Which Colt for a project gun?

[j.wise]

I want to create a special 1911, to be both carried on duty and to receive some "special" treatment to be made into an heirloom.

I plan to do some aesthetic work as well as give it a combat package.

The question is, which Colt is worthy of making into an heirloom? Since the cost of the finishing/engraving/customizations will exceed the cost of nearly any Colt I could find (within reason), I don't just want to get the 'cheapest' base gun.

So, in part, it comes down to rollmarks and steel. I plan to do the slide in charcoal blue, so I want it made of carbon steel. I want a two-tone look, so if the frame is also carbon steel I'll finish it in nickel or chrome, and if it is stainless, that would be fine as well.

I was considering a Combat Elite or Special Combat Government, but really any pistol could be made into what I want.

So, which model should I use to build my creation?

[Coltrane]

I'm by no means an expert...I'm pretty new here, really. But I asked a similar question of the forum members, and took their suggestions to heart as I corresponded with some fairly well-respected 'smiths. Here's what I've learned:

Buy a Series 70 if you're hung up on keeping things as "original" as possible. By this I do not mean keeping it box-stock, rather preserving what some folks consider to be the "original intent" of the genius who gave us this design. People who feel this way tend to be curmudgeons who obsess about history, the "way things ought to be", and what are probably imperceptible differences in triggers. I'm one of these people.

Buy a 1991 (s80) if you want the FPS. If you don't care about this, buy either one you want. (FWIW, the correct answer is always "both").

I would caution against any stock pistol with a beavertail, or forward cocking serrations, or lowered this and beveled that and ambi this and checkered that. You're building a custom pistol (or having one built). There is no good reason to give Van Gogh a canvas that already has paint all over it. Give the 'smith of your choice a clean slate, and let him tailor your pistol to what you want and what he recommends.

I think your biggest decision isn't which pistol to start with, but which material you want. Only you can really decide between carbon or stainless. There's a longevity argument to be made for stainless, but there are some carbon frames out there with more rounds through them than you (and your heirs) are ever going to shoot. Coatings are magnificent things, and you can make either material look as beautiful as you like, or as utilitarian as you like.

This is by no means all of your answer. As I said, I'm a new guy. But if you really want a pistol to be yours I'd start with the simplest base gun possible - and that's either a Series 70 or a 1991. Finally, if things like special (or consecutive) serial numbers matter to you, be aware that some shops will let you order frames with your own, custom number. If you're married to the idea of a Colt, nevermind, but check out Caspian's webpage and you'll see what I mean. It's not important enough to me to cause me to abandon the history and heritage of the Colt moniker, but YMMV.

Good luck with your project, and please let us know what you decide.

[moxie1]

I'd go with an older, in good condition, full size Government Model, box stock. Since it's going to be totally redone, a little wear won't matter.

[Ecrevisse]

I'm trying to decide what course to take my self regarding the same question. I decided on these two possibilities. One, a new Series 70 Government model stainless steel and have something like Colt's "O" package and trigger job and lowering the ejection port. Two, find an old Series 70 Government model and do the same thing.

There are good gunsmith's that can do outstanding jobs for outstanding prices. There is one who came to mind, John Harrison (http://www.harrisoncustom.com/About.aspx). There was a thread on a 1911 he did. Here is the thread http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=263053

I found this image on the other forum. It appears to be something along the lines of this discussion. http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=251549

The gunsmith route would be great but expensive for me. The Colt Custom Shop, "O" package, trigger job, etc. mentioned above is within my budget.

[edmorales]

personally, i would not do any mods on a scg of a ce. i would consider an ORM 1991 and have it souped up though. 1991s make good base guns for extreme mods. nice forged steel frame and its a colt.
ed

[M203Sniper]

I always thought of heirloom and SAA as going together.

If you want an automatic and are going to tune it anyway, why not find the style you like. Pre-70? Pre-WWII? MKIV enhanced?

Personally I would go with a National Match.

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=33387

[armedoc]

I always thought of heirloom and SAA as going together.

If you want an automatic and are going to tune it anyway, why not find the style you like. Pre-70? Pre-WWII? MKIV enhanced?

Personally I would go with a National Match.

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=33387

Now why did you have to show me a picture of a beautiful National Match like that?

I thought I was done buying 1911's for a while but there is something about a blued colt with ivory stocks!!!!

