colt officer vs colt compact?

[Pony Doc]

I am in the market for an officers size colt. I have found several at the gun auction websites. The colt compact is a parkerized version with plastic grips. The officers model is blued and has walnut grips. There appears to be a significant difference in price between the two models. Are there differences between these pistols other than the exterior aesthetics? Does one model have interior refinements as well? Does $995 for a new in box series 80 mark IV officers model seem like a reasonable price? Any feedback from the knowledgeable members of this forum would be appreciated.

[azreloader]

I didn't know officers models were being made currently? Could it be a Commander, maybe?

[Pony Doc]

Neither pistol is in current production and it is hard to do side by side comparisons since I can only locate them on the internet. That is the reason I am relying on the imput of forum members who may be familiar with both models

[azreloader]

I'm sure some of the more knowledgable members here will chime in eventually. Sorry, I'm still learning about the world of Ponys too. But I love them and can't stop buying them.

[ferretray]

The only real difference you're looking at is the finish. There is absolutely zero chance I would pay $995 for a used Colt Officers.
If you're not concerned about the finish and the pistol will be a "User", go with the 1991 Compact.

[Pony Doc]

The series 80 Mark IV is new in box for $995. It does seem like a lot but most of the used ones are asking about $795. The compact version is selling for about $600- 650 used.

[cameroni]

Hey Pony Doc,I'm a long-time OACP fan. I have a MKIV Ser.80 LW OACP that I have carried for over 10 years. It has a flat top and plastic MSH/trigger/mag release button. The grip safety is lightweight too(aluminum?). It is the most comfy pistol I have ever carried;also most reliable in that it functions 100%.
Don't remember what I paid for it back in early '90s :D

With it's bell-bottom barrel it's ok accuracy-wise(for my needs). The trigger could use some refinement.

Last year I got a Colt custom shop(Lew Horton?) McCormick(another flattop) OACP from Central Florida Pawn. It was $1100 and change(I think they are the same price now;and they had 4 or 5 of them last I looked at their on-line offerings). Brushed chrome is a little showy for me;but maybe part of my old-age crazy. Such a sweet shooter!!! I would buy another one;and may after I pay off the holster makers.

One-grand for the NIB Colt of your choice seems like a bargain to me!
Regards,
mike

[Hawkmoon]

$600 for the used M1991A1 Compact is about right. The NIB Officers ACP is grossly over-priced, considering that you can buy a new, current production Series 70 replica for $750 to $800. The Mark IV Officers is a fine pistol, but it's not worth $1000 unless it's worth that to you and you have that much to spend.

[paul45]

Does $995 for a new in box series 80 mark IV officers model seem like a reasonable price?No, it is not reasonable. I picked up a very lightly used blue MKIV Officers for 418 OTD 2 years ago.....Earlier this year or late last year I found a LNIB stainless enhanced Officers for 650. Shop around....they can be found.....

[cameroni]

$600 for the used M1991A1 Compact is about right. The NIB Officers ACP is grossly over-priced, considering that you can buy a new, current production Series 70 replica for $750 to $800. The Mark IV Officers is a fine pistol, but it's not worth $1000 unless it's worth that to you and you have that much to spend.

Hawkmoon is much more in touch with going prices on Colts than me. I have admitted to grossly overpaying for my most recent Coltpulsive attack.

Historically I've been the same with mandolins,guitars,etc.

Pony Doc wants an OACP;but they are not in current production,right? No matter what "series" or 1991,compacts or whatever;there are no/very few NIB, Colt OACPs to choose from save the custom shop/Lew Hortons or previously-owned,AFAIK.

Central Fla.Pawn&Gun has a NIB MKIV(flattop) blue Ser.80 LW OACP last I looked.

Pay yer money an takes yer choice.

Regards,
mike

[Pony Doc]

$600 for the used M1991A1 Compact is about right. The NIB Officers ACP is grossly over-priced, considering that you can buy a new, current production Series 70 replica for $750 to $800. The Mark IV Officers is a fine pistol, but it's not worth $1000 unless it's worth that to you and you have that much to spend.

Thanks for the reply Hawkmoon. I was hoping some senior members would jump in. What I would really like to know is- Is there any difference internally between the compact and the officers model or is the difference only in the exterior finish? I have found a new Compact for $650. The officers is certainly a more attractive exterior ; however I am not sure it is worth $300 to get a new one

[Hawkmoon]

Pony Doc wants an OACP;but they are not in current production,right? No matter what "series" or 1991,compacts or whatever;there are no/very few NIB, Colt OACPs to choose from save the custom shop/Lew Hortons or previously-owned,AFAIK.
That's why I wrote that $1000 is too high unless the gun is worth that to you and you have $1000 to spend. As with anything that is out of production, there IS no MSRP, so the "right" price is whatever a willing buyer and a willing seller can agree upon.

