My First 1911, considering a Colt Officers Model .45 "Promo"

[FlyPenFly]

The seller is offering it for $700.

It's an unfired, still in wrapper Colt he put away in a safe a couple of years ago. I'm supposed to be getting pictures of it today and will be stopping by to pay for it tomorrow if this is a good pistol and a good deal, that's where I need your help.

The seller describes it as :

When Colt first introduced this pistol, they had not yet chosen a name, and on the box it is called an Officers Promo pistol. This refers to it being a promotional offering. On the right side of the slide it is marked “Compact Model”, so apparently they didn’t know what to call it. In any event, it is a truly compact .45 pistol. Except to take these photos it has never been removed from the plastic wrapper, the slide has never been racked, the hammer has never been cocked, and it has never been removed from the factory box or the cardboard sleeve. Needless to say, the finish is factory new. As it says on the box, it is matte finish, and it comes with one factory magazine.[/quote]


What do you guys think?

[RickB]

I think the M1991A1 version of the OACP was called the compact model. The pics should tell a lot about how rare or unusual it is.

[Ric4509]

I have never heard of a Colt Promo Model. A compact Colt of course is a 3-1/2" barrel. I've just finished talking to Carol at Colt's and according to Carol there is no such model as a Colt Officers Promo Pistol. If there is such a model please take a picture and post. The price of $700 seem high for a Colt Officers. Unless it's really worth it, e.g. Colt Officers XS miodel unfired NIB.

[Hawkmoon]

It is probably going to turn out to be an M1991A1 Compact, which was an entry-level, no frills pistol built on the same frame and slide as the Officers ACP. This would make it more than a "few" years old, because the M1991A1 series (also referred to as the "Old Roll Mark" or ORM) Colts, were produced only for a very few years, and then were superceded by the 1991 "New Roll Mark" pistols.

With used examples of M1991A1 Compacts selling for $500 and up in less than pristine, original condition, I don't think $700 is unreasonable for this pistol. I think pretty much any Colt that's NIB with all the papers, etc., is probably worth at least $700.

[FlyPenFly]

Would this be a good starter 1911 then? My other firearms are:

Sig P226R in 40SW
CZ P-01 in 9mm
AR-15 LMT
AR-15 RRA in 9mm
Saiga 223


I was hoping to pickup a 1911 in 22LR or 9mm to simplify my caliber choices and avoid paying 45ACP prices which is the same as a 223/5.56 round. But I'm swaying back and forth on it.

My other choices are: (limited by being in California)

Dan Wesson Pointman Seven for $700 in pristine condition, 200 rounds fired
New Kimber Custom II for $660
Colt 1911 XSE Combat Commander Stainless for $810
Colt 1911 XSE 45 for $810

And this Colt that just popped up.

[Ric4509]

I'd go with the Colt Combat/LW Commander. If the weight of the combat commander's not gonna bother you, well and good. $700 for a NIB 1991A1 compact is too high.

[FlyPenFly]

Yeah, I was thinking the same. I don't think it should be any heavier than my P226R should it?

If I decide to get a 45, I think that's the first pick. If a 22LR, I'm thinking of getting an RIA Tactical and putting a Kimber kit on top of it.

[elijdub]

I think $700 for a NIB/papers, etc., Compact is quite reasonable. As Hawkmoon said, they sell often in the $500 price range for a pistol in 95%ish condition. If the gun is in the condition you mentioned AND this is the particular model you're interested in, i don't think you'd go wrong picking it up.
It really depends on what your needs are with this purchase, IMO. If you're looking for a no-frills, highly dependable and easily concealeable carry pistol i'd choose the Compact... If you're looking for something that might see more range time (while still being concealeable), i'd tend to side with Ric and go with a Commander. I own both guns and shoot and carry each....though i definitely shoot the Commander more often.
Hope this helps.

[FlyPenFly]

Well looks like someone bought it underneath me because he offered to do it today. Sigh.

[elijdub]

Too bad... On a positive note, there are lot's of good Colts to be had. I have great luck finding deals on gunbroker.
After a quick look, i don't see any real deals today on GB, but i'll keep my eye's out if that's the model you're after.
Are you looking for a smaller, sub-5", 1911, like the Compact? I just noticed a question of yours above about which would be the best 1911 to begin with; i might suggest a full-size "Government Model", Series 1991, a Series 70 Reproduction, or if you'd like something that could conceal a little easier the Commander is a great gun.

[FlyPenFly]

Unfortunately, no concealed carry in California, almost impossible to get one unless you're a repeated rape victim. I don't want one that badly.

I'm still examining how I'm going to enter the 1911 world and I think if I decide to stick with 45ACP, it'll have to be a Colt.

[MCMIX]

Patience will pay off. Keep looking on the forum you saw that compact on(I check there too). Also Turners Outsdoorsman has an online store listing for consignment guns. They just sold a 1991A1(blued in 98-99%) only the grip was slightly damaged for $650.00. Here in Cali. that ain't bad. It looked possibly unfired or at the very least hardly fired. I have heard Ade's in Orange has some great deals also. Call around to gun stores in the area. Your hard work will pay off!





Unfortunately, no concealed carry in California, almost impossible to get one unless you're a repeated rape victim. I don't want one that badly.

I'm still examining how I'm going to enter the 1911 world and I think if I decide to stick with 45ACP, it'll have to be a Colt.