Colt 1911, market scouting

[mark-hunter]

Gents,
I am considering to buy Colt 1911, as classic as it can be. No rails, single stack, 45 ACP. (As it once was)
Must be - made in USA!
Which one would you choose, by principle of quality, reliability and looks? I listed the companies I could think of.
The purpose of the pistol is mainly show off at the range, quintessential BBQ gun, and recreational target shooting.
I have a number of pistols, for various specific uses (various sports or hunting), but this is the first one I am buying just for pleasure and pride of ownership.

I am at the beginning of my quest, so take your time. I made the first hand list. but feel free to suggest any other company. I am not sure if all American companies products are available at my vicinity, but never the less, I will take a look if could be found.

 

[CM McKenzie]

Colt did a WW1 reissue about 15 years ago. I used on as a platform for a custom, no frills BBQ gun. It is my favorite handgun I have.

I still run across them from time to time, but they are not real common.

 

[Altitude sickness]

If you’re going to actually carry and shoot it. The Wilson Colt

 

[michael458]

I currently own 24 Colt 1911 handguns, all Colt, all made before 1980. Series 70 guns, Commercial, and 1911s made in 1967-1968. I very much prefer the older Colts, where they paid attention to quality. I do not own any Colts made after 1980.

I am also a Kimber fan if you are going to look at a newer made 1911. I currently have 21 of these in various configurations, and have had no issues at all with Kimbers for many many years.

Looking for pre 1980 Colts it will be rare you pop into your local gun emporium and get lucky. I suggest going over to Gunbroker and cruise around there. Naturally if you do get lucky, then you would have to have it sent to your local FFL dealer. Of course Kimbers are easier, any local shop can get what you want........... Either way, you are in good form.

The purpose of the pistol is mainly show off at the range, quintessential BBQ gun, and recreational target shooting.

Oh I love the BBQ Guns..........and partial to two at a time..... LOL

Below are my matching pair of Kimber Ultras, both sporting Blue Stain Mammoth Ivory grips and matched with a custom Elephant leather rig I had made from my elephant leather, the black lace is buffalo leather.............

This is a similar pair of Kimber Pros, 4 inch guns, sporting Buckeye Burl wood grips....... and the same elephant leather rig.......

This is a pair of Colt 1911 WW1 Commemorative guns made in 1967, they are sporting Giraffe bone grips, made from one of the giraffes I took years ago.........

This is a pair of Series 70 Nickel guns both sporting Blue Stain Mammoth Ivory grips......

This is a pair of Commercial 1911 Colts, made 1966 and 1959. They are fitted with a custom set of Zebra Wood Grips, these were made from leftover wood by Accurate Innovations for me, the left over part is from a Zebra wood stock I had done for one of my Super Short rifles..........

Not a match by any stretch, but two more Commercial Colts, one nickel with elephant ivory grips made in 1964 and the other a blue Commercial with scrimshaw Mammoth Ivory grips made in 1969.

I have two sets, 4 guns total of these WWII Commemorative guns........

Satin Nickel Series 70 Colts with Spaulding Maple wood grips............

Another pair of WWI Commemorative guns....... 1967

 

[mark-hunter]

@michael458
I want to like your post multiple times, but I cannot! Thanks for pix! Great collection!

I think I cannot search on gunbroker, I am in small european country, no deliveries there, except maybe with great efforts.

 

[michael458]

I suppose I am going to have to bore you with more 1911 Porn, the above post was getting photo heavy.......... I hope I don't bore you guys too much..............

This is perhaps one of the finest handguns I have ever owned. It is a very early production Kimber stainless gun. It is an incredible shooter, extreme accuracy, and I took a Mt. Lion with it in Utah many years ago......... Scrimshaw Mammoth Ivory..........

This is another very early production Kimber that is extremely well done, with 22 lr Conversion top end......

An early Custom Shop Kimber given to me as a gift by a close friend.......

