Production o1911 repro

[theseadog]

Is the WWI reproduction model still being made?

[OD*]

As far as I know they are, but they would be near the end.
A call to Colt Monday would answer your question definitively.

[theseadog]

I had asked my FFL to get one for me and he indicated that they had had a couple of them a several weeks ago but that they were now gone. He indicated that he asked for them to send him one when they had more. His comment was that when the Colts people did another "run" they would be getting some. Seemed a little vague to me. I was wondering if the distributor would be getting anymore, hence the production question. A lot of variables I guess, but if they are not producing then I would have to considered another purchase.


As far as I know they are, but they would be near the end.
A call to Colt Monday would answer your question definitively.

[Hawkmoon]

There is one NIB sitting in the display case at the range where I shoot. Call Chris at 203-453-1570. He's open Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 eastern time, and Tuesdays through Fridays from 1:00 to 9:00.

[bophi]

01911/repo...
i bought one 2 weeks ago from gun show,jerrys tradders of salem va. had 2.. (had)
it sold for 999.00 i traded a almost new kimber ultra cdp 3in. for it and some change
have not shot it , think i'll keep it unfired. i love it it's a nice pistol....bobby

[Joe1911]

FWIW - I went to a Colt distributor they called Colt to order 1, and were told that the next production run would be in Oct 2007.

[Joni Lynn]

Best way to get one right now is to locate a dealer that has one and adopt it.
Of course locating one at all could be difficult. Good luck!

[feathers73]

Collectors Firearms at http://www.collectorsfirearms.com has two of them. One new and one ANIB. Also, there are several on gunbroker

Has anyone seen any of the WWII repros for sale?

[Hawkmoon]

I just don't understand people. After all the clamoring about "I can't find one anywhere," ten days ago I posted the information that there's one available at my range, and I posted the telephone number to call. I was at the range yesterday, and Chris said NOT ONE PERSON has called.

So I guess all those people who were claiming to be hot to buy one ... weren't.

The problem with that, folks, is that it's a bit like the boy who cried wolf. I'm always willing to help people when and where I can, but when someone tries to put together a seller with prospective buyers who claim they just gotta have it, and then the buyers don't even drop a dime ... it's pretty easy to lose interest in being helpful.

[theseadog]

Thanks for the info. That is what I needed to know. My FFL gives me extremely reasonable prices. I prefer to buy from him accordingly, but thanks to others who gave me a heads up on other locations. I have to think about whether I can wait that long, if not I will procure one elsewhere.

FWIW - I went to a Colt distributor they called Colt to order 1, and were told that the next production run would be in Oct 2007.

[Hawkmoon]

It's not simply a case of "can I wait that long." It's also a case of when will the supply dry up? They are still in production (albeit the production isn't constant, Colt runs different models in batches), but the production of this model will be limited to 4,000 pieces, like the WW2 reissue. Loosely keeping track of serial numbers, it appears that while demand for these fine pistols is increasing, Colt is well into the final thousand range at this time. I think I had estimated that they had between 500 and 700 numbers to go. Like all their pistols, Colt sells these through distributors, and the distributors may (or may not, I have no way of knowing) already have their allocations committed.

I have found that having a shop willing to give me a great price on a pistol he can't get is scant consolation.

[clughog]

I just don't understand people. After all the clamoring about "I can't find one anywhere," ten days ago I posted the information that there's one available at my range, and I posted the telephone number to call. I was at the range yesterday, and Chris said NOT ONE PERSON has called.

So I guess all those people who were claiming to be hot to buy one ... weren't.

The problem with that, folks, is that it's a bit like the boy who cried wolf. I'm always willing to help people when and where I can, but when someone tries to put together a seller with prospective buyers who claim they just gotta have it, and then the buyers don't even drop a dime ... it's pretty easy to lose interest in being helpful.Hawkmoon, believe me, I really appreciate all the help folks on the Forum give. In my case, I keep going back and forth on getting one. It's something I'd like to have, but unless I can get it relatively inexpensively through one of my distributors, I'll probably pass. I've seen a bunch in the $1,000 +/- range and that wouldn't be bad if I just had to have one...and I may regret not springing for the extra couple of hundred dollars some day. The distributor I'm working with is expecting to get some of the next batch and, hopefully, I'll be able to acquire one of those. Anyway, thanks again, Hawkmoon!

