Colt Recon?

[Side-by-Side]

Gentlemen: I'm new to your forum, and no handgun expert (old shotguns are my specialty), but am certain I've found just the place to get answers to my 1911 mystery. I've been unable to turn up any useful information in books or on the Web regarding a Colt "Recon" model I bought new about 10 years ago. It's matte black, with a shorter barrel (3.5"), full size grip, straight 1911 style backstrap and 3-dot combat sights. A similarly configured Kimber has caught my eye, and I'm trying to decide just how stupid I'd be to part with the Recon. Any info or advice will be greatly appreciated. SxS

[cliff731]

Photos would be real helpful here... can you post some?

[Rio Vista Slim]

Photos would be real helpful here... can you post some?
Side-by-Side,
First off, welcome to the forum.
Secondly, I agree with cliff731 that pictures of this Colt would be most appreciated.
Thirdly, don't describe yourself as stupid, concerning the decision that you are contemplating. Perhaps misguided would be more appropriate. The Colt will hold its value much better than a comparable Kimber, and yours sounds like a Dandy!!

Once again, welcome to the forum, and try to post some pictures of that Colt Recon.

[Rich-D]

I would not consider giving up a Colt for a new Kimber. It's a kin to giving up a Winchester Mod 12 for a new Norinco.

[John]

Gentlemen: I'm new to your forum, and no handgun expert (old shotguns are my specialty), but am certain I've found just the place to get answers to my 1911 mystery. I've been unable to turn up any useful information in books or on the Web regarding a Colt "Recon" model I bought new about 10 years ago. It's matte black, with a shorter barrel (3.5"), full size grip, straight 1911 style backstrap and 3-dot combat sights. A similarly configured Kimber has caught my eye, and I'm trying to decide just how stupid I'd be to part with the Recon. Any info or advice will be greatly appreciated. SxS
Go take a couple of aspirins and lay down for some hours. :D :) If that thought is still in your mind after that, seek professional help.

Exchanging a (possibly) rare Colt for a Kimber??? Good Lord, NO!

[elijdub]

Welcome to the forum!
That said, i have a Kimber which i love, but am a recent Colt convert. At this point i wouldn't consider trading ANY Colt for ANY Kimber (unless it was a new/non-rare Colt for an old/rare-er Kimber, i.e., Series I, Clackamas, etc.)!! ...Especially something of that nature...potentially rare, limited run, etc.!
I'm with the rest...i'd love to see some pics!
Eli

[OD*]

I think there were only about 1000 Recon's made, Officers slide on a Commander receiver. I would keep the Colt.

http://1911forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13332&d=1079446258
(picture from another site)

[Side-by-Side]

Gents: First off, thanks for all these rapid responses to my inquiry. I knew if I looked for it, I'd find the place where all the 1911 experts hang out, and this is obviously it. I spend a lot of time on a similar forum, except it is dedicated to the old shotguns that are my first love. I'll try to post pics later today, as soon as "tech support" (my 16-year-old) is available to help.

The lack of published information, and the gun's low three-digit serial number, have always led me to assume it was part of a small run of some sort. But I've also learned in a decade of collecting that rarity is only one factor affecting value (condition and demand being the others usually mentioned, and with guns, I always add a fourth factor ... utility). I can think of any number of commemoratives, for instance, that are fairly rare but not in great demand, because the number of collectors who want a gold-plated Roy Rogers lever gun is as small as the production run was. So I won't get my hopes up yet.

Of course, the difference between the example above and my Recon is that my gun is extremely useful. I bought it for protection, and what little I've carried it has been for protection. But if it's both rare and desireable, should I really keep using it? That's the thinking that got me looking at a Kimber to begin with (I'd also heard rumors that the new Colts aren't as good as the older ones, or as good as some of their recent competitors, including Kimber ... no offense meant, perhaps someone can enlighten me there). I'll admit, though, that I hunt pheasants with old guns that are both rare and very much in demand, but I also take many extra precautions with them.