[daveohno]

I like the suggestions lsited so far. I can't disagree with any of them. I'd probably go with a new Series 70.....Or an older one......Or maybe a 1991..... Oh well, you know what I mean. So many choices and not one of them is bad.

[j.wise]

Ok, so basically we are all in agreement that I should stick with a base 1911, and not get one that already has some modifications done to it?

I don't really see the point in messing up what could be a nice collectable, so I'll probably just stick with a new issue Series 70.

[Deadman]

carry / duty / hierloom rarely go together, so allow for a very durable finish to keep your piece looking nice for years to come.

I'm not saying that they don't become weapons passed down, holsters have a way of wearing the baked on finishes. wood grips get dinged.
but those things to me are character, like grey hair.

sound like a fun project. best of luck.

[Ecrevisse]

The only true collectibles are the original WWI and WWII pistols, especially, but not exclusively, those made by Singer and Union Signal. Ithaca and Remington made versions come to mind.

Any original series 70, series 80, or series 70 reproductions may be collectible to the owner but not necessarily to others. I recommend you crunch the numbers. Add the cost of the pistol to what you want done to it. If you are in range of a Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, or similar makes and models, maybe you should consider one of those which the builder will happily customize exactly the way you want. These pistols do not loose their value with customization.

But, if it's got to be a Colt, then stay with your original plan.

Good luck.

[M203Sniper]

Well after the ivory grips there is only one thing you are going to need, for an heirloom gun it really is a must. IMHO.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z57/Lucky13_Albums/jan09004.jpg

this was done by JR French.

[Don P]

You didn't mention bbl. length, so in my book, the perfect blank canvas would be a new O4691 blue Combat Commander from Colt.

[j.wise]

You didn't mention bbl. length, so in my book, the perfect blank canvas would be a new O4691 blue Combat Commander from Colt.

Really? I have been looking at 5" Government models exclusively. While I have one 1911 in the Commander/Pro size, this pistol will definitely be a full size.

[j.wise]

Well after the ivory grips there is only one thing you are going to need, for an heirloom gun it really is a must. IMHO.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z57/Lucky13_Albums/jan09004.jpg

this was done by JR French.

Did he just do the engraving, or the gunsmithing also?

It looks FANTASTIC!

[Sir Jon]

When I did my custom 1911 it was a 70 series. I think it was made in 76. I did all the work myself and it turned out nice. that is the model id recommend they make fantastic custom base guns.

[Ecrevisse]

I found this on another 1911 forum. It is a WWI reproduction sent to Bob Rodgers. It is beautiful. I don't now if I could use this model for a project.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj181/rodgerspistolsmithing/Img_0617.jpg

[j.wise]

I found this on another 1911 forum. It is a WWI reproduction sent to Bob Rodgers. It is beautiful. I don't now if I could use this model for a project.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj181/rodgerspistolsmithing/Img_0617.jpg

STUNNING! I found a WWI repro today for $959. I held off, as I'm not sure yet if that's the direction I want to go, but this pic has me doubting myself!

[chimkayu]

Halito, all. OK Sniper, now I have to clean the drool off of Bebe's keyboard. OHHH that is one suwheet Colt. As far as OP...which Colt is worthy?? I really, honestly, believe any Colt 1911 model is worthy of being tuned and worked into something to be passed down. I have never seen a Colt I didn't like or want. I WOULD personally like to get my hands on an original Colt from the '40's...and have it worked on like I saw one done up in another thread I can't recall. Love the 1911, Connecticut (COLT's) and the forum.

C.......

[M203Sniper]

That is totally not my gun. I am sorry if I seemed to represent as much.

I was only posting that pic as an example of what I think an heirloom should look like. Nicely engraved and some Ivory or smooth panel wood grips.

I do not know who did the gunsmithing or what sights are on that gun. It's not mine.

[coalgeo]

I am inclined to agree with Deadman that carry and heirloom do not go well together. If it is carried a lot, even in the finest holster, it is going to show wear. I also think that if you are going to invest hundreds (thousands?) of dollars over and above the original gun I would also give the Wilson Combat and Les Baers a hard look. In the end, though, it is your money and your decisions. I guarantee that whichever way you go the process will be interesting and a lot of fun.

[j.wise]

Well, today I bought my first Colt 1911! (This is in addition to my Springfield, Kimber, and Les Baer.)

I was at the gunshow today, and was fortunate enough to sell a couple guns, and then trade (with cash) into a MKIV/Series 70 pistol in Royal Blue, built in 1976. I really wanted a '77 (as that is my birth year), but '76 is pretty darn close!

