Which Colt for a lifetime?

[niceone]

If let's say you want a keeper Colt which you want your grandsons to inherit, which would you keep a blue or stainless finish? If you choose stainless, are there more problems with galling? If you choose blue, how will the finish stand up to the ravages of time. This Colt won't be shot to much only for occassional range time. Any inputs?

[Ric4509]

I'd most likely pick my matte blued Colt 1991A1 5" bbl for a grandson to inherit. The gun is 18 yrs old and the finish is still in its pristine condition. I keep it in a blue plastic bag.

[Hill]

Blued.

Not much looks finer than an old Colt Government model with obvious good care and honest wear, IMO.

[Joni Lynn]

Blueing can wear, it does need some care.
Stainless is probably a better bet for long term and hard chrome would be about the same.
Perhaps a series 70 reproduction in stainless would fit the bill.

[elijdub]

Though Joni makes a good point about the durability of SS and HC, i'd choose blue because i much prefer it's appearance.

IMHO, there a several ways to "preserve" the finish if you are concerned. I'd choose the model/finish i liked best..and go from there (working with necessary "storage"/care requirements depending on what i purchased). If you don't want to do a lot of "care", maybe SS is the way to go.

I think if i had to choose only one Colt (from current line-up) to put in "cold storage" and give to my grandkids--even though i prefer Commanders for just about every application--i think it'd be a 01918 WWI Repro :).

[Rio Vista Slim]

I think if i had to choose only one Colt (from current line-up) to put in "cold storage" and give to my grandkids--even though i prefer Commanders for just about every application--i think it'd be a 01918 WWI Repro :).
Eli,

I can't fault your choice, as those are beautiful weapons. However, I have several folks lusting after this one....... *

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_0985.jpg

Colt Model 04691 Commander

* Our esteemed leader, El Commandante being the primary one! :D

[d90king]

Hmmm Current production.... for the grandkids ...... will age well...... hmmm.... I think it has to be the WWI repro. I think it will hold up just fine if taken care of lightly and stored properly and the history it represents makes it case closed for me. :D

[elijdub]

Eli,

I can't fault your choice, as those are beautiful weapons. However, I have several folks lusting after this one....... *

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_0985.jpg

Colt Model 04691 Commander

* Our esteemed leader, El Commandante being the primary one! :D
Steve,
That is a beauty for sure, my friend! As i was writing my post above, i gave
serious thought to which pistol i'd choose for the application in the OP;
though the 04691 is my very favorite Colt in current production, i guess
i thought i'd probably choose the Repro to "put away". Somehow it just
seems "right and proper" in my mind to store a 5" model ;).

Now, if the question was, "which current production Colt would i like to buy
and use forever?"...i'd have to agree with El Commandante...it's a no-brainer
for me :)....the 04691 is just plain :cool:.

[Joni Lynn]

I too prefer blued guns and hat's what I usually go for if there's a choice.
If I was only buying one gun, it would be the series 70 or the WW1/1918. Either is a great choice.

[Hawkmoon]

I too prefer blued guns and hat's what I usually go for if there's a choice.
If I was only buying one gun, it would be the series 70 or the WW1/1918. Either is a great choice.
Ditto

[azreloader]

Hmmm Current production.... for the grandkids ...... will age well...... hmmm.... I think it has to be the WWI repro. I think it will hold up just fine if taken care of lightly and stored properly and the history it represents makes it case closed for me. :D
+1 on the WW1 Great looks and a built in legacy.

[dogdollar]

If let's say you want a keeper Colt which you want your grandsons to inherit, which would you keep a blue or stainless finish? If you choose stainless, are there more problems with galling? If you choose blue, how will the finish stand up to the ravages of time. This Colt won't be shot to much only for occassional range time. Any inputs?

Special Combat Government model......45acp in hard chrome.
Timeless and classic, and it is what it is....the best representation of the Custom Shop at that particular point in time....not a "re-issue" or a copy...................
DD

[Slimbo]

I picked a bright stainless 38 super for the same reason.

[niceone]

Interesting choices. Keep them coming guys. Lots of thanks.

[jeff1124]

One of the best looking current Colt's, IMO, is the blue Gold Cup. I like the Carbonia blue WWI as well. :)

[daveohno]

For a current production, I'd say either the latest WW1 repro or if you want a flashy pistol, the bright stainless Super 38.

