Special Combat Government - Is it worth it?

[Sr. Oso]

I've been a fan of Colt Gov't models for a long time. I've owned 70 series Gov't models, Gold Cups, and Commander; I've owned an 80 series officer's model; my first ever auto was a 1959 National Match with Swenson ambi; and the only Colt in my safe is a 1943 framed Gov't issue Match pistol.
I've stayed away from Colt for the past 10 years for a number of reasons - Kimber and Les Baer to name a few. Recently, however, I came across a Special Combat Government in 45 ACP. I had covetted one years ago and had frankly forgetten about them. My ignorance about the current state of Colt Mfg is the primary reason. Just like the company stagnated a while back so did my interest in anything that was new from the Colt factory. I forgot about the Colt Custom Gunshop (their brochures for many years where my favorite "gun porn").
My long question is this: Are the S.C.G. still as good as they once were and how do they compare against a Baer or a Kimber? I held one in my hands yesterday and have been bitten again by the Colt bug.

[okcorral1881]

[QUOTE=Sr. Oso
My long question is this: Are the S.C.G. still as good as they once were and how do they compare against a Baer or a Kimber? I held one in my hands yesterday and have been bitten again by the Colt bug.[/QUOTE]

Hello OSO!

YES! They are still as good! I would (IMHO) place it way above Kimber and right under Les Baer. Don't forget it's a Custom Shop, one day they'll stop making them and you'll be happy to have one!

You should really read Hunter's review!

OK

[dogdollar]

I am quite fond of mine. Very accurate and reliable, not too hard on the eyes, either.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f179/6401glendale/Gun%20Stuff/SCGMacEbnyLftSd.jpg

[larry starling]

I personally own a Special Combat in .38 super and I love it. Fit and finish wise it is one of the finest Colt's made today...... :D

[Hunter]

It is way worth it. I also believe it is above Kimber (but I favor Colt over Kimber personally).
I have not shot a Baer but I have it on good authority they are excellent pistols.
The SCG is well worth looking at.
Thanks okcorral for mentioning my article.

[K9american]

It is way worth it. I also believe it is above Kimber (but I favor Colt over Kimber personally).


How would you compare the Colt to an early pre-SII Kimber?

[Hunter]

I have only shot 1 pre-SII Kimber in my life so I cannot really make an informed opinion but I did prefer my Colt Combat Elite (the Colt I was carrying at the time)over that Kimber.
I believe the SCG is about as good of a tuned pistol you can get. As compared to custom (multi thousand dollar) pistols from the few I have shot it can hold it's on.

[paul45]

Personally, it is a fantastic deal only if you can get one no higher than 1300. You can see them from 1100(low price!) to 1749 on GB. Any higher then I would go Les Baer. But, just my opinion.

[Joni Lynn]

I think the Colt SCG is worth it. The price is just under a Les Baer Premier II and it's a Colt. The ones I have are perfect and great guns. They're not as tight as a LB, but what gun is?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/Joni_Lynn/SCG2T.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/Joni_Lynn/SCGCB.jpg
I like the way they feel in my hand much better than Kimbers. I don't like their grip safety.

[Tommy D]

I have both, a Kimber Custom II, which I have had some work done to, and a SCGM.
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n156/TommyD03/DSC03443.jpg
For the mony you can't go wrong with the Kimber. But it is not the pistol the SCGM is. The fit, finish, smoothness of the trigger, is much better with the Colt. When you have it in your hand it is quite obvious. The only issue I have with the SCGM is the front strap is smooth, and becomes very slick for me. I haven't come to grips (sort to speak) to have this gun modified. That's OK, I found a used SCGM which I put on layaway, when I get her, I'll send her back to Colt for front strap checkering and all will be fine!

[tailgunner]

Yes, The SCG is an awesome pistol and like paul45 suggests, your final price will determine if it's worth it. I have an SCG and I think it's marvelous! (at the risk of being banished from this forum ;) here's a picture of it alongside my S&W 945):

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8435/dsc01386he6.jpg

You really can't go wrong with the Colt!

[Joni Lynn]

That's great that you have one on layaway. Do be careful with any modifications to the BoMar rear sight as the future availability of those is up in the air currently.
Was the used one two tone or hard chrome?

[Joni Lynn]

Those 945's are quite nice. We'll let ya get away with posting a pic of it. ;)
I'd think the 945 might be a bit more accurate than the SCG.

[dakota1911]

My Special Combat Gov is what I call a "50 yard pistol". It cost me $1300 and the only other pistol I have that is that good in .45 ACP auto is my S&W 945 from the S&W Performance Shop which cost me about $1600 and is not a true 1911.

A "50 yard pistol" to me means you make a ragged sort of 12 gauge hole with the right ammo over sandbags at 50 yards.

I have a Kimber Grand Raptor, and for less money I think the Colt Gold Cup Trophy is a better deal for less money and not in the same class as the Special Combat Gov.

[daveohno]

The SCG is a very nice pistol and as others have said, you can get a new one for under $1300 if you shop around. The fit and finish is great and it is a slick feeling pistol.

[Tommy D]

Lynnie, the used SCGM is the same two-tone as my other, as I've said in the past I do have a thing for them! You did mention the availability of Bo-Mars, what is up with that?

[Joni Lynn]

I was talking to a pistolsmith and it was mentioned that since the gentleman that owned/operated it has passed away that they are now becoming unavailable and the future of BoMar is uncertain. Perhaps family or another outside interest will keep it going.

[Tommy D]

Thanks for the info. I had not heard that. It is very unfortunate. I wish them the best.

[Joni Lynn]

If they stick around they'll continue to do well, if not some other company will fill the void. (Champion comes to mind)
My SCG is one of my favorite range toys.

[Sandhills Writer]

:) I have two, better than a Kimber, but not close to a Wilson, Brown or Bauer

[Sr. Oso]

Thanks for all of the informative replies to my posting regarding the SCG. You have made my choice an easy one. As I mentioned, I have been a life long fan but have sidelined new Colt products for a while. I am glad to be back among the obsessed.
I will post photos as soon as I have the SCG and hopefully will be able to get a range report soon thereafter.

[Atreides]

Those 945's are quite nice. We'll let ya get away with posting a pic of it. ;)
I'd think the 945 might be a bit more accurate than the SCG.


I don't know about that one, Lynnie. I haven't fired a 945, but I have handled one. Custom pistols shoot great, but what I've found is that 99% of accuracy is the shooter.

Personally, my SCG groups just as tight as my Nighthawks.

Atreides

[Joni Lynn]

I don't know, haven't picked up a 945 yet, don't know if I will. I haven't fired one either. My SCG's shoot quite well but not as good as my LB and couple of the built up guns. Not meaning to slight them though, they're really nice and shoot well.

[ramptester]

I recently won a 38 super version on a Gunbroker auction. I am very excited to get it. Here is one of the pics from the ad:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/ramptester/coltscg385.jpg