I only have cell phone pics right now, but TRUST me, there will be high-res pictures in the next few days!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00184.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00185.jpg

Before leaving the show, I picked up some faux ivory grips with gold Colt medallions. The grips that came on it weren't original anyway (silver medallions).

The gun is beautiful, with absolutely no holster wear. The only minor finish flaw is on the trigger guard, where the finish wore in just a small spot.

[j.wise]

Some more pics:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00194.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00192.jpg

Look at that SHINE!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00196.jpg

[Deadman]

very nice.
Royal Blue...
aaaahhhhhh

( nice enough not to mess with in my book )

certainly worthy of a project. good luck with her.

[Don P]

If the grips that came with it were full checkered walnut with silver medallions, those are correct for that pistol. I bought a new 70 series in '75, and that's what it came with. Yours may be the originals.

[j.wise]

Wow! Those are the ones. Good to hear, thanks!

[j.wise]

Another question: is this bushing original, or is it aftermarket?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00202.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00204.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00211.jpg

The bushing is radiused, and is nearly flush-fitting with the barrel.

[Don P]

The barrel looks original, but the bushing is not. One feature of the 70 series was what was called a collet bushing and Accurizer barrel. The bushing had 4 fingers that gripped the barrel under tension. Those 4 wear marks visible on your barrel about an inch back from the muzzle are unmistakably from the collet bushing. The recoil spring plug isn't original either. It should be checkered on the end, just like a current stock Colt. Also looks like a replacement trigger; right length, wrong color.

[j.wise]

The barrel looks original, but the bushing is not. One feature of the 70 series was what was called a collet bushing and Accurizer barrel. The bushing had 4 fingers that gripped the barrel under tension. Those 4 wear marks visible on your barrel about an inch back from the muzzle are unmistakably from the collet bushing. The recoil spring plug isn't original either. It should be checkered on the end, just like a current stock Colt. Also looks like a replacement trigger; right length, wrong color.

Well, the good news is that I wasn't looking for an authentic collector's piece! ;)

The collet bushing would need to get replaced anyway, but it would be nice to still have the piece, just for completeness sake. The trigger had me thinking it wasn't original, as I have seen other pistols in this generation with black short triggers.

I was also thinking that the plug was not original, or that what I thought was original was not the case. My Springfield Mil-Spec's plug is checkered, so I figured this one should be as well.

Is the front of the slide supposed to have a sharp edge, or might it have a slightly radiused corner? In the pictures above, the radiused edge appears white, as the reflection is hitting it just right.

I am REALLY hoping that I learn that this pistol has had slight work done to it, and has been refinished. This will alleviate any guilt I might experience if I use it for a project!

[Don P]

It's been refinished alright. You're not gonna find a stock Colt (except bright stainless ) with a shine like that. The front edge of the slide was a sharp squared off corner. That's another sign of a refinish. It could have been done as part of a dehorn job, but it's hard to tell from these pics. It's a good start to your heirloom idea, but in all honesty I'd probably leave it alone and look for something more beat up to re-do.

[Deadman]

the bushing and plug look like an EGW thick flange carry bevel with corresponding plug to me.
the barrel though not re crowned is flush with the bushing, and the plug is not checkered.

looks just like mine.

[j.wise]

It's been refinished alright. You're not gonna find a stock Colt (except bright stainless ) with a shine like that. The front edge of the slide was a sharp squared off corner. That's another sign of a refinish. It could have been done as part of a dehorn job, but it's hard to tell from these pics. It's a good start to your heirloom idea, but in all honesty I'd probably leave it alone and look for something more beat up to re-do.

SWEET! Thank you, Don! While most of you would hope to find a 100% original Colt in 99% condition, I did not! I bought this pistol because it was the same price as the 70's series re-issues and WWI repros at the show, but looked better!

Alright, now to re-focus on what I'm gonna do with her...

[OD*]

Very nice looking Colt, J. Wise. http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon14.gif

In a couple of your pictures it looks like it may have been refinished, in others it doesn't. Many of the Series 70s had nice shiny flats (mine shown doesn't in this photo), I wouldn't jump to the conclusion it's been refinished, can you take some better pictures?

As far as the trigger goes, it could be original, the Series 70s came with either blued or silver triggers.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb274/OD1911/1979Series70II.jpg

[j.wise]

I wish I could take better pictures, but my camera (Nikon D80) was left at the in-laws last week!