[saltydog]

I don't get it. Colt is in the business af making money. There is a demand for a quailty product. Colts response is to make a limited run thereby creating higher demand, and thus higher prices for the distributor, not Colt.

There is a WW1 repro available in Ft.Worth Cabelas. Cabelas only asks for a 150 premium for the WW1 version. 999.00 plus tax out the door.

I'm willing to give Colt another try at provided the produst is at retail prices. Maybe their quality is improved. There was certainly lots of room for improvement. I am not willing to pay scalper prices to buy a product whose value has been artifically altered by a 'limited run'.

salty.

[OD*]

I don't get it. Colt is in the business af making money. There is a demand for a quailty product. Colts response is to make a limited run thereby creating higher demand, and thus higher prices for the distributor, not Colt.
Their limited manpower was explained to you, and they do not run all models concurrently.


Maybe their quality is improved.
There is no maybe about it.

I am not willing to pay scalper prices to buy a product whose value has been artifically altered by a 'limited run'.
Scalper prices are not the fault of Colt, they have a MSRP.
Their value has not been artificially altered, they are worth what people are willing to pay and you have no idea what their cost of manufacturing is. It's quite obvious from your past postings you don't care for current production Colts, nor do you have any real idea on their current quality, but, there are dozens of people on this forum who have purchased new Colt's and quite frankly I'm more than a bit tried of the implications that we are liars or are too stupid to know what a quality firearm is.

[.45FMJoe]

Their limited manpower was explained to you, and they do not run all models concurrently.



There is no maybe about it.


Scalper prices are not the fault of Colt, they have a MSRP.
Their value has not been artificially altered, they are worth what people are willing to pay and you have no idea what their cost of manufacturing is. It's quite obvious from your past postings you don't care for current production Colts, nor do you have any real idea on their current quality, but, there are dozens of people on this forum who have purchased new Colt's and quite frankly I'm more than a bit tried of the implications that we are liars or are to stupid to know what a quality firearm is.

Oh snap. You tell him, OD!

[auto45]

I'd guess the "repro" program has worked well for Colt. Meaning it creates "buzz" and they just look nice.

I assume they will continue with another "model" and keep the "series" going...
maybe next year?

[Hawkmoon]

I don't get it. Colt is in the business af making money. There is a demand for a quailty product. Colts response is to make a limited run thereby creating higher demand, and thus higher prices for the distributor, not Colt.

There is a WW1 repro available in Ft.Worth Cabelas. Cabelas only asks for a 150 premium for the WW1 version. 999.00 plus tax out the door.

I'm willing to give Colt another try at provided the produst is at retail prices. Maybe their quality is improved. There was certainly lots of room for improvement. I am not willing to pay scalper prices to buy a product whose value has been artifically altered by a 'limited run'.

salty.
$999 for a WW1 reissue is not a "scalper" price, that's the standard list price. These are not mass-produced items, they are all built by the Colt custom shop, using bits and pieces authentic to the original blueprints and with a special bluing intended to replicate the originals as closely as possible.

Comparing them to an off-the-shelf, mass-produced "shooter" grade pistol is unrealistic and unfair. If you don't want a pistol whose value has been "artificially inflated," buy a Colt 1991.

[saltydog]

I thought MSRP was 850 or so. If not, Iwas misinformed by a Colt dealer. I beleive its the same guy in College Station that Mick bought his WW! from. They quoted me a price, I agreeed to it, and was informed that I would receive an e-mail when it was rec'd. I can fwd you the msgs if you like. Haven't heard from them yet...

It really is 999.? No wonder they haven't contacted me.

Dan, no one called you a liar. If I disagree, it does not mean that I dis-believe you, just that I disagree. Thats allowed isn't it?

I'd imagine all mfg concerns have limited manpower. By making 'limited runs' though, the supply is, by definition, limited and that makes for higher retail prices assuming a demand that isn't decreasing.

salty.