[Landman]

Of the current production models I would have to vote for the WWI Reproduction in Black Oxide.

The other option would be to watch the auction sites and find an older "new in box" ) Pre-Series 80 Colt Government or Commander. Personally, I would want it in blue.

[grw1911]

Special Combat Government model......45acp in hard chrome.
Timeless and classic, and it is what it is....the best representation of the Custom Shop at that particular point in time....not a "re-issue" or a copy...................
DD

+1

Any of the three SCG models (Hard Chrome, Blue/Nickel or the all Royal Blue with night sights) will most likely be the most sought after recent production Colts down the road.

[d90king]

+1

Any of the three SCG models (Hard Chrome, Blue/Nickel or the all Royal Blue with night sights) will most likely be the most sought after recent production Colts down the road.


I have the HC and the Blue/Nickel but I have never heard of a Royal Blued version in current production do you have any pics? I would like to see one.

[elijdub]

You guys make a good point about the SCG. I ammend my original "vote" for the 01918 ;) ;it's a heck of a nice pistol, but i agree that the SCG defines the "modern" Colt and showcases the best they're producing today (IMHO ofcourse).

[d90king]

You guys make a good point about the SCG. I ammend my original "vote" for the 01918 ;) ;it's a heck of a nice pistol, but i agree that the SCG defines the "modern" Colt and showcases the best they're producing today (IMHO ofcourse).


Having 4 of them I wanted to lean that way but I thought the history of the WWI was one that should be carried forward.

[dogdollar]

Problem is, a WWI or WWII re-issue will always be just that. It's not the real deal, nor is it the best that Colt can muster....it is strictly a respectful duplication.
DD

[Nic]

I'd go with blue, because the ravages of time is exactly what I would want to inherit. My Grandfather didn't leave me a Colt, but he did leave me his slightly worn 192_ S&W revolver. Every time I pick it up, I can see the time he spent with it. It was the first pistol I ever had in my hand. That made it worth even more to me. Nic

[grw1911]

I have the HC and the Blue/Nickel but I have never heard of a Royal Blued version in current production do you have any pics? I would like to see one.

It's not a current production SCG, it was made in the mid to late 90's when Colt's custom shop first started the SCG line. Mine was manufactured in 1996. They called it the SCG "carry" model which came with the all royal blue finish and Trijicon night sights. Here is a pic of mine:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/grw1911/pix1781649657.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/grw1911/pix1781649813.jpg

[dogdollar]

It's not a current production SCG, it was made in the mid to late 90's when Colt's custom shop first started the SCG line. Mine was manufactured in 1996. They called it the SCG "carry" model which came with the all royal blue finish and Trijicon night sights. Here is a pic of mine:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/grw1911/pix1781649657.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/grw1911/pix1781649813.jpg

You learn something new every day.....I've never seen nor heard of that pistol.
DD

[niceone]

The Special Government is very nice. I was thinking as to when was the last time I handled one.

[grw1911]

You learn something new every day.....I've never seen nor heard of that pistol.
DD

Yeah, I don't see too many around, they're pretty scarce. It took me over a year to find this one. I think there's one on gunbroker right now though, a really nice example. I believe the guy wants like $1400 plus shipping for it, might be a little too high. I paid $1100 including shipping for mine two years ago on Gunbroker. These guns feed EVERYTHING you put down the pipe and are very accurate. My SCG came with a crisp 3.5 lbs. trigger pull from the factory. Needless to say this baby will never be leaving my collection ;)

[paul45]

Apparently, if this thread stays alive long enough, EVERY Colt, built past or present, will be suggested. :p

niceone........I would think that a Colt to hand down to a grandson would be one that YOU chose, that YOU shot, cleaned, admired........ the same one you introduced to your grandson.

That Colt then would have a bit of YOU in it.

It doesn't matter which Colt you hand down........

[d90king]

It's not a current production SCG, it was made in the mid to late 90's when Colt's custom shop first started the SCG line. Mine was manufactured in 1996. They called it the SCG "carry" model which came with the all royal blue finish and Trijicon night sights. Here is a pic of mine:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/grw1911/pix1781649657.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/grw1911/pix1781649813.jpg


Thanks grw, very nice SCG you have there. I can't wait to see what Colt comes up with for the new carry version.