I'm stuck with my cell phone or 35mm until we get back up to Dallas!

[j.wise]

Here's another picture I took of the front. Not sure if it helps, but the front corner of the slide is not sharp, and look to have been touched up during a dehorn job as previously mentioned.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00201.jpg

[OD*]

The pistol only looks refinished in the third picture in post #23 (and that's do to the photo), it looks factory in the others.

[OD*]

Here's another picture I took of the front. Not sure if it helps, but the front corner of the slide is not sharp, and look to have been touched up during a dehorn job as previously mentioned.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00201.jpgMine looks the same and has not been messed with, if your pistol would have been "dehorned" the others edges would appear "rounded", they don't. Except for the EGW recoil spring plug, bushing and the stocks, the pistol appears factory to me.

[OD*]

The only true collectibles are the original WWI and WWII pistols, especially, but not exclusively, those made by Singer and Union Signal. Ithaca and Remington made versions come to mind.I'll have to disagree, the LNIB Series 70 are becoming quite collectible in their own right.

[j.wise]

The pistol only looks refinished in the third picture in post #23 (and that's do to the photo), it looks factory in the others.

The third picture just shows how shiny it is. The lighting was all jacked up in that photo, so ignore the color.

[j.wise]

Mine looks the same and has not been messed with, if your pistol would have been "dehorned" the others edges would appear "rounded", they don't. Except for the EGW recoil spring plug, bushing and the stocks, the pistol appears factory to me.

Really? It looks like this:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00224.jpg

The front edge is cut at a 45* angle. It is that angle cut that is reflecting in the above picture.

[j.wise]

Well, with whatever pistol I end up using, this is what I have planned:

Things I want to do to my pistol:

* Stainless steel match barrel and bushing (with a cut and re-crown to fit flush with the bushing)
* "Fire Blue" small parts: recoil spring plug, hammer pins, slide release, safety, grip screws, mag release screw (maybe not all those parts, but some)
* Stainless Combat hammer
* Fitted beavertail grip safety
* Sights (either night sights or retro black rear with gold bead front)
* Extended thumb safety
* Long, solid trigger
* Flat mainspring housing (MSH)
* Fit slide to frame
* Reliability package so that it feeds hollow points
* 4.5# trigger
* Lower and flare ejection port

I want the rear of the pistol to look and feel of my Baer:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/0909181420b-1.jpg

[OD*]

Really? It looks like this:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00224.jpg

The front edge is cut at a 45* angle. It is that angle cut that is reflecting in the above picture.Are you talking about the barrel bushing or the slide itself?

[j.wise]

Are you talking about the barrel bushing or the slide itself?

The slide itself. The rear of the slide is also slightly beveled.

The horizontal edges on the side of the slide are cut sharp, but the front and back are both beveled. Does this make sense?

[OD*]

The slide itself. The rear of the slide is also slightly beveled.OK, the rear of the slide, the flats are slightly beveled, but not the round top edge above the hammer?

The horizontal edges on the side of the slide are cut sharp, but the front and back are both beveled. Does this make sense?Yes it does, most of the Series 70s I have seen, do not have sharp edges on the flats on the vertical edges.

[j.wise]

This might help:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/Coltbeveledcorners.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/ColtBeveledFront.jpg

[OD*]

This might help:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/Coltbeveledcorners.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/ColtBeveledFront.jpgHmm, if that pistol has had a dehorning job, it's done the oddest way I've seen.

[j.wise]

Hmm, if that pistol has had a dehorning job, it's done it the oddest way I've seen.

I REALLY wish I had my Nikon D80... I could show you EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

So, you were saying that other original S70 pistols had slightly beveled vertical edges? Would you buy chance have any hi-res closeup pictures?

[Don P]

While most of you would hope to find a 100% original Colt in 99% condition, I did not! I bought this pistol because it was the same price as the 70's series re-issues and WWI repros at the show, but looked better!

Alright, now to re-focus on what I'm gonna do with her...

Well, I paid for a 70 series repro this morning. (Good deal actually-"pre-owned" ANIB, unfired for about $250 under retail.) Wanna trade? Give ya the Repro AND the $250. Just kidding. (not really!) Wish I could find the twin to yours, though. I think you got a great deal- with a dilemma thrown in for free. Wouldn't take much re-focus from me, I'd leave it alone and keep it pretty much as is, and buy a 70 ser.or O1918 repro to build on. The WWI would be pretty slick with your list of mods. Best of luck with whatever choice you make.