[OD*]

Dan, no one called you a liar. If I disagree, it does not mean that I dis-believe you, just that I disagree. Thats allowed isn't it?
Sure it's allowed, but as I asked you in the PMs, what are you basing this consent criticism on, fact or opinion? You admitted to not owning any recent Colts, so you're basing your criticism on opinion, not experience. Everyone is entitled to an opinion I suppose, but as Col. Cooper commented, "There are two kinds of opinions you can have....those you are entitled to...and those you are not."

[Hawkmoon]

I thought MSRP was 850 or so. If not, Iwas misinformed by a Colt dealer.
$999 MSRP is the only price I have ever heard. $850 sounds more like the MSRP for a Series 70 in blue. That's also a very nice pistol, but it's not the WW1 reissue.

[saltydog]

I dunno Hawk. Per Jones, Thurs, 15 March, at ajs "..875 delivered, if they do not go up'. My reply was 'You have a sale, pending inspection.' That was the basis of my comment regarding Cabellas and 'scalper prices'. I can fwd the conversation to you if you like.

OD, I went back and re-read my post to be sure that I'd not had another senior moment. It seems that I did not comment on current Colts other than to say that 'there was lots of room for improvement'.

Since you mentioned the PMs, I seem to recollect that you even agreed that Colts in the past were less than they could have been. If you care to post the entire PMs feel free to do so.

Truce?

salty.

[Joni Lynn]

I believe the suggested retail for the WW1 is $990. The one I received is a quite well made and I'm impressed with it in all ways.

[saltydog]

I don't know Joni. Thats the price quoted me and I agreed to. Maybe the guy has had second thoughts. I haven't heard from him since I agreed to his 875 delivered price on 15 March.

Its the same dealer Mick used whan he bought his WW1 repro.

salty.

[Joni Lynn]

He could sell it for $875.........no law against it. Where I am located very few guns are ever sold anywhere near retail. $875 is a good price. If I saw one at that price I'd probably own two of them.

[saltydog]

:D X2.

sd.

[OD*]

I believe this is actually what was said.


Historically, I think of Colt as a Nat'l Treasure. Think about it a bit Colt has been coasting along, relying or past history much as American Auto Makers did in the 70s.

I agree that was the case from say the late 1970s through the early 1990s, I know that is not the case today, Colt's quality is far better today than it was a short 10 years ago.

Hopefully, Colt is making a better product that they did a short ten years ago. You gotta admit though, there was lots of room for improvement.

Yes there was room for improvement, and they have improved, that is the whole point I have been trying to make, if you haven't owned a post, say 2000 model year, how can you honestly criticize them?

[HercPilot]

I saw a WWI repro at the last gunshow here. Modified some with new sights and some internals for $990. I offered $600 and thought the guy was going to hit me. $1050 is the local price for a NIB. I love it when you folks find a gun for a good price. The reason I don't jump on it is because my local dealer refuses to transfer a new gun at any price. Go figure.

HercPilot

[Joni Lynn]

My most local dealer refused to help me with a transfer once even for a small profit. Now when they see me they ask why I don't buy anything from them any more. I sorta figured if I was buying from them on a regular basis they could afford to help me out, especially since it wasn't a gun they had or could get for me. I don't like one way relationships so that one is premanently severed.
I have a great dealer now that treats me like a Princess.

[bophi]

colt price..

this too is the only price i have seen or heard of (999.00) if you want one you better get it soon as they will be gone and the price will increase...i'm glad i got mine.
bobby

[HercPilot]

My most local dealer refused to help me with a transfer once even for a small profit. Now when they see me they ask why I don't buy anything from them any more. I sorta figured if I was buying from them on a regular basis they could afford to help me out, especially since it wasn't a gun they had or could get for me. I don't like one way relationships so that one is premanently severed.
I have a great dealer now that treats me like a Princess.

My feelings exactly. When I mentioned this the guy behind the counter pointed at the door (Not the owner). I've been loyal and consistent. Now I just use them for price checks and the rare good deal.

HercPilot

[bophi]

i agree with you joni that is a very well made colt, even if it is a repo. and whats with a dealer not wanting to work with a customer , am glad you fould one that is ..
bobby

[Mick_In_Texas]

I have a Colt's USGI 1911 from the mid- to late-1918 production run. Loving both the .45 ACP caliber AND JMB's 1911 platform, I was panting to get the WWI Repro Model. I didn't think I could do it: there is no dealer for Colt within a hundred miles of me in the part of the Brazos River Valley, Texas, where I live...

