New Agent questions

[FJC]

I'm a huge fan of Colt's history/heritage, but I've got to say, I haven't been a huge fan of their quality over the last decade or more. Regardless of that, I have an itch for the New Agent. I've read a ton of posts here and elsewhere, and it seems that the reliability is pretty good on that model.

Unfortunately, no one in my area stocks Colts - so I'd have to order one unseen, which really makes me nervous when it comes to a Colt product.

Those of you that have been able to view various specimens of this model - does Colt have this one down well, or do I have to worry that if I order one, I'm going to get one with a messed up recoil spring channel, frame rub, or other problem?

How dehorned are these pistols? I bought a base Commander back around 2002 that had such incredibly sharp edges on the slide that my hand was being sliced like a meat slicer - does the New Agent come with edges that sharp?

Also, the grip safety - I've had various Colt's over the years with that type of grip safety, and I invariably have to do one of two things - either replace it, or I have to take a file and break the sharp lower edges so that the web of my hand doesn't get cut up. What is the finish on the grip safety on the New Agent? Is it a standard bluing, or is it more of a bead-blasted? I'm just curious how bad it'll look once I break those edges. :)

Thanks much!

[John]

Have you read this pistol review in out E-zine?

[FJC]

Have you read this pistol review in out E-zine?

Absolutely! The best (as in complete) review of this pistol I've seen. I've also read the entire thread that was created to discuss that review.

Just to clarify, on the dehorning question I'm talking about the bottom edges of the slide - it looks (from the review) that all other edges are dehorned.

[kenhwind]

You do have a point about those sharp edges. My gun is a Defender, SS slide, so breaking the edges with a file was no issue.
Colt does a nice job of busting the corners and upper edges, but the bottom edges were kind off sharp.
As far as a New Agent I don't know, but I do wish my Defender had a blued slide.

[crockett007]

Concerns about perceived quality with Colt products go back more than a decade. I would also suggest that the expectations regarding wear and tear on the shooter by these carry 1911's must be balanced with the fact that any maker's compact design will deliver punishment with full house hardball. De-horned or not, obviously they are not as pleasant to shoot as a full size frame. I've had good luck with the Wilson beavertail (drop in) which, did require fitting, but did not require modifying the frame. I can still reverse and in stall the original grip safety, which beat the tar out of the web of my hand. The pistol is much more comfortable now, but I wouldn't characterize it as "pleasant" to shoot. I'm usually switching to the Government model after 50 rounds or so!

A couple of other things that helped were the installation of a short trigger, and the magwell extension (Fusion) that added about 1/4 inch to the grip frame. This also enabled the use of the 8 round Fusion magazines (which are excellent BTW). I have BIG hands so it made a huge difference for me in recoil control (double tap improvement), and had minimal impact on concealability. The "slim profile" custom grips by Ezmeralda along with the slim profile grip bushings and hex screws helped as well, getting rid of that "coke can" feel with the stock grips.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/crockett007/DSC02093.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/crockett007/DSC02090.jpg

[Rich-D]

The Colt New Agent and Defender that I own have both been exceptionally reliable. The only problems that I can recall reading is when the recoil assembly has been reassembled backwards by the owners.

The grip safety on the Agent annoys some and bites others, however I have not experienced any problems. I have not changed one thing on the gun. I rely on it as my 24/7 carry gun, of the twelve 1911's that I own.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc267/Rich-D345/gunns008.jpg

As you can see in the photo most of the slide is finished in gloss blue.

Best of Luck!
Rich

[kenhwind]

Rich's New Agent looks like the bottom edge of the slide buffed, and not a square edge.

[Rich-D]

Rich's New Agent looks like the bottom edge of the slide buffed, and not a square edge.

Thanks for reminding me! The edge is not sharp at all, it does appear to have been lightly buffed.

Rich

[FJC]

Thanks for reminding me! The edge is not sharp at all, it does appear to have been lightly buffed.

Rich

Fantastic, thanks for that info. That was one of my bigger concerns, as I didn't want to have to have that corrected then refinish the slide.

The grip safety I can deal with.

Well, maybe I'll take the risk and swing by my local dealer and order one today! My goal here is to use it as a pocket pistol. Some will gasp, but during the warmer summer months I tend to live in shorts and a t-shirt. I find I can't carry on the waistband then, as I can't stand to carry IWB without a shirt between the holster and my skin - so that forces me into two shirts, which I don't like in the hotter months.

