Advice for first Colt 1911

[Road King Jeff]

Greetings to all. I'm new to this forum, but not to shooting or forums. I have eight handguns, 50/50 wheel & auto. I have been saving for a 1911, and I'm positive I want a Colt. My current prize is an early 70's Python 6" blue. A great looker and shooter.

My priorities are as follows: I want to shoot it, not put it in a case on the wall, and I want it as accurate as possible (I need all the help I can get!)
That would seem to eliminate old, odd, or collectable

I want a full size model, and I don't plan to carry it concealed. I have other guns for that. I don't necessarily need a light gun, as I'm a large guy, used to shooting the Python in 357, and my SIG P220 in 45.

I can spend 1,000.00 to 1,200.00, but it's OK if I spend less!

It doesn't have to be new or stock, but either of those are OK too.

I like the blue/black with traditional checkered wood grip look, but that's not a deal breaker, as I like two toned and stainless too. I have a little of everything at home now, grip and finish wise.

I have not shot a 1911 of any sort, only handled a bunch at various shops.

I'm entertaining notions of doing some competition shooting, obviously as a rank amature with no illusions at 55.

At this point it seems like it would be wiser to buy a used gun with modifications, that to buy a less expensive one, and try to add things myself.

I've been doing lots of reading, but there are so MANY variables and still a few terms I'm not familiar with, but this forum has been a great help. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who has a 1911 to get aquainted with.

I will continue to read up on this forum and site, and look forward to hearing from some of you with experience in this great gun.

Thanks

Jeff

[boldkharma]

I am new here so take what you want and leave the rest. If I were you, I would buy the cheapest, nicest colt I could find. Maybe a 1991 for 500 or so. Shoot the hell out of it and then decide. I have had alot of colts, cheap to expensive. The one thing they all have in comman, at least to me, is they all feel and shoot like a colt. The one thing I can say without hesitation, is that I have never lost any money on a colt. That says something. There are alot of people here with better advice than me, but I say.... Buy a colt, shoot it, then decide. You can't loose.

P.S. I think getting a stock colt(no mods) and shooting it will help you to appreciate how nice these pistols really are, Stock.

[bangbang]

Road King.

i notice youre in the neighborhood. Have you tried any local gun ranges that rent? I believe TPTS doesnt have any 1911 style guns for rent, but theres a range in Greasham that rents. the only issue is that you have to buy and shoot their ammo.

Are you a member of Tri County? i would think that if youre a member of any range, someone would have some type of 1911 and be willing to let you try if you express your intentions and interest.

If youre going for competition, i think that a Colts out unless youre going to have it tricked out of the question. Not that their not accurate, but there are others that may be a bit more so. However, i belive there are comps that require stock pistols too. it all depend on the type of comps youre going to try.

[DFC45]

Based on the criteria you point out;accuracy, $1,000-$1,200 budget, and possibly shooting competition, you might want to consider a Colt Gold Cup model.

[Hawkmoon]

Your budget is more than adequate to buy a nice Colt. But I'm going to disagree with you on the wisdom of buying one that someone else has modified (or had modified). The seller will naturally want more because he/she will think the gun is "special," and worth top dollar even if the modifications are badly executed and detract from the value. And only you know what modifications you want or need.

IMHO it is better to buy a nice, completely stock pistol, shoot it a bit to become accustomed to it, and then have the modifications you decide you need performed by a gunsmith you know and trust.

[Joni Lynn]

For a first 1911 with the wants you have expressed I would suggest a Springfield. I have a small collection of Colt Gold Cups and can say that none of them measure up in my opinion. (but I only have about a dozen of them) The Springfield models that are optioned already would be a good starting point. Withyour list of wants, I would think adjustable sights and then I would buy as much gun as I could afford. You can get a nice Springfield and never regret it for a very attractive price.

[Joni Lynn]

Sorry, I forgot what they were called. Springfield calls them "Loaded" models. I saw a nice stainless 'Custom Loaded Trophy Match at a gun show last week brand new for $950. If I hadn't been out of state, I would have brought it home with me. The 'Loaded' full size 1911 is nice also for a first 1911. I wish you the best with all the good choices out there.