[dogdollar]

Yeah, I don't see too many around, they're pretty scarce. It took me over a year to find this one. I think there's one on gunbroker right now though, a really nice example. I believe the guy wants like $1400 plus shipping for it, might be a little too high. I paid $1100 including shipping for mine two years ago on Gunbroker. These guns feed EVERYTHING you put down the pipe and are very accurate. My SCG came with a crisp 3.5 lbs. trigger pull from the factory. Needless to say this baby will never be leaving my collection ;)

Right. I know the SCG pretty well, I have one myself in hard chrome but never heard of their being one in Royal Blue. It must be striking in person.
DD

[Landman]

Here is an auction for 4 new SCG's in 45 ACP and 38 Super.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=107335073

[azreloader]

Right. I know the SCG pretty well, I have one myself in hard chrome but never heard of their being one in Royal Blue. It must be striking in person.
DD
Ask and you shall receive: well it's not an SGC,but a GCNM will do
http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data//500/GCNM2.JPG

[niceone]

Thanks paul 45 but I want to see what particular Colt I will keep and hand down to my grandchildren.

Now that picture uploaded by azreloader made my keyboard wet with my drool. that is one particular very very good specimen.

[azreloader]

It's not a current production SCG, it was made in the mid to late 90's when Colt's custom shop first started the SCG line.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/grw1911/pix1781649813.jpg

Wow, that is nice. Don't know how I missed seeing any of those during my frequent visits to gunshops & shows in the 90's. And I sure haven't seen any used ones locally. Nice score! I just loves dem shiny pistols!

[OD*]

Apparently, if this thread stays alive long enough, EVERY Colt, built past or present, will be suggested. :p

niceone........I would think that a Colt to hand down to a grandson would be one that YOU chose, that YOU shot, cleaned, admired........ the same one you introduced to your grandson.

That Colt then would have a bit of YOU in it.

It doesn't matter which Colt you hand down........
Well said, Paul.

[d90king]

Here is an auction for 4 new SCG's in 45 ACP and 38 Super.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=107335073



Yikes I had to go check my safe after seeing this post. :scared: The 38 Super's are awesome at the range. :appld: I find them almost as accurate as my higher end 1911's and in my opinion some of Colt's finest work.

[ButchKent]

I saw some WW I and WW II commeratives the other day still in the cases and very nice. I think something like that would be nice to hand down. Otherwise, a Grandson or daughter would probably appreciate the one that Grandad actually used more than just a new condition old pistol. Anyway that's my 2 cents worth.

[paul45]

Thanks paul 45 but I want to see what particular Colt I will keep and hand down to my grandchildren.

Now that picture uploaded by azreloader made my keyboard wet with my drool. that is one particular very very good specimen.Oh......I guess I didn't see where you were asking for pictures in your thread opener............ :confused:

[Joni Lynn]

I'd go with one of the models that is limited production, soemthing that won't be available in the future.

[LoadedColt45]

Personally, I have saved two NIB blued Pre Series 70 Commercials that will go to each of my children when they are older.

They are very high quality guns will all tool steel parts (no mim or cast) that will last many generations.

[daveohno]

OK, here are the pics, I don't have an O1918, but I have the carbonia blue 1911 and here is a pic of my super 38, the 3 lines on the slide are power lines overhead, it's the reflection. It is rather bright.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/daveohno/DSCN0306WW1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j209/daveohno/Super38DSCN0335.jpg

[Slimbo]

Beautiful guns daveohno. I think my BSS 38 is my favorite.

[OD*]

If you can find a Gunsite, that maybe an option too.

http://mysite.verizon.net/od45/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/GSP.jpg

[niceone]

Oh......I guess I didn't see where you were asking for pictures in your thread opener............ :confused:

naah! pardon my wordings. maybe i should have stated "wanted to know" what particular Colt I can hand down to my grandchildren. choices with pictures are good but not entirely required. opinion is what matters. ah Colt. Just what will the firearms world be without you. :D

[200%Dave]

I think back to the '6o's when I was in the military. The 1911 that were being carried were some of the sorriest looking weapons ever seen. Any sign of blue had been replaced with rust and gun oil decades ago. We're talking weapons that had been around since WWII and were still in service. Great shooters ? Hardly ! If I had gun that I'd want to pass on to my grand son, it would be one of those. Although the armorers did a great job with what they had to work with. You could probably shake a round down the barrel with out ever pulling the trigger. But honest guns.