[OD*]

So, you were saying that other original S70 pistols had slightly beveled vertical edges?Mine do, and those I have owned did, I can't speak for all of them. ;)

Would you buy chance have any hi-res closeup pictures?I don't currently, but I'll try to take some within the next few days.

[j.wise]

Mine do, and those I have owned did, I can't speak for all of them. ;)

I don't currently, but I'll try to take some within the next few days.

So, we're back in the "its original" camp?

[OD*]

So, we're back in the "its original" camp?No, we know the barrel bushing, recoil spring plug and the stocks are not original. The trigger, finish and slight beveling might be original, that's what we are trying to discern.

[j.wise]

No, we know the barrel bushing, recoil spring plug and the stocks are not original. The trigger, finish and slight beveling might be original, that's what we are trying to discern.

I'm sorry, I meant other than the bushing and plug. Since those are easily replaceable, that wouldn't really play into my decision whether to add sights or a beavertail.

Here are the original grips that came on the pistol:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00226.jpg

I bought the faux ivory before I even left the show, so I don't have any pictures of the pistol with these grips on.

The medallions are silver.

[Don P]

Here are the original grips that came on the pistol:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/p_00226.jpg
I bought the faux ivory before I even left the show, so I don't have any pictures of the pistol with these grips on.
The medallions are silver.
Those are EXACTLY like the grips that came on the new 70 series that I bought new way back when.

[j.wise]

Ok, lets assume this pistol (slide and frame) are original, and I do not want to do anything that would make it less collectable.

This rules out new sights, right? I expect I could switch the rear sight, and always re-install the original if I wanted to revert it back to original; but the front sight is going to cause a problem. Am I right, or is it possible to put bigger/better sights on the pistol without permanently altering it?

What about switching out the thumb safety, but keeping the original? I expect I could switch out small parts as long as I keep the original parts and leave them stock (long trigger, match barrel, match bushing, etc...)

[Don P]

Ok, lets assume this pistol (slide and frame) are original, and I do not want to do anything that would make it less collectable.
This rules out new sights, right?
To a collector that rules out everything. Look, 70 series guns really aren't all that rare. All the hoopla they get is pretty much because they don't have a firing pin safety. It's been nearly 30 years since they were last made, and you found an excellent one at a show for about the price of a new repro fairly quick and easy. Sorry, but that doesn't sound very collectable to me. Maybe in another 30 years? Who knows? Your original post mentioned carry/heirloom, not collectability. Still wanna do the two-tone? What about the engraving also mentioned? Quite the dilemma, ain't it? If you're worried about "collectable", leave it alone and find another one. If not, the gun is yours, do as you like.

[Deadman]

well she's still a beaut, and whatever you do decide let us know.

enjoy.

[j.wise]

To a collector that rules out everything. Look, 70 series guns really aren't all that rare. All the hoopla they get is pretty much because they don't have a firing pin safety. It's been nearly 30 years since they were last made, and you found an excellent one at a show for about the price of a new repro fairly quick and easy. Sorry, but that doesn't sound very collectable to me. Maybe in another 30 years? Who knows? Your original post mentioned carry/heirloom, not collectability. Still wanna do the two-tone? What about the engraving also mentioned? Quite the dilemma, ain't it? If you're worried about "collectable", leave it alone and find another one. If not, the gun is yours, do as you like.

Thanks for the clarity! You're right, that I don't care too much about collectability.

If someone acquired No. 1, and then pimped it out (even tastefully), I'd consider it a crime against humanity!

If I could discern this pistol has already lost its 'original' status, I'd feel a lot better about using it as a project gun.

[OD*]

I would do with the pistol whatever you wanted, the only real collectible Series 70s are the LNIB examples.

[Dutch1911]

My good man,
There's some outstanding feedback coming into play for your question.
However you need to consider a couple of things.
IF you're going to carry for duty you need to follow guidelines of your department.
As a Law Enforcment Firearms Instructor, I find that you will be exceedingly limited on ANY modifications you may be allowed to do for a Duty Carry Pistol. And rightfully so...
However for personal use... that's a different story.
The Combat Elite is an OUTSTANDING choice, and very little modification would need be done to this fine weapon.
Also... the Super Combat is also an OUTSTANDING choice and you will find it will require little to no work as well.
However...
If you would like a full house custom build... well you have options.
First you'll need to decide on Series 70 or Series 80. No drawbacks to either, don't fall into the hype.
I went with a Model O Series 70 Reproduction and this is what I ended with.
http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af13/Dutch1911/DSCN0269.jpg
With all that in mind, consider your options, if for duty you'll need to follow your departments guidelines. Some will even stipulate if you can carry a series 70 or series 80. Most likely they won't allow a series 70.
Enjoy have fun and most of all do what you like.

