well this will be my first 1911 purchase and I just like the colts! I found a special combat carry for $1500 new in box, which is what i really want but There are so many colts out there. I want something for collectability but will also wont be a safe queen. it will be shot plenty!

I dont know if i should go with something older? what are some really good shooters from colt?
I have a feeling once I buy one pony there will be more on the list!

also what kind of warranty does colt offer? If I buy a new in box Combat carry that was made a few years back, how do they normally treat there customers?

Colt's hold their value better than any 1911 out there. Shot or not.

Depends on what you want.

We each have our favorites, but pretty much all of the Colts are great.

That's usually what happens. They're quite addictive.

From their website FAQs:

Colt will repair any factory defective part(s) of your Colt firearm, but cosmetic corrections and grip replacement will be made only during the first year, in accordance with the Colt Warranty Statement which you will find in your Colt Instruction Manual.

LIMITATIONS
This agreement will not apply to your Colt firearm when it is altered, abused, willfully damaged or damaged by overpressure ammunition. Moreover, this agreement will not apply to those parts of your Colt firearm which have been “tuned” or “gunsmithed” for performance other than customized tuning and other services provided by Colt Custom Gun Shop.
This agreement is not transferable; its benefits apply only to the original retail purchaser for firearms manufactured after 1996.

You can read the posts here to get an idea of most folks experiences are, but the folks at Colt are a friendly helpful bunch IMO.

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"The 1911 was the design, given by God to us through John M. Browning, that represents the epitome of what a killing tool needs to be. It was true in 1911 and it's true now." - Col. Robert Coates commanding, U.S. Marine Corp Special Operations Command Detachment 1 (DET 1)

Colt seems to treat their customers pretty good. My experience with them has been good.
As far as which Colt to buy, I might suggest several, but Colt has many offerings through the years. If shooting is your primary goal, then a Government Model would be a good choice, for concealed carry and shooting then a Commander/Combat Commander might be nice. And then there are the smaller models.

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Ken
"I like Colts and will die that way"
"It seems to me that I have forgotten more than I remember"

Colt has alot of options for a nice (new) 1911 style pistol so as far as getting an older one goes I dont see the benefit unless there is a model you just gotta have. I like to buy my guns new because you know where they have been and what to expect. When you buy a used gun, especially a 1911, there are too many modifications that could be done such as small parts swapping that could make the gun less valuable or less reliable and possible butchering of the frame and such that it's just not worth taking the chance unless you really know what to look for. The Special Combat Government you found is an excelent gun and a good deal as well. They usually sell closer to the $1,700+ range and I think as far as a collectable pistol goes, it is a good choice because not everyone has or can afford such a nice gun so it would be more desireable if you should ever need to sell it. If thats the gun you want then get it but be aware that Colt also makes quite a few pistols sub $1,000 that are quite nice too like the Combat Elite, Delta Elite 10mm, XSE Government, the new Lightweight Government, plus the Commander length pistols, and the soon to be released Special Combat Officers wich has the Officers sized frame and Commander length slide. Anyway, sorry about rambling on, all this talk makes me want a new toy. Good Luck with your decision and please post back with pics after you buy!

Of course we need the pictures and range report down the road.

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NRA Life Member

I keep kicking myself because I have wanted a Special Combat for a while, but i never had the chance to play with one. I can still get the gun for around $1500...

I keep telling myself to buy a cheaper model, but that thing is sooo nice!

Buy the SCG now while you have the money. That is a great price
for a great gun. You can buy less expensive colts later, but will regret
passing up the SCG.

If you can afford a Special Combat Carry then go for it.

__________________
Ken
"I like Colts and will die that way"
"It seems to me that I have forgotten more than I remember"

well the Combat carry will soon be mine, Im making the jump at it for the $1500...No safe queen here! Pictures and range report to follow!

Fine choice.
Colt is a fantastic company to deal with and treat their customers excellent.

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From my cold dead hands.
If it ain't a Colt its a copy.