Colt New Agent Range Report

[FJC]

I took my brand-new Colt New Agent to the range today. Overall, great results, though I did have some issues with the supplied magazines, as detailed below.

I took it to the range with three magazines - the two supplied 7-round "compact" magazines (marked Colt and with a "C", presumably for Check-Mate). I also brought one of my own magazines, a stainless-steel 7-round full-sized magazine manufactured by Check-mate, with hybrid feed lips (bought in the great Magazine Group Order a while back). That stainless magazine, being full-sized, sticks out of the bottom a bit, but I wanted to make sure I had a known good magazine with me.

I began my testing with a box of Federal American Eagle 230gr FMJ. The first magazine (we'll call it Colt1) ran flawlessly. After the seven rounds, the slide locked back. Recoil was typical for a chopped 1911.

I inserted the second magazine (Colt2). All rounds fired fine, but the slide failed to lock back.

The third magazine (Check-Mate) operated fine. All rounds fed, fired, and ejected correctly, and the slide locked back.

I proceeded to fire all 50 Federal American Eagle rounds, then moved on to a box of Speer 230gr Gold Dots. All 50 of the Gold Dots also fed/fired/ejected perfectly.

After that, I pulled out a bag of my reloads, which are a 200gr jacketed flat-point Montana Gold bullet over 4gr of Hodgdon Clays. I had 100 of them in the bag - I fired all of them. Not a single problem feeding/firing/ejecting.

However, slide-lock-back after the final round continued to be an issue. It occurred about 80% of the time with Colt1, 100% of the time with Colt2, and never (I repeat, NEVER) with the Check-Mate magazine. When it occured, it was obvious what was happening - the follower on the Colt-supplied magazines was getting past the slide stop ledge. In fact, when it occurred, hitting the magazine release would NOT release the magazine, as the bottom of the follower shelf was on top of the slide stop. The magazine could then easily be pulled from the grip, but it would not drop free. Additionally, manually pulling the slide back would not cause the slide stop to move upward, as again the magazine follower was holding the slide stop down. Note that if I removed the magazine and reinserted it, then manually worked the slide, it would then push up the slide stop and lock back the slide. Seems that it's only under recoil that the follower would jump the slide stop.

The different design of the Check-Mate magazine apparently engages the slide stop much more positively, and operated 100% correctly.

Accuracy was great - as others have said, it took a magazine or two to get the hang of the trench site, but it was quick and quite easy to get proficient with it.

The grip safety did tear up the top of my hand, as I expected it would. I'll have to decide if I want to dremel the edges to be more rounded, or if I just want to swap it for a Wilson Combat drop-in beavertail safety.

Now apparently I need to get some other magazines that will fit flush, but have a style of follower that will correctly engage the slide stop. I'm thinking I'll just get some Check-Mate compact magazines (even if they are six rounds versus the 7 round design).

Has anyone else with a New Agent run into this issue?

I'll try to get some pictures of the magazines in question, especially the followers.

[ShotgunKevin]

I had the exact same issue with my New Agent when it was new. The followers of both of the supplied Colt "C"-marked mags would jump over the slide stop lug. One mag was noticeably worse than the other, and will live out it's days in the range bag. After much searching on this forum, I decided to purchase some Tripp Research mags. Surprisingly, the followers are the same in the Colt mags and in Tripp's flush-base 7 rounders. The Cobramags are an entirely different design. I've had no such problem with any of the Tripp mags, either flush-base or Cobramags.

The slide stop on my New Agent has considerable lateral play if I push on the protruding end. I suppose that the slide stop may be able to move around a bit as the gun is fired, and if it happens to move leftward when the magazine is empty, it could perhaps bypass the magazine follower altogether. This is entirely theoretical. I suppose I'll test this theory soon, but it'll have to wait until I've had dinner. :p

[kenhwind]

Your Colt magazines are Checkmate right!
Do they have a skirted or bullnose follower?

[ShotgunKevin]

Your Colt magazines are Checkmate right!
Do they have a skirted or bullnose follower?

Mine are Checkmate, with bull nose followers.

[kenhwind]

You might have a slide stop issue. The magazines in my Defender are Checkmate/ Colt and they worked fine.The mags did not have the skirted/bullnose follower so I upgraded them to the Checkmate Follower- Bullnose Flex Follower and they run fine.