If I were independently wealthy and simply had to have a new Officers ACP, I might buy it at $1000. But ... I'm not independently wealthy and I don't absolutely need an Officers ACP, so I still feel the price is about $150 or $200 too high.

[azreloader]

Supply & demand. The very heart of a capitalistic society. Don't you just love it. If you don't give him the grand for it, he will keep trying to sell it until someone does. Years later, you will second guess your decision to turn it down.

[cameroni]

Supply & demand. The very heart of a capitalistic society. Don't you just love it. If you don't give him the grand for it, he will keep trying to sell it until someone does. Years later, you will second guess your decision to turn it down.

AZ is much better at enabling than I am;I do my best, with selfish intent.

At some point time/convenience/need and plain old want will figure in to my "price range". Then it's time to check number$.

Living beyond your means is patriotic where Colt's is spoken.

Regards,
mike

[Pony Doc]

I seem to have a good sense as far as price goes now. The more important part of my post is - what are the differences between the compact model and the mark IV officers version. Is it merely external cosmetics or are there internal refinements that justify the differences in price?

[paul45]

Is it merely external cosmetics Yes, it is

[elijdub]

The more important part of my post is - what are the differences between the compact model and the mark IV officers version. Is it merely external cosmetics or are there internal refinements that justify the differences in price?
Just aesthetics, like you said. The innards are the same. You'll get an answer to your question yet ;) ;) !!
Have you looked at Budsguns, and gunsamerica? I saw a whole mess 'a OACP's of various configurations, just this morning.

[Chesster]

In the last three months on auctions I got two OFF. ACP Colts. One for 500 and one for 525. Both excellent and looked barely used. Bargains can be found with patience and money in hand.

[jeff1124]

I bought a 1985 produced LNIB Officers ACP for 500.00 a little over a year ago. The seller said it looked unfired and both I and my FFL thought so too. It was in it's original box and still had a greasy coating on it. I wouldn't pay 1000 for one, unless it was a rare model like a Tank Officers or something and then only if it was pristeen. I bought a Commanding Officers Model for 775 a few months back.

[larry starling]

No, it is not reasonable. I picked up a very lightly used blue MKIV Officers for 418 OTD 2 years ago.....Earlier this year or late last year I found a LNIB stainless enhanced Officers for 650. Shop around....they can be found.....
I agree with Paul, I got my MKIV OACP several years ago it was lightly used and It cost me $450.....Asking price is way out of line IMHO.... :)

[larry starling]

I seem to have a good sense as far as price goes now. The more important part of my post is - what are the differences between the compact model and the mark IV officers version. Is it merely external cosmetics or are there internal refinements that justify the differences in price?
As others have already said it's cosmetics...... :)

[Tahoe829]

Iam curious as well about the oacp model and knows that it was discontinued. My question was what made Colt stop producing the OFFICERS model pistol and was the Defender colts answer too replacing the oacp? Again iam a new 1911 owner as well and already looking too purchase another haha. I have the " bug"! Knowing there isnt an officer model in production anymore just what choice do i have if i want a similar compact model ? Thanks :)

[Pony Doc]

Greetings Tahoe,
I just purchased a NIB compact model from Guns America for $650. There are quite a few new and used officers and compact models available if that is the model you want. I have been tracking quite a few on both Gunsamerica and Gunbroker. Most are overpriced but they are not selling at high prices. Get online and start tracking a few pistols that you like to get a sense of price before you jump in.

[Chesster]

Iam curious as well about the oacp model and knows that it was discontinued. My question was what made Colt stop producing the OFFICERS model pistol and was the Defender colts answer too replacing the oacp? Again iam a new 1911 owner as well and already looking too purchase another haha. I have the " bug"! Knowing there isnt an officer model in production anymore just what choice do i have if i want a similar compact model ? Thanks :)

I got two of the Colt Officer's ACP blue used/98%+ from auctions for 500+shipping each. Requires patience and cash in hand so you can strike while the iron is hot. Also, it ain't a Colt, but I have been well pleased with my RIA Compact Tactical for less than 450 NIB online.

[Tahoe829]

Thank you both Pony Doc and Chester , the options you have mentioned are a godsend too me and i appreciate your help and knowledge. I most definately will check out those sites and RIA too see just what i can get for my dime and iam sure i will be most pleased. Once again thanks guys :)

[cameroni]

Thank you both Pony Doc and Chester , the options you have mentioned are a godsend too me and i appreciate your help and knowledge. I most definately will check out those sites and RIA too see just what i can get for my dime and iam sure i will be most pleased. Once again thanks guys :)

I got a NIB Colt McCormick OACP last year.

Some NIB Colt OACPs can be had at Central Florida Pawn&Gun;they have/had several NIB Colt McCormick(brushed chrome) OACPs and one Colt McCormick Commander. Price is around $1100.

Good luck with your Coltitis!!! ;)

mike