XSE vs. Regular Colt

[Billy Sparks]

Okay what is the big difference between a XSE Colt and a regular 1991 Colt?
I have looked at the specs on Colts website until my eyes are crossing but other than serrations on the front of the slide I don't see anything.

[shield20]

1)sights - xse dovetailed Novak style
2)hammer - xse comander style round skeleton
3)thumb safety - xse extended/ambi
4)grip safety - xse beavertail
5)trigger - xse 3 hole adj. alum.
6) xse has frame cut below trigger guard
7)recoil spring/guide plug vs. full-length guide rod (XSE)
8) xse - tighter tolerances

[larry starling]

Dont forget the XSE cost's way more than a 1991 does!!!!!! :rolleyes:

[shield20]

ha! Oooops! :)

:p

[Hawkmoon]

It may be incorrect to refer to a "regular" 1991 Colt, because the 1991 is a model (or series) that Colt introduced as a way of offering a gun cheaper than what a "regular" Colt 1911 would have to cost.

I don't know precisely what substitutions were made and what corners were cut to lower the price, but I think it is a misconception to regard the 1991 as the "regular" pistol for comparison purposes. IMHO it ain't.

[Billy Sparks]

Well the reason I called it a "regular 1991" is that on Colts website they list 1991 Colt, XSE, 70 Series, Gold Cup, Special Combat, 38 Super, WWI, but not a simple 1911. I guess my question is what was the difference in a basic Colt and the XSE. Of course the latest iteration of XSE do not have Novak sights or at least the one I saw at a local gun store.

[shield20]

The latest XSE DO have the Novak sights, and dovetailed front sight too. Older models do not..

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976559660.htm - shows new XSE - dovetail front & Novak style

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976525536.htm - shows XSE w/ older style sights

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/c1484.htm - shows XS for comparison (note rear sight)

Be aware that all have an "E" at the end of the serial number, though there is/was things called an "XS" and newer things called "XSE" .

[GCT00427]

I do not believe that they are true Novak sights. I believe that they are the same sights that Les Bear uses. If you look closely at the pictures you will see the ribs along the side or the rear sight. They are however nice looking sights and are a heads over tails improvement.

With kind regards,

Chuck

[Billy Sparks]

What is interesting is that I had my dealer get me a XSE last fall. It has the old style sights. The reason I asked about the difference is that since I got the XSE I have since bought a used 1991 stainless Colt. Quite frankly the fit and performance of the 1991 is just as good if not better than the XSE so I was curious as to what made the XSE "better".

[shield20]

I am sure alot of it is the 'custom" features as listed in my post way up above. These are changes that many 1911 users make to their own guns after buying. Kimber made a name for themselves partly by offering such features right out of the box, so other manu. are doing the same. Whether it is worth it (& who does it better) is up to us to decide. I like the added features - do think they are worth the extra $$.