Keep exploring this forum, because I may not have the answer you need.

[FJC]

Here's some detailed pictures of the good and bad magazines.

First, the two together. The stainless is a full-sized 7-round Check-Mate magazine. The blued magazine is the Colt-branded one (Check-Mate manufacture) that came with the pistol. As explained above, the Colt one (on the top, with the "Patented" text on the follower) does not lock the slide back on the last round.

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/twomags_2092.jpg

Here's the follower that reliably locks the slide back:
http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/goodfollower_2096.jpg

Here's the follower that does NOT lock the slide back:
http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/badfollower_2098.jpg

Different view of the good magazine (dirty, I know):
http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/goodmag_2095.jpg

And the bad magazine:
http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/badmag_2099.jpg

Now I know you have to watch what type of follower you use with alloy-framed pistols, but my understanding is that these Check-Mate ones are of a good design, where the follower won't dive forward and hit the frame.

[Rio Vista Slim]

FJC,

First off, congratulations on your purchase of a Colt New Agent. I love mine!

One of the magazines which came with my pistol was a little rough, in the beginning, but I left it loaded for a period of time, and it smoothed out. Additionally, I purchased four Tripp Research CobraMags for an Officer sized pistol, and these have been perfect.

Now, to address your problems.

The factory magazines are designed to avoid the tendency of the follower to impact the feed ramp on your pistol, so gouging should not be an issue. The difficulties you describe sound as if your slide stop might be the culprit here.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_1364.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_1357.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_1356.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a294/RioVistaSlim/IMG_1355.jpg

Compare your slide stop to these rather poor photographs I submitted when I had some problems with my Model 04691 Commander. 1911Tuner was able to see that the slide stop was worn just enough to allow the magazine follower to override the slide stop, creating the issues which you've described.

I took the "easy" way out, and purchased a Wilson BulletProof slide stop from Brownells, and my Commander has functioned perfectly since.

This is in no way a definitive diagnosis of your problems, but just something else to consider, as you work through this issue.

[FJC]

Thanks - later I'll strip it down and inspect the slide stop, and post some pictures of it as well.

However, the fact that it works perfect with that other magazine, combined with posts from at least one other person with the same complaint (that Colt supplied magazines skip past the slide stop but that others don't), really has me wondering if it's a flaw in the design of the magazine follower.

I'd really hate to replace the slide stop on a brand-new pistol - whereas I'm not so hesitant to just switch magazines. :)

[Rich-D]

Congratulations on your New Agent, like my friend Rio Vista Slim, I love mine!

Now I know you have to watch what type of follower you use with alloy-framed pistols, but my understanding is that these Check-Mate ones are of a good design, where the follower won't dive forward and hit the frame.

The checkmate mag you show with the dimpled follower, does not have a front skirt to keep the follower from hitting the alloy frame. I am amazed that you are having problems with the Colt issued checkmate mags, I have a dozen for my New Agent and Defender, that all are flawless. I also have 4 Tripp Research mags 7R-45-RO that work flawlessly.

Rio Vista Slim may be onto something concerning the slide stop.


Rich

[Rio Vista Slim]

However, the fact that it works perfect with that other magazine, combined with posts from at least one other person with the same complaint (that Colt supplied magazines skip past the slide stop but that others don't), really has me wondering if it's a flaw in the design of the magazine follower.

I'd really hate to replace the slide stop on a brand-new pistol - whereas I'm not so hesitant to just switch magazines. :)
I fully understand what you're saying...........I had several magazines which worked perfectly at the time my Commander was malfunctioning. However, the wear on my slide stop indicated to 1911Tuner that the condition would get progressively worse. After replacing the slide stop, every magazine I own has functioned reliably in my Commander, and I have well over thirty magazines for my various Colts.

As I said in my original post, this might not be your problem, but comparing your slide stop to the photos can't hurt.

[kenhwind]

My Defender mags are Colt/Checkmate with the Checkmate Bullnose Flex follower and they work fine. As a matter of fact they worked fine with the CMC type non-skirted/bullnose follower, but once I became aware of the alloy frame issues I changed mine.
I've read to many posts about the New Agent and the Defender to assume that the problem is or isn't the mag, but it might be the slide stop, or just a new gun thing.
That's why we have these threads to share each others views.