I use shorts that have very large pockets, and normally pocket carry a Glock 26 with no problems, other than it being thick, (and my preference to carry something with a safety). I'd like this little snag-free .45 for that duty.

[kenhwind]

Beimg a couple of X sizes and living in Florida a pocket holster is a good option. I use a Galco for my Defender. East to conceal and remove and insert in pocket when necessary.

[Rio Vista Slim]

FJC,

Like my friend Rich-D, my Colt New Agent has become a constant companion.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_2821.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_2696.jpg

The preceding photographs show my pistol from a couple of different angles. The area you expressed a concern over should be seen in both. I feel a slight sharpness in the web of my hand, between my thumb and index finger knuckle when holding the pistol, but have experienced no difficulties during my firing of the weapon. Additionally, I shoot the New Agent on a regular basis, to keep my "trench sight" skills honed. This practice is done with 230 gr. FMJ ammunition, as well as various JHP ammo of varying weights and power.

I have not encountered anyone who has had a single reliability problem with a Colt New Agent. Mine has been 100% since day one, and there are no finish blemishes or rub issues on the pistol.

[FJC]

Nice pictures, thanks!

Stopped by my dealer - he already has some on backorder, so he told me he'd hold one for me when he gets one in. Doesn't sound like it'll be soon, though. I may have to call around to some other stores.

[dakota1911]

Being near the Mexican boarder I usually stuff my Commander in my pants or throw a Glock 36 in my pocket. I don't like Glocks but there is no grip or thumb safety and they do go bang when you pull the trigger, plus the 36 is light and fluffy. My Kahr in 9mm is a first choice if my wife isn't using it for throwing in the pocket by the way. And yes I have lots of Colts. I lay in bed at night and go to sleep counting them. Better than sheep.

[egumpher]

Hello,

The first 100 rounds though the NA created little blisters on the webbing of my hand between my fore finger and thumb. Since then I haven't had any problem. I guess my hand just "toughened up".

BTW.....just like American Express.....I don't leave home without it...
http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff327/ewgewgewg/IMG_5691.jpg

[Shoota]

I love my New Agent. No sharp edges here. As was posted earlier, there were some issues with the recoil spring assembly, but because people were putting the spring in backwards. I do think that the assembly is not as beefy as it could be, though.

I'm in total agreement about the grip safety. It eats up the web. I tried a couple of band-aids yesterday, and it helped a lot. I'm thinking about the Wilson drop in, myself.

Still love the gun!!

[Grainfed]

I'll show it again and say that my NA is on my side in frequent rotation. It has yet to have a problem at all after 1000 rounds. Nuf said...............TW
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc187/Grainfed/NewAgentwithStingergrips.jpg

[Hunter]

I do believe Colt has the New Agent down, I kept the New Agent I reviewed (I had to have it so I made a deal with Colt) and it has yet to give me any trouble.

[FJC]

Well, I found one at a local (if 50 miles from me is considered "local") store. Drove up there and took a look at it. Everything looked great - recoil channel looks good, trigger is excellent, thumb safety snicks on and off with a very positive feel. I bought it. :)

Once I get it cleaned up and such, I'll take a few photos and post 'em up. Can't wait to get it to the range and give it a try!

[Mhanis]

You will not be disappointed

[Shoota]

Congrats FJC....You'll be very happy.

I shot my NA on Thursday, and I let someone next to me shoot it...he loved it too, and let me shoot his Kahr CW45. Now, I love my Kahr PM9, but shooting the NA vs. the CW, which are approximately the same weight, there was just no comparison. The CW45 had so much flip and perceived recoil, I just did not like it. The PM9, for the size and weight, however, is a terrific shooter.

The New Agent, I think that you'll find, is just a fine looking, fine shooting weapon.

[Rio Vista Slim]

Once I get it cleaned up and such, I'll take a few photos and post 'em up. Can't wait to get it to the range and give it a try!
We look forward to your photographs!

Just remember:
The trench sight on the New Agent make it a very task-specific handgun. It takes a little practice to get used to the arrangement. Start out at close range.

Congratulations on a fine purchase! :)