Some folks here gave me some leads, and I managed to get mine, NIB, from AJC Sports, in Clute, Tx, for $899 plus shipping and of course my great local FFL's fee. While I haven't shot it yet--hopefully this weekend--field strip inspection is like Joni Lynn's experience, it seems EXCELLENT in manufacture, fitting, finish, function checking...

In my case, I KNEW I wanted one--and it will be my last new acquisition for a while--and I had to go through some hoops to take advantage of the lead I was given here. I've seen them on GunBroker.Com myself, Collector's Firearms, for several hundred more than I paid straight up. Hard as it was on me financially, I'm thankful that I own one.

As far as a manufacturer--Colt's Manufacturing LLC or anyone else--producing a limited edition firearm, or any manufacturer producing a limited-edition ANYTHING, that is well within their rights: examples are the Kawasaki 454LTD, the last ride I owned, certain Corvettes, glass paperweights, whatever. The VALUE is in the pocketbook of the buyer. I am thankful I got my O1911 for what I did. Yes, they're limited production run. Personally, I truly wish--having four Colts in addition to my two Springers and RIA, not to mention my two Rugers and my Taurus--Colt would make the O1911 a regular model, because I LOVE the 1911, the REAL one, as opposed to the -A1. I'd like another "O1911"--if mine proves functional and reliable--but, as it's limited production, probably won't ever have one. I wish every fan of this fine handgun, could have a leisurely chance at one. But the limited production is Colt's decision, and they are entitled to it, as much as I wish they wouldn't limit them, wish they'd make them regular, even in the beautiful Colt blue like my O1991 as opposed to the Carbonia Blue. But, they haven't.

The WWI Repro is a beautiful arm. But, I'd LOVE to have an Ace--and I'll never have one. They're history, have been since several decades ago. I've looked at them on GunBroker.Com, not willing myself to pay what was asked; goes back to the value being in the eye of the buyer, more than the seller. I paid about the same for First Lady, my USGI, than I did for my WWI Repro, honestly; and she's in great shape, I was extremely lucky, extremely.

But, I cannot blame any manufacturer in a free economy for producing limited edition things: I've wanted many things in my life I've never gotten, and never will, save winning the Texas Lottery. Not to say that I don't really feel for folks who "miss out" on something... but, again, I wish I had a Harley sitting in a storage area, but I don't. I am thankful for my Tundra and my four Colts, as well as the other guns I've got. There y'all go.

Take care all.
Mick

[daveohno]

I have a WW1 Repro and I like it just fine. She is a beauty, functions just fine and I don't remember what I paid for it, something over 900 for sure. I grabbed mine because I was afraid I might not get a chance for another at a decent price. She is a distinctive pistol.

[Joni Lynn]

When a dealer treats me that way it tells me that I'm not respected as a person, a customer and my money is of no consequence either. My dealer treats me well on the $$ end of things on purchases and transfers.

[Mick_In_Texas]

I have a WW1 Repro and I like it just fine. She is a beauty, functions just fine and I don't remember what I paid for it, something over 900 for sure. I grabbed mine because I was afraid I might not get a chance for another at a decent price. She is a distinctive pistol.

... I LOVE my own! They are beauties. Ditto on your situation, for my own. To be able to carry (limited, granted) and shoot (limited, granted) a Colt's 1911 of modern manufacture... is a dream come true for me, although my ORIGINAL one is 100%. I'll NEVER carry First Lady or shoot her much; while I'll limit my shooting and carry of my WWI Repro--and I certainly respect the folks who don't even want to shoot theirs--I am thrilled to have my Repro. I could NOT have gotten her, had it not been for THIS place, and you fine folks who led me to a place that had them. Among MANY reasons, that is why I LOVE this place: the folks. The knowledge. The information, and the willingness to share it with others. Just like John Moses Browning, John Caradimas got it right the first time.

Mick

[Cap]

I looked ay one today.
FWIW, Fit and finish looked very good to me.
There was a clear difference in fit and finish on it and the production Colt Commander I looked at.

