What would the 'average' Colt 1911 look like?

[sgtlmj]

If you were to take the sum of all the 1911's made since the beginning and build a pistol that represented the average of all of those pistols, what would it look like?

Second part of the question: Which model that is currently produced by Colt best represents the above question?

I'm just curious. Looking at the serial number list, I'm thinking that the WWII park'd 1911A1 is the most prolific, but wanted to see if there were any other ideas.

[Hawkmoon]

IMHO the answer to both questions is the current Colt Series 70

[Hersh]

IMHO the answer to both questions is the current Colt Series 70

I concur. The reissued 70 has none of the modern bells and whistles.

[cliff731]

I agree with Hawkmoon and Hersh... the current Series 70 production Custom Replica is the one. This becomes even better when you consider that Colt didn't try to "replicate" their collet bushing in this pistol. One might even be forgiven if they were to think of this one as a "pre-Series 70" Custom Replica. :)

[Rio Vista Slim]

My friends Hawkmoon, Hersh, and cliff731 are "spot on"!

[Joni Lynn]

I agree, the new series 70 is the one.

[Hunter]

I would agree the new Series 70 with the 1991 second.
The 01918 should be in the running as well.

[Hawkmoon]

The 01918 should be in the running as well.
I disagree, on the basis that by sheer numbers there have been many MANY more Colt 1911s built in the A1 configuration, with the relief cuts behind the trigger, than in the original M1911 pattern reproduced by the O1918 model.

[Hunter]

I see your point but it is hard to describe the Colt "1911" without having a 1911 repo considered.
Besides Hawk you should know better than to disagree with me, I am hardheaded enough so even if you are right it won't matter.:D

[Hawkmoon]

I considered the WW2 replica, but "on average" I think more have been made (by Colt) that were blued than Parkerized, and I'm sure more have been made (by Colt) with the relief cuts than without. That's why I picked the Series 70 reissue.

[Justin]

I disagree, on the basis that by sheer numbers there have been many MANY more Colt 1911s built in the A1 configuration, with the relief cuts behind the trigger, than in the original M1911 pattern reproduced by the O1918 model.

Sorry Hunter, got to agree with Hawk on this one. :p

Oh, and for my answer to the original question...I also have to agree with everyone here that the new production Series 70 is the best representation of the average government model.

Hunter, I'm kinda expecting you to get technical on me about how technically every thing produced after 1924 isn't really a 1911 yada yada yada. While you'd be correct you also know that it has unfortunately become the standard to call all of them 1911 no matter whom produces them and no matter what they're features are.

[Justin]

Besides Hawk you should know better than to disagree with me, I am hardheaded enough so even if you are right it won't matter.

Can't argue with that. :D

[Hunter]

Yes Justin you are correct and Hawk makes an excellent point. I believe the 1911A1 would not be what it is without the 1911, that is the reason I mentioned it.
The Series 70 would be the better example but the 01918 has merit, you won't know where you are if you don't know where you come from.

[Justin]

The Series 70 would be the better example but the 01918 has merit, you won't know where you are if you don't know where you come from.

You couldn't be more correct buddy. Where am I now?

[sgtlmj]

I considered the WW2 replica, but "on average" I think more have been made (by Colt) that were blued than Parkerized, and I'm sure more have been made (by Colt) with the relief cuts than without. That's why I picked the Series 70 reissue.

That's what I'm talking about. By sheer numbers one model has to win out as being the best representation of the entire species. There's a few SN lists out there, but I haven't dug out my calculator to see how many of each generation there are.

[cliff731]

...I haven't dug out my calculator to see how many of each generation there are.

How about a calculator and a Series 70 "Custom Replica"...??? :D

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/pentaxuser01/ColtSeries70Rightview.jpg

[dakota1911]

Since I am older and own many Colt 1911s I would also vote for the 1970 repro, but you said 1911 not Colt 1911 and I know there are a lot of younger shooters who love the 1911 and got into it through Kimber or Springer, or ?. A lot of these folk have not even shot a Colt 1911, so for them I guess the answer would not be a Colt 1970 repro.

[sgtlmj]

The topic refers to 'Colt 1911.'

[daveohno]

I see your point but it is hard to describe the Colt "1911" without having a 1911 repo considered.
Besides Hawk you should know better than to disagree with me, I am hardheaded enough so even if you are right it won't matter.:D

And that's why we call him "Bonehead!" :D

I suppose the Series 70 Repro is the best answer to the question at hand.