Dutch1911

[j.wise]

My department authorizes nearly every gun out there, and the range staff are 1911 fans. I'm good...

I carry a Baer TRS right now, if that says anything...

[Dutch1911]

Sounds like you have an open door!
I'd go for broke!!!
Mk IV Series 70 Model O reissue.
And build exactly what you want.

[OD*]

Please, lets call the new "Series 70s" by their correct name according to Colt, replica or reproduction, they are not reissues, you cannot "reissue" something that was never issued in the first place.

[j.wise]

Please, lets call the new "Series 70s" by their correct name according to Colt, replica or reproduction, they are not reissues, you cannot "reissue" something that was never issued in the first place.

I was wondering where that "re-issue" name came from. I'm glad it isn't official, and just slang.

[Kimbernoob]

cheapest one you can find. :) non light weight that is. good luck

chucky

[Don P]

I think Dutch 1911 nailed it with the Combat Elite! Witness my latest pony:
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab101/DonP07sky/pistolas/e1a-101_1292.jpg
Just picked it up Monday.
Read the original post and tell me if this don't fill the bill! I ain't touchin' a thing though. I saw one of these with the slide redone in factory Royal Blue finish and it was GORGEOUS!! A little engraving to taste maybe, and there's your heirloom. :eb:

[j.wise]

I think Dutch 1911 nailed it with the Combat Elite! Witness my latest pony:
http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab101/DonP07sky/pistolas/e1a-101_1292.jpg
Just picked it up Monday.
Read the original post and tell me if this don't fill the bill! I ain't touchin' a thing though. I saw one of these with the slide redone in factory Royal Blue finish and it was GORGEOUS!! A little engraving to taste maybe, and there's your heirloom. :eb:

Or, maybe this?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/jerrellwise/1911%20Pics/pix956626500.jpg

[Don P]

I think that's what Dutch 1911 is referring to when he mentioned a Super Combat.(?? or maybe the Special Government Carry?)

About $600-$800 more. No thanks.

[j.wise]

I think that's what Dutch 1911 is referring to when he mentioned a Super Combat.(?? or maybe the Special Government Carry?)

About $600-$800 more. No thanks.

I would be willing to pay the difference for the lack of front cocking serrations and the rollmarks.

[Don P]

Well there ya go! If you can afford it, call Colt's custom shop and let 'em build it start to finish (at least get a quote ). That ought to make it a TRUE heirloom. Every Colt I've seen with factory engraving looks like a museum piece. And the finish? I've said it before: If it's not done by Colt, IT AIN'T ROYAL BLUE!!

[Dutch1911]

DOH!!!!
My apologies, you're absolutely correct it is indeed a Special Combat.
http://www.coltsmfg.com/products-c5-q63-COLT_PISTOLS.aspx
That's what I get for doing 3 things at the same time.
I currently have a Combat Elite on order from Colt Mfg. It's coming straight from the factory... bummer that it takes so long. I understand Colt only ships quarterly, that could be reason for the delay.
However, back to you... a custom build by Colt would also be nice. IMHO Jason Burton would be my choice.

Dutch1911
1/*

[Don P]

j.wise-
Just a little clarification here please, before we all jump back on the suggestion bandwagon.( Oops- too late!) Are you doing the 70 series you picked up, or are you back to square one? If you're starting over, check this out. Nah, give it a look regardless.
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=79519
Might not be your cup o' tea, but I sure like it.

[j.wise]

j.wise-
Just a little clarification here please, before we all jump back on the suggestion bandwagon.( Oops- too late!) Are you doing the 70 series you picked up, or are you back to square one? If you're starting over, check this out. Nah, give it a look regardless.
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=79519
Might not be your cup o' tea, but I sure like it.

I think I might just leave the Series 70 un-cut, but make a couple changes that can be undone: serrated flat MSH, long trigger, extended thumb safety, skateboard tape on frontstrap, and I'll probably paint the sights for now.