My purpose is to find a reliable and effective sidearm to carry while deer hunting. Cougars have made a startling comeback in my part of the country, and it's not at all out of the question that a hunter alone in the woods before daybreak could find himself sharing the same quarter-section with a big cat. Others have told me I'd be better off with a revolver chambered for a more powerful cartridge (anywhere from a .357 to a .44 Magnum), for both safety and knock-down power, but I'm unconvinced, and remain fond of and familiar with my 1911s. I guess I'm also drawn to them for the same reason I'm drawn to century old scatterguns and deer rifles.

Anyway, that's more of the story. Photos to follow. Thanks. SxS

[Rio Vista Slim]

(I'd also heard rumors that the new Colts aren't as good as the older ones, or as good as some of their recent competitors, including Kimber ... no offense meant, perhaps someone can enlighten me there).
Side-by-Side,
I think that you will find that Colts of recent manufacture are getting reviews that speak positively toward their quality and reliability. Each company that mass produces any product has the potential of occasionally shipping out products that fail to meet the expectations of the consumer. However, it would seem to me that both Kimber and Colt are striving to ship the best guns that are available in the market today.

Others may jump on this thread with both feet, but I feel that a calm response to questions of quality control is a better course. As I stated earlier, the Colt will most definitely hold its value when compared to a comparable Kimber. If your Recon has been a trusted companion, I see no need to change. Having said that, it's your gun, and your decision.

[K9american]

Brief non-sequitur:

old shotguns that are my first love
I have a not-for-sale-at-any-price Winchester Model 12, mfr. 1924, 30" bbl, full length rib, xlnt. cond. OK, so it's not even an O/U let alone a SxS but it must count for something, no? :cool:

Welcome to the "Rancho Grande" of 1911 sites.

Hijack over.

[Hawkmoon]

My purpose is to find a reliable and effective sidearm to carry while deer hunting. Cougars have made a startling comeback in my part of the country, and it's not at all out of the question that a hunter alone in the woods before daybreak could find himself sharing the same quarter-section with a big cat. Others have told me I'd be better off with a revolver chambered for a more powerful cartridge (anywhere from a .357 to a .44 Magnum), for both safety and knock-down power, but I'm unconvinced, and remain fond of and familiar with my 1911s.
If the Recon is an Officers slide and barrel, that means a 3-1/2" barrel compared to a 5" barrel on a Government 1911. You're giving up some velocity and energy right from the start, compared to a Government model of any manufacture.

But -- what you have is a rare pistol. If you sell it and buy a Kimber (or any other brand), you have a mass-produced pistol.

I vote to keep the Recon and listen to your friends who suggested a revolver. For carry while hunting, concealment isn't an issue. You can buy a decent new revolver in .357 Magnum or .44 Magnum for about half what a new Kimber would cost. For your purpose, even a Uberti 'Peacemaker" clone or a Ruger Vaquero or Blackhawk in .45 Colt would pack more punch than .45 ACP.

[Rapier]

I would not consider giving up a Colt for a new Kimber. It's a kin to giving up a Winchester Mod 12 for a new Norinco.

I wouldn't go that far....... ;-)

In my opinion, If you are looking for something with more punch I would consider keeping the Colt and going out and get yourself a Glock G20 or G29 for cougar country. The 10mm offers a heckuva a punch and increased capacity and the MSRP won't break the bank.

[Joni Lynn]

That's a unique Colt you have and the idea of getting rid of it in favor of a Kimber or any other brand goes against my nature. The Colt & the Kimber given equal wear & tear will have drastically different resale value a few years down the road. The Kimber will be hard to get a decent price for and the Colt will still be a unique model of Colt and I would expect it to bring a much more favorable price. If keeping them to hand down to family one day is a thought, the same applies. Colt's are always Colt's.

[Hunter]

I vote keep the Colt. The Recon was a limited run and will only increase in value. If you have the need for another trail gun I would look at a Colt 1991 available in .45 ACP or Super .38. That way you could keep the Recon from getting damaged in the woods.

