of an enhanced pistol.
Included were the Government models, the Commander, the Officers model, the Gold Cup, and the Combat Elite. These modifications are the result of Colt's desire to meet the shooters demand for a more "customized" pistol. The model 1911A1 may be the the most modified handgun in the world. Colt chose some of the most popular modifications to perform on the new enhanced models. They included beavertail safety grip, a slotted Commander-style hammer, a relief cut under the trigger guard, a beveled magazine well, a slightly longer trigger, a flat top rib , and angled slide serrations... :)

[fatguy]

It seems in the collector market, any factory added upgrades are more desireable if there are a lot fewer produced than the standard model. Like the swartz safety in pre war Nat'l matches. That version brings more on the collector market. I'm talking 20 to 30 years down the line. If only 10% of a particular model was produced with this option, doesn't that make them more collectable than the standard model?

[paul45]

It seems in the collector market, any factory added upgrades are more desireable if there are a lot fewer produced than the standard model. Like the swartz safety in pre war Nat'l matches. That version brings more on the collector market. I'm talking 20 to 30 years down the line. If only 10% of a particular model was produced with this option, doesn't that make them more collectable than the standard model?Hard to predict.....Apparently, there is a substantial group of people who strongly dislike any Colt with enhanced features from the same sort of discussion last year at 1911forum. I would not pay extra for an enhanced Colt over the same non-enhanced version....such as an enhanced combat elite over an enhanced version.......JMO though.....I have no sales facts to back myself up.

[larry starling]

It seems in the collector market, any factory added upgrades are more desirable if there are a lot fewer produced than the standard model. Like the Swartz safety in pre war Nat'l matches. That version brings more on the collector market. I'm talking 20 to 30 years down the line. If only 10% of a particular model was produced with this option, doesn't that make them more collectible than the standard model?I really don't think so in this case. The Swartz equipped Colt's are alot rarer than a Series 80 Enhanced model. Colts production ledger list's only 25,000 or so Pistols in the Swartz safety serial range. Of those a maximum of 1500 but likely fewer than 1200 Government model pistols with Swartz safety were sold in the US. v/s Thousands of Enhanced Colts out there. Of all the Enhanced models the Combat Elites seem to be the rariest..... ;)

[fatguy]

I guess like any investment speculation, trying to predict the future is a gamble. Who knew in 1945 that the $1.45, stamped sheet metal, disposable Liberator pistol would bring $2500 today. One things for sure, collecting any Colt is a good thing. Thanks for the discussion guys. I'm really enjoying this forum.

[larry starling]

I guess like any investment speculation, trying to predict the future is a gamble. Who knew in 1945 that the $1.45, stamped sheet metal, disposable Liberator pistol would bring $2500 today. One things for sure, collecting any Colt is a good thing. Thanks for the discussion guys. I'm really enjoying this forum.
Great there are a bunch of great people on this forum. Welcome aboard... ;)

[fatguy]

Larry, I wasn't really comparing the enhanced directly to the Swartz NM. I was using it as an example of the difference in collector value based on a factory upgrade. In 30 years there won't be too many new in box Delta Gold Cup enhanced readily available to a collector.....I hope ;)

[larry starling]

Larry, I wasn't really comparing the enhanced directly to the Swartz NM. I was using it as an example of the difference in collector value based on a factory upgrade. In 30 years there won't be too many new in box Delta Gold Cup enhanced readily available to a collector.....I hope ;)
Oh I agree! For what ever reason the collectability of series 80 guns I think is in its infancy. I think that anything with a Colt on it is a good buy. At least you can safely know that you will always be able to get at least what you payed for it if you ever sell. I don't think the other 1911 manufacturer's can claim that? :D

[fatguy]

In my mind nothing compares to the pre-war NM. Thats the Holy Grail to me. I've seen Colt pistol values climb consistantly in the past few years so if I get an opportunity to purchase an unusual variation and sit on it for a few years, I'm on it! I'm just trying to pick everyones brain for what they think will be most desireable in the future. There's a lot of experience and knowledge on this forum and I'm soakin it in baby!!

[Ted Smith]

100% reliable, great trigger action. Colt did very well on these models.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i90/TedG954/Colts/c212f0b1.jpg

[okcorral1881]

100% reliable, great trigger action. Colt did very well on these models.

Nice gun Ted...I think John might like that one :)

[larry starling]

100% reliable, great trigger action. Colt did very well on these models.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i90/TedG954/Colts/c212f0b1.jpg
Great looking piece..... ;)

[daveohno]

Stainless over blue, that's nice.

[dakota1911]

Hi fatguy,

I find this statement interesting: "I have a new in box Delta Gold Cup enhanced".

Without a picture of both sides of this pistol you may have I can't comment further.

[fatguy]

Dakota1911, I don't understand. I own an enhanced Delta Gold Cup that is un-fired, new in box. Is that interesting? Why do you need a picture?

[RickB]

I think the pre-enhanced guns are worth more, because they don't have things that can't be undone. I have a Delta Elite, pre-enhanced, and wouldn't trade its classic, G.I.-style apprearance for the changes made in the enhanced models. If had to rate "recent" Colts, in terms of desireability, I'd say the XS pistols (late '90s) are at the top, then the pre-enhanced pistols, then the XSEs, with a slight advantage to the early ones, then the enhanced pistols. I generally prefer the guns that let me chose how I want them configured (pre-enhanced), but I give the XS the nod for their relative rarity.

[44 Man]

Well, I bought an engraved enhanced Gov't because it was engraved, not enhanced. I took the FL guide rod out and put in a standard, installed a short trigger and a tactical mag release. Then a Gov't hammer and grip safety. Took out the polymer main spring housing and installed a arched housing, and the ambi safetys and installed a stock Colt. Tossed all of those parts into the box in case I ever want to return the gun to stock (probably not) and took it out and shot it a bunch. I love it this way. Here's after and before. This picture shows a different trigger. It now wears a SS Colt short trigger and looks great. 44 Man
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b15/clare44man/ColtG2.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b15/clare44man/coltengraved00.jpg

[OD*]

I like the "after." ;)

[littledoc]

Very tastefully done, both the engraving and the mods. Nice pistol.