I'm thinking about dumping the custom project, and just getting a Special Combat Government Carry with a few mods from the custom shop.

This will all change if I find a beater pistol at a gunshow that needs love! ;)

[Deadman]

I think that's the smart thing to do...

[j.wise]

I think that's the smart thing to do...

I just put a little white nail polish on the front sight, and BOY does it make a difference!

I looked up on Brownells, and found a few parts that I'd like to get.

Serrated, Flat, MSH (John Masen): $19
Long, solid trigger (Harrison Designs): $27

I'm torn on which thumb safety to get. Maybe either the Wilson or the Nighthawk? Either way, it shouldn't be more than $35 or so. This brings a total to a little under $90.

[E5MC]

I just scored a series 70 38 Super NIB. Can't wait to send it off to the local gun plumber. $800 OTD. The Colt angels were smiling down at me.

[OD*]

Serrated, Flat, MSH (John Masen): $19Pay the extra money and get a good one made by Ed Brown.

[Don P]

I think I might just leave the Series 70 un-cut, but make a couple changes that can be undone: serrated flat MSH, long trigger, extended thumb safety, skateboard tape on frontstrap, and I'll probably paint the sights for now.
I'm thinking about dumping the custom project, and just getting a Special Combat Government Carry with a few mods from the custom shop.
This will all change if I find a beater pistol at a gunshow that needs love! ;)
Now you're talkin'! The SGC would be great, modded or not. A beater? You'll probably spend more trying to get a beater built to the level of a NIB SCG.

[silvereagle]

Pay the extra money and get a good one made by Ed Brown.
I usually replace my factory Colt MSH's with the flat Wilson checkered. I think they have the nicest looking checkering out there, except for CT Brian of Heirloom.

[Deadman]

Pay the extra money and get a good one made by Ed Brown.
I agree with OD. why skimp ?

comes in any flavor your like.

[j.wise]

I wasn't sure what I'd be getting for the extra money, since a flat MSH is just a MSH. Not really a trigger, sear, hammer, or even thumb safety.

If I wanted a checkered MSH, then I'd want to spend the extra money on one that was done right. However, I really just want a serrated MSH, so I figured the extra money wouldn't really get me anything.

[OD*]

... since a flat MSH is just a MSH. Not really a trigger, sear, hammer, or even thumb safety.Not if the mainspring housing holes are misaligned and the rails have to be filed down to fit. You may get one that's correct, I never did.

[j.wise]

Copy that. I'll get the Ed Brown... Thanks!

[OD*]

I usually replace my factory Colt MSH's with the flat Wilson checkered. I think they have the nicest looking checkering out there, except for CT Brian of Heirloom.That would also be a good choice.

[OD*]

Copy that. I'll get the Ed Brown... Thanks!"When you buy quality, you only cry once." ;)

[hinton03]

I used a 1991 Commander and am happy. I chose the series 80 because it was a defensive gun project and the FPS made sense to me. The smith was able to create a great trigger so I don't see any reason to use a 70 series; assuming you don't plan on selling it.

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt128/hinton03/IMGP1608-1.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt128/hinton03/IMGP1602-1.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt128/hinton03/IMGP1612-1.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt128/hinton03/IMGP1599-1.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt128/hinton03/IMGP1592-1.jpg

[OD*]

Beautiful Commander. http://forum.m1911.org/statistic/images/misc/most.gif

[hinton03]

Thank You.

[E5MC]

That's a beautiful Commander.

[Deadman]

yes that is a very nice Commander...

[hinton03]

Thanks, I used a gun smith named Eric Zinn of EZ performance; he and I talked about how I wanted a working gun that maintained the lines of a classic commander as much as possible while taking advantage of the last 20 years of development in 1911 customization. It came out exactly how I envisioned it.

[Dutch1911]

Not if the mainspring housing holes are misaligned and the rails have to be filed down to fit. You may get one that's correct, I never did.
I would have to say then your frame is likely out of spec.
I've yet to find that problem with any of my Colts.
Even my SERIES 70 REISSUE.

[OD*]

I would have to say then your frame is likely out of spec.
I've yet to find that problem with any of my Colts.
Even my SERIES 70 REISSUE.Ah, no, we weren't talking about frames, we were talking about John Masen parts. I never said it was about Colt's receivers, I never have had any problems with any other MSHs fitting the receivers, even on my reproductions.

[Dutch1911]

Ah that makes more sense, that's what I get for speeding through late at night.
Regards