[wichaka]

I would choose either the new Roll Marked 1991, or a New Series 70.

I've had a chance to look over both, and they are very good for fit & finish.
The new Series 70's are better than the original Series 70's. Am looking forward to getting my hands on one to shoot.

Anyone wanna send me theirs so I can put a few rounds thru it?

[Road King Jeff]

Thanks to all who've replied as of Saturday morning.

I've had several suggest a Springfield, and from what I've read it sounds like a good option.

I used to shoot at TPTS at Delta Park, and asked why they didn't have any 1911s. He said because they break down too much! I live in Sherwood, and I have joined Tri County, but so far no one I've been around had a 1911, but that is a good idea.

I hadn't considered bad modifications, so I'm glad you brought that up.

I would like to understand the differences between such things as 70's, 80's, 1991's, enhanced vs non-enhanced. Someone suggested a nice 1991, so I wonder what is it about a 1991 that would make it more or less desirable than another model.

Thanks again, and I will keep reading and looking.

Jeff

[mitchjoe]

Road King Jeff:

Hopefully the following helps:

The primary difference between the Series 70 & 80 models is the firing pin safety (the 80 has, the 70 has not). For 99% of folks the FP safety, though pretty much unnecessary, is no big deal.

The Enhanced models offer many of the features found on semi-custom pistols and are supposedly built using "enhanced" tolerances.

The 1991's are/ were Colt's value pistol. In 2002, however, they updated the finish (polishing the flats), and added a few of the features found on the Enhanced pistols (the "NRM" models).

In your price range, I would look for either a new Enhanced model (XSE), or if you desire adjustable-sights then keep your eyes peeled for an excellent Gold Cup or new GC Trophy model. Personally though, I'd wait my chance for a deal on an older National Match pistol. :D

mitchjoe

[John]

I would like to understand the differences between such things as 70's, 80's, 1991's, enhanced vs non-enhanced. Someone suggested a nice 1991, so I wonder what is it about a 1991 that would make it more or less desirable than another model.

I would suggest that you spend some time in our Home Page, go to http://www.m1911.org and follow the link to the Home Page. Read the various sections there, especially the history, and you will pretty soon feel quite comfortable with these terms.

Rgds

[wichaka]

Jeff, I live about 2+ hours from you..........up the gorge.

Next time Portland has a gun show, we can meet and I can go over the different guns with you. Plus I have a Loaded and a few other 1911's I can bring down and we can go to TPTS and you can try them out if you want.

[Rio Vista Slim]

Road King Jeff,
You have gotten some excellent advice from everyone on this thread, as well as an outstanding offer from wichaka . 1911's are addictive, and I only wish that I had all the Colts, Springfields, and Kimbers that have passed through my hands in the last thirty-odd years. Good luck in your search, and try to take wichaka up on his generous offer.

[Road King Jeff]

Thank you, that's a big help. When you say value pistiol, is that like saying entry level, or lowest cost? I assume it is, but wel all know what happens to those who assume!

I've seen a number of older National Match pistols out there, and wondered about them

Thanks again

[Hawkmoon]

When you say value pistiol, is that like saying entry level, or lowest cost?
Yes to both. Entry level = lower cost. Colt took a look at the 1911 and figured where they could save a few pennies on every pistol, and out came the 1991. I don't know what corners were cut, and most of them seem to work okay, but the fact remains they WERE engineered down from the 1911.

[Hunter]

I do not have a dozen colt gold cups but i have 3 colts and one of the is a series 70 gold cup national match and that is the finest shooting pistol i have ever had. I have been shooting a while and had instruction from the u.s.m.c. On how it should happen.i also have 2 springfields and they are excellent 1911 but the colt gold cup national match is the best of the best. If anyone has one or a dozen and disagrees(assuming it is not the operator valve gone bad) let me know i will be willing to make a fair offer on them. Quality makes a colt.