[Shoota]

FJC, Glad that you got a chance to take the NA out to the range and thx for the report.

I've got the Colt/C-checkmate type, and I have had no issues whatsoever...flawless. I need a few more mags, and I have not decided yet about getting Colt, Tripp or Checkmate.

I agree about the grip safety. If you want to shoot it a bit, something needs to be done. The last time that I went to the range, I put two band aids, with the gauze pads overlapping precisely where the beaver tail hits, and it was much better. I would recommend that to anyone that hasn't changed the gs as a temporary fix. Ok, I'm a wuss.

[FJC]

Here's some pictures of the slide stop. Compared to others I've seen, it seems like the angles are much more rounded - perhaps letting that bullnose follower slip over it?

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/slidestop_2105.jpg

and another angle:

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/slidestop_2106.jpg

[Shoota]

FJC..

Yours is definitely "rounder" than mine. I tried taking pics for you, but my camera is pretty useless on close ups. My edges are much sharper, which might be what's causing my slide stop to be hard to remove, and your "roundness" could be your problem. It looks like they have changed the design a bit. Here's some pics, for what it is worth:

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt267/Shoota10/P1010395.jpg

And one more:

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt267/Shoota10/P1010355-1.jpg

[Shoota]

Man do my pics !!!!!.....I need a new camera

[kenhwind]

WOW! how much did that camera have to drink today? :D :)

[Shoota]

WOW! how much did that camera have to drink today? :D :)

Memorial weekend...and, she's a "vintage" digital....

[John]

I got dizzy by just looking at these pictures. And it wasn't the usual cause (my dirty glasses).

Nor have I started drinking yet, the kids party is not supposed to start for another 2 hours.

[Shoota]

C'mon, John...you were in the closet, weren't you....sippin'....the pics are perfectly clear.

Funny thing is, I "photoshoped" the pics to improve them. My birthday is coming up, so maybe I'll get lucky and get a new camera. The current camera is not bad (not great) for regular shots, but up close and personal, well, it be what it be.

Just so everyone is on notice, there is a fund raiser for a new digital for me...all donations accepted.

FJC's pics are so refined....But I can tell by looking at my slide stop, it has much sharper angles/edges...

[Rio Vista Slim]

Here's some pictures of the slide stop. Compared to others I've seen, it seems like the angles are much more rounded - perhaps letting that bullnose follower slip over it?
FJC,

The angles on your slide stop aren't just more rounded off............

that thing is worn out!!!

If your pistol is brand new, out-of-the box, call Colt for a new slide stop.

[FJC]

Does your camera have a "macro" mode? Usually it's identified by an image of a flower. That's what I used on my little Canon Digital Elph SD600 I used for those shots.

I have a nicer digital SLR Canon Rebel with a great macro lens, but I didn't drag that out for these pictures. When I get around to taking some shots of the actual New Agent I'll use that one. I may hold off on full pictures, though, until I decide if I'm putting in a drop-in beavertail grip safety or not. Dang sharp edges on the New Agent grip safety put two nice track-marks on my hand after 200 rounds.

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/ouch_2111.jpg

[FJC]

FJC,

The angles on your slide stop aren't just more rounded off............

that thing is worn out!!!

If your pistol is brand new, out-of-the box, call Colt for a new slide stop.


I'm starting to think that people feel my slide stop has a problem. :)

In people's experience with Colt, will they send a new slide stop with a phone call, or will they require me to send the whole pistol in? I'd really like to avoid the latter. Other than this one issue (and the sharpness of the grip safety, which I knew would be like that going in), this pistol is flawless.

[Shoota]

Does your camera have a "macro" mode? Usually it's identified by an image of a flower. That's what I used on my little Canon Digital Elph SD600 I used for those shots.

I have a nicer digital SLR Canon Rebel with a great macro lens, but I didn't drag that out for these pictures. When I get around to taking some shots of the actual New Agent I'll use that one. I may hold off on full pictures, though, until I decide if I'm putting in a drop-in beavertail grip safety or not. Dang sharp edges on the New Agent grip safety put two nice track-marks on my hand after 200 rounds.