[K9american]

I wouldn't go that far....... ;-)

I would. What? Trade my 1924 Model 12 for a Norinco? What's a Norinco? Some kind of Taiwanese camera?

[jeff1124]

I wouldn't go that far....... ;-)

In my opinion, If you are looking for something with more punch I would consider keeping the Colt and going out and get yourself a Glock G20 or G29 for cougar country. The 10mm offers a heckuva a punch and increased capacity and the MSRP won't break the bank.


Ewww!! He used the "g" word !!! :mad: If you want a 10mm buy a Delta Elite, then you have a 1911 and more power! I'd keep the Recon too! I have a Commanding Officers model set up the same way, with a Officers slide on a Full size frame, also somewhat rare and I'm keeping it and using it with care! enjoy :D

[elijdub]

I'm with Hawk...and others. Keep the Recon (maybe even limiting the rounds fired..?.. ..just a thought), and personally (without question IMHO) carry a wheel gun for hunting. I live in Northern New Mexico and hunt Elk and other big game species regularly. Where there are big game there are big predators! Maybe it's just where i live, but myself and everyone i know carry .357 and up, in revolver on the hunt. As was stated earlier, by not carrying the Recon in the woods you'd be limiting exposure to damaging elements. I wouldn't carry my "nicer" 1911's on a hunt (not to mention they "seem" heavier with all those rounds and metal...just me). I love a combo of 300 short mag and .357...goes together like PB & J :D :D

I'll briefly touch on the quality issue (although it's a highly "touchy" subject, and one that's up for debate). I've been a Kimber owner longer than a Colt owner. I've had great success with both, and spent time on both forums and in discussion with all walks of people with both brands. In My Personal Experience... they both make a great gun, BUT Colt stands out to me as the one with less problems. From my subjective vantage there are exponentially more "complaints and returns-to-factory" with Kimbers. Now this can be looked at as such, or from many other different perspectives, none of which i'd like to delve into due to the "heated" nature of the topic. From my personal experience (and trying to have a calm conversation about this as was recomended above) a Colt will hold it's value longer and (barring statistical charts) speculatively have a lesser chance of needing a return to the factory. ..... :o

[elijdub]

I'd love to see some pics, dang it all, of these officer/commander hybids! :D
:dead_hors

[jeff1124]

your wish is my commander, well actually my commanding officers model!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g207/jeff1124/COACP4.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g207/jeff1124/COACP5.jpg

[elijdub]

Very, very nice!! ...and unique too. Thanks
..aftermarket parts?: grip safety; MSH; grips?
Is this the same as the Recon being discussed above (model-wise), or is this another Colt done with the same dimensions?

[OD*]

Same dimensions, different models. Jeff's is a Commanding Officers Model.


This is the Recon,
http://1911forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=13332&d=1079446258

[Side-by-Side]

Hi guys. As promised (if this works), here are pics of the Recon.


http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb198/Two_Triggers/ColtReconRight.png
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb198/Two_Triggers/ColtReconLeft.png


By the way, K9, don't get me started on talking about my shotguns! I too have a won't-sell-it Model 12 ... mine's a 1930s 16-ga. Skeet model that's one of my favorite pheasant guns. And elijdub, for me it would have to be a 7x57 and .357 combo, but otherwise I'm with you. Best to all. SxS

[Joni Lynn]

I have an older 16ga model 12 also. I'm always amazed at the level of fit they used to achieve on guns in those days.

[OD*]

Nice, looks to be in great shape, SxS.

[elijdub]

I was going to say the same thing...looks almost brand new!

[Side-by-Side]

Thanks all, but not quite as-new. There's very slight finish wear on the muzzle's sharp corners from holstering, and the finish is worn on one spot on the left side of the grip safety ... I'm not sure if that's typical, or a parts-fit issue. SxS

[Rapier]

I would. What? Trade my 1924 Model 12 for a Norinco? What's a Norinco? Some kind of Taiwanese camera?

equate a Kimber to a Norinco.