--200%Dave

[ButchKent]

Personally, I have saved two NIB blued Pre Series 70 Commercials that will go to each of my children when they are older.

They are very high quality guns will all tool steel parts (no mim or cast) that will last many generations.


Would you consider adoption?

[hardballing]

Brite stainless Gold Cup from several years ago. Not many made (comparitively speaking of course :) ). LASER like accuracy and imo, it does represent the best of what Colt was doing at the time.

BIG plus (in this climate anyway) is the "refreshability" of polished stainless.

Just one mooks opinion.

[auto45]

Blued WW1/1918 without a doubt!

[Phil]

Which Colt for a lifetime?For me, it would be my 1988 SS GM.....
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h102/Murexway/GM/DSC02726Medium.jpg

[Z51]

I hope all my Colts survive the next century of use by myself, my sons, and their kids.

Given a moderate amount of care and shooting. they should all make it fine.

[JustinTime]

Although galling in not a concern I would pick blue purley for it's beauty. Plus I like natural wear on a blue pistol. It gives it a personaity.

[Depmur]

Well as a new Grandfather, a little over a year now, I have asked myself this question time and again. The best option I can come up with is my Son will get the 5" Stainless Colt that I carried for about 4 years. My grandson will get the NRM Commander that I had built 5 years ago and have carried for the last 2 years. Both show honest wear and the 5" has a little history to it and the reports to prove it later in life. The Commander was my idea of the perfect carry pistol at the time. Of course I am looking for another pistol for a little work right now, I'm sure my son will have another child soon, the Army does that for you. I also have one of the 1st WW1 reissues sitting in the safe and a Colt SAA that will need to go somewhere.

[clughog]

If let's say you want a keeper Colt which you want your grandsons to inherit, which would you keep a blue or stainless finish? If you choose stainless, are there more problems with galling? If you choose blue, how will the finish stand up to the ravages of time. This Colt won't be shot to much only for occassional range time. Any inputs?A classic blue finish. :) And don't worry about minor wear from the limited use you're describing. And either a basic 1911 (like the Series 70 Reproduction or WWI Black Oxide) or a SAA, either one (or both). :D

[gunslinger1971]

I bought these so I could give them to my two boys some day. Unfortunately I couldn't swing buying two of the carbonia models at the time they were available, so one of them is the newer black oxide version. I guess they will have to fight for them. I plan on putting a fair amount of wear on both of them first.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/gunslinger1971/Gun%20Pics/Colt1911WW1-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/gunslinger1971/Gun%20Pics/IMG_1213.jpg

[Maverick872]

I would say my favorite (as my pop's as well), an original military blued 1911A1, albeit with the accurizing work done on her, but no reproduction, the real deal. The dressed up models are nice, but I feel it's something for a twenty-something yeard old guy to like the authenticness of such a magnificent pistol.

March 29, 1911--December 18, 2008 = Over 97 years of loyal service to soldier and civilian. Good enough for me, buddy!

[texagun]

If let's say you want a keeper Colt which you want your grandsons to inherit....

It's not blued, and it's not stainless, but if I were leaving a representative Colt to a grandchild, I would choose an original 1911 or 1911A1 that served our country in wartime and that is a part of the heritage of our country. As much as I personally like the WWI and 70 Series Repros, I would prefer to leave the original thing as an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/w5lx/IMG_1970.jpg

[230 Ball]

Although galling in not a concern ..................Yep. Pretty much a thing of the past. In the last 20 years or more in reading articles in magazines, on line, and in face to face conversations I have seen this issue brought up, including this thread, ONCE.

[d90king]

I bought these so I could give them to my two boys some day. Unfortunately I couldn't swing buying two of the carbonia models at the time they were available, so one of them is the newer black oxide version. I guess they will have to fight for them. I plan on putting a fair amount of wear on both of them first.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/gunslinger1971/Gun%20Pics/Colt1911WW1-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/gunslinger1971/Gun%20Pics/IMG_1213.jpg


Thats great :appld: I cant think of a better gift to get from your father. Very nice choice.