The repo looked clearly superior to me.
Price was $999
If i wasn't so broke, I'd bought it in a heart beat.

Now, PLEASE don't throw rocks at me guys, but I was a bit disapointed in the Commander I looked at today.
It was the first Colt I've taken a good look at in over 25 years.
I kind of expected that flawless deep finish with not a tool mark to seen.
(Like I recall when admiring my bud's Python way back then.)

Forgive me, but the slide on the Commander looked it was cut on a saw mill.
Not so with the repo.
The tool marks were much better polished out it and the finish looked much richer


..L.T.A.

[Mick_In_Texas]

My WWI Repro is wonderful, as far as function checking and visual inspection. So is my 1991A1. My 38 Super Govt Model, was incredibly accurate out of the box: it put at least 5 of 9 in a target hole less than 1-1/2" diameter. It may have put more in that hole, but at 25 yds, the group was real tight, and that was the first 9 rounds out of the box with factory (Winchester) ammo! I went through at least 50 on the 38 Super, never a cough, never a hiccup. I've carried it once. It's a good gun. I'm happy to have it, it's kinda historical.

Colt's has had problems with QC in the past. This is a fact, there's no apology needed. But, seems they're getting better. The 38 above, and my two .45s, while unfired, seem excellent. You're just being honest.

Colt is an American fireams tradition. Unlike Winchester, they treated John Moses Browning right, as did FN in Belgium... I just want to see them survive and as well prosper. The first 1911A1 I ever held and handled and field stripped and cleaned was a Mark IV Government that belonged to a work buddy. It convinced me that the 1911 platform was right for me, being already in love with the .45 ACP caliber from my Ruger P90. Colt is the original. I love my two Springers and my Rock Island Armory 1911A1s, but I also love my four Colts.

Mick

[clughog]

Well, my distributor came through for me...called yesterday and said he had ONE Colt WWI Reproduction just come in and asked if I still wanted it. Well, yeah, I said! And at the price I wanted to pay, so I'm happy. Should be delivered tomorrow.

[Hawkmoon]

I dunno Hawk. Per Jones, Thurs, 15 March, at ajs "..875 delivered, if they do not go up'. My reply was 'You have a sale, pending inspection.' That was the basis of my comment regarding Cabellas and 'scalper prices'. I can fwd the conversation to you if you like.
No need to forward anything. AJs must be a huge volume shop to be able to sell it for that price, though. I was at the range this evening so I asked what the MSRP was on the one in the case. $999 MSRP, according to Chris. $850 dealer cost. Even Chris was shocked at how little margin is built into them; other Colt's models have a lot more "float" in the price structure.

If you can find one at $875 you should not hesitate, because at that price they are nearly paying you to take it off their hands.

[OD*]

Well, my distributor came through for me...called yesterday and said he had ONE Colt WWI Reproduction just come in and asked if I still wanted it. Well, yeah, I said! And at the price I wanted to pay, so I'm happy. Should be delivered tomorrow.
Congratulations Creighton. http://www.combatcarry.com/vbulletin/images/smilies/vol_1/congrats.gif

[saltydog]

I've never been there Hawk. In a previous post Mick quoted his price at 899 + freight.

I didn't hesitate and agreed to the price. He was to have e-mailed me when one was rec'd. No e-mail to date...I don't think I gonna hold my breath too long waiting for that mail.

salty.

[Irish Mick]

Gentlemen,
I have had my re-issued Colt M1911 for a year, and two months now. She performs perfactly, and the finish is superb. I paid $956.12 plus shipping, and it was money well spent. I also have a 90% M1911, manufactured in 1914.
I carry my pistol daily, and shoot is almost weekly.
Now, even though Colt lists this pistol as a repro, it has the rampant colt displayed on the rear of the slide. This is NOT a reproduction pistol, it is a re-issued M1911 after a production 1918 weapon. All other pistols manufactued on the 1911 platform are the reproductions becaues they lack that little pony on the slide. Back in the late 70's Colt came out with their cap and ball series. They were, and are still known widely as the 2nd generation Colts.
Those of us who grew up carrying a M1911 on their hip, as I did owe Colt firearms a debt of gratidutde fro reissuing this venerable ole veteran.
Thanks.

-The Irish Mick
Arizona Territory