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/ouch_2111.jpg

Ouch, that's what my hand looks like after 50 rounds...the band aids help a lot. If I could find a smith around here, I would change it out to the Wilson. I don't have the confidence in my skills yet to do it myself.

Unfortunately, there is no "flower" or any macro setting on the cam....it's really just time for a new one. I do a couple of things on Ebay here and there, so it would be a nice thing to have anyway.

So far, I've got goose eggs on my camera fund...

[Shoota]

I'm starting to think that people feel my slide stop has a problem. :)

In people's experience with Colt, will they send a new slide stop with a phone call, or will they require me to send the whole pistol in? I'd really like to avoid the latter. Other than this one issue (and the sharpness of the grip safety, which I knew would be like that going in), this pistol is flawless.

I, personally don't have enough experience with Colt, however, I would not send the gun, at least yet. Try a phone call, and if they won't send a new stop, perhaps just sending your's to them for an exchange would suffice. If a new one doesn't solve your problem, you may need to send the gun in.

[kenhwind]

Call Colt I think that they will send you a slide stop. you can get an E-mail address when you call and send a picture.
Unless the New Agent has some serious issues it isn't worth sending it back.
A new slide stop is cheaper.

[leade45]

Call Colt CS and if they want you to send the gun in, have them send you a shipping label.

To the poster with grip safety bite, buy yourself some sports tape and wrap some strips down from your palm to the middle of the back of your hand. Either that or get a Wilson drop in safety.

[Rio Vista Slim]

In people's experience with Colt, will they send a new slide stop with a phone call, or will they require me to send the whole pistol in?
There is no need to send the entire pistol back to Colt for such an easy fix. Just give Colt a call, explain your problem, and wait for the part to be mailed to you. As kenhwind stated, you might need to e-mail them a photo of your slide stop, but I doubt it.

[FJC]

Just as a followup, I did call Colt today and they told me to mail them my slide stop with a letter explaining the issue, and they'd send me another. Regardless, I ordered a Wilson Combat blue slide stop from Brownells. I could use a spare for the parts box anyway.

And just let me say, other than this slide stop issue, this pistol is fantastic. Everything else is machined perfect, nice and clean. The trigger has one of the best out-of-the-box breaks I've ever felt on a non-custom 1911. No grittiness at all, just a nice clean break.

[jjShnabadu]

FJC, thanks for the range report, and I hope the new slide stop does the trick for you.

Regarding the grip safety, my hand looked the same as yours after my first range trip. My plan was to get a drop-in beavertail, but after three or four range trips, my hand must have toughened up because now I don't get more than a little redness -- even after 200 rounds.

If you're only going to shoot occasionally, the drop-in may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you plan to shoot on a regular basis, you might consider putting off the decision for a couple of months to see if your hand builds up a callous.

If you like the slimmer original grip safety for carry purposes (as I do) but your hand never callouses, a strip or two of Nexcare™ Absolute Waterproof First Aid Tape from Wal-Mart is pretty effective for protecting your skin at the range.

Anyway, just my two cents...

Welcome to the New Agent family! As my daily carry gun, I've been absolutely thrilled with mine...

[Shoota]

Hey JJ....I haven't heard of the Nexcare tape...is this better to use than a couple of bandaids? I'm considering changing my grip safety, but part of me wants to leave it stock, and I don't think that I will shoot it enough to toughen up.

[FJC]

Photo time - I finally broke out the camera and took some photos. Note that I did replace the stock grip safety with a Wilson Combat drop-in safety.

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_6755.jpg

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_6762.jpg

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_6764.jpg

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_6766.jpg


Here you can see the gap from the drop-in safety. Beats tearing my hand up all the time, though.

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_6769.jpg

Another view of the grip safety:
http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_dropin_gs_6778.jpg

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_6771.jpg

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_6779.jpg

And finally, a shot of the rollmark, which looks well done on my pistol. Nice well-fed ponies, too!

http://www.condron.com/pics/colt/na/na_rollmark_6759.jpg

[John]

Series 90?!?!?!!? What is Colt thinking when applying their rollmarks? Are they trying to puzzle us all????

[FJC]

Series 90?!?!?!!? What is Colt thinking when applying their rollmarks? Are they trying to puzzle us all????

I believe the Defender has the same "Series 90" designation.

[Mhanis]

Those are some great pictures.