What Colt to get?

[daddywaggs]

I am trying to decide which model to get. Topgunsupply.com has Series 70 repro's and the enhanced XSE models as well as standard Govt. models. I know I want a full size to start, and am not bothered by the firing pin safety from what I read. I have not found what the difference is between the new XSE and a series 80. Whats the general opinion for a first 1911?

[Hunter]

Well you do have a difficult decision.
When you say Series 80 are you referring to the 1991? http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/1991.asp
The XSE has some enhancements over the plain 1991 series pistol.
http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/XSE.asp
The Series 70 Repo is also a nice pistol and worth consideration. I am more of a traditionalist as far as the lines go so for the money the 1991 is tough to beat but really any of the 3 would be a fine choice.
I know that don't help much so maybe I will just say "welcome to the forum and good luck."

[para38super]

Colt XSE has my Vote.

[chimkayu]

Halito, daddywags (I get a kick out of some of our names here). If you are going to carry it then go with the 1991 series. They are still pretty, but not so pretty that you just can't...bear...to...carry...it. There, I got it out. I have an XSE Combat Cdr and just cannot bring myself to carry it...too pretty. Whichever you choose, you can't go wrong. Love the 1911, Nevada (Las Vegas anyone??? Hear they have some high unemployment...bless them) and the forum.

C........

[beasleydano]

I think I would get the Series 70 repro and I would shoot it a lot, carry it a lot and not worry about honest wear.

[jhudson]

Nothin' looks finer than a 1911 with a lil wear showing, it gives the thing character.

[Rapid City]

I currently have a series 70 and getting a few things done to it like a beavertail safety, trigger job, lower and flared ejection port and extended safety. I have fired this gun and it is a gem however the top of my hand was bit several times by the hammer because it does not have the beavertail safety.
The Colt xse has most of these items however I am not a fan of their beavertail safety because it keeps my hand lower than I want when I shoot. Bottom line is if I was going to spend a few bucks on the gun to "trick" it out I like series 70 because of the internal difference. If you want a gun out of the box and you don't mind the beavertail on the XSE, I would purchase the XSE.

[John]

Well, if you do not appreciate the Series 80 mechanism, then the S70 repro is for you. However, if I were shopping for a Colt, my selection would be the O4691, the Colt Commander.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/sv1cec/stevecommander.jpg

[DV52]

I agree with John,I have one of his commanders that HE ALLOWS us to borrow.It is my carry ,range ,all porpose gun.Form ,function,fun,all in one.

[daddywaggs]

Thanks for all of the responses, I knew this was the place to start.

[aluminum]

i have a new 01991.
i dont feel the least bit bad about carrying it or it getting some holster wear. thats kinda why i bought it over a more expensive model and the sooner it starts looking a bit worn the better. i have other guns to keep fresh looking.

choices...choices :)

[amd5007]

Frankly, you can't go wrong with getting a series 70 Colt.

[OD*]

Can't go wrong with the Series 70. ;)

[daveohno]

Colt Series 70 is good. Colt 1991 is good. One of my favorites is the WW1 Repro's. If you can work with the sights, that is one of my favorites.

[NEW_AGENT]

For me, it would be a no-brainer...Get the Series '70 in blue!