Below is the first 1911 45 ACP handgun I ever owned, I was young at the time, a fellow had this gun built by Armand Swenson in the 70's, I scraped and borrowed and begged $500 to buy it. Now that was a hell of a lot of money for me in those days, and it worried me for a long time, until I started shooting it! Most parts like hammers, extractors, and internals have been replaced many times, I documented myself shooting over 25,000 rounds in this gun, it has been reblued so many times some of the writing has faded. It sports in this photo a set of Walnut grips, handmade by a friend that had a walnut tree blow down in his yard in a hurricane. It has been retired for many years now.

This is one of the first Kimber Ultras off the line. I have carried it many a mile, it has even been to Africa a few times in the early days when that was not a big deal. It has been retired now, and given to my Son for safe keeping, in which he now carries it as well. Here it has a set of Scrimshaw Elephant Ivory grips shown with one of my Randall knives........

Years ago I was at a local gun show. I had my mind set on a Winchester Hi Grade 45/70 that day. I walked by a table that had a really fantastic Colt National Match for a mere $400. A National Match is the first version of the Gold Cup. By the time I made the rounds, with no Win 1886 to be found, someone had already snatched up the National Match gun and it was gone. I regretted that for years......... A couple of years ago I went in search of and found this one a 1968 gun with box and paperwork;

Speaking of Gold Cups............ A set of Blued Gold Cups with Mammoth Ivory Grips...........

And now, The Ultimate BBQ Guns.......... A set of Nickel Series 70 Gold Cups, Fire Blue Controls and screws, both sporting Blue Stain Mammoth Ivory.............

 

[Bandera]

I currently have 1911’s made by GSG, Colt, Springfield and Ruger.
The GSG is a 22LR. I run it with a suppressor. It was accounted for several rabbits, a few armadillos, 1 rattle snake and a crow. Plus a few 1000 rounds at the range.

Both the Ruger and the Springfield have seen a bunch of competition shooting.
I don’t recall any issues with either of them.

The Colts have been range guns and a couple of safe queens. The Wiley Clapp Colt 1911 is a carry gun.

Pretty hard to find a Factory 1911 that will not shoot well. Some of the high end 1911 competition guns can be finicky about ammo.

 

[Fixfire]

Giraffe Bone grips.

 

[Luvthunt]

Nice bunch of 45s

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

Gents,
I am considering to buy Colt 1911, as classic as it can be. No rails, single stack, 45 ACP. (As it once was)
Must be - made in USA!
Which one would you choose, by principle of quality, reliability and looks? I listed the companies I could think of.
The purpose of the pistol is mainly show off at the range, quintessential BBQ gun, and recreational target shooting.
I have a number of pistols, for various specific uses (various sports or hunting), but this is the first one I am buying just for pleasure and pride of ownership.

I am at the beginning of my quest, so take your time. I made the first hand list. but feel free to suggest any other company. I am not sure if all American companies products are available at my vicinity, but never the less, I will take a look if could be found.

Considering that you in Europe are probably limited to how many handguns you may own, you might as well "Buy once, cry once"!
Buy the best now with no need to upgrade later.

Accuracy X exports worldwide.

Best Custom 1911 Pistols, 2011 Pistols, Glocks, and Rifles

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accuracyx.com

Accuracy X makes their own frames, slides and most of their 1911 parts, minus the highest quality barrels and sights. Accuracy X also test fires every 1911 off the Ransom Rest to ensure it meets their accuracy standards. For the highest grade, the X Series, that is 10 shots into a group no larger than 1.5" at 50 yards.

I finished off my USMC Distinguished Pistol Shot award with a Pro Plus Series 1911 in .45 ACP. This 1911 shoots groups every time smaller than my ability to hold them. If I shoot a flyer I know it was me, not the pistol.

Here are some of my Accuracy X pistols...
My Accuracy X 1911's shown below are stainless coated in Midnight Blue Cerakote finish. I prefer simple adornment with the utmost performance.

Pro Plus 1911 Long Slide 6" 10mm

1911 Pro Series Guardian (Commander) 4 1/4" Barrel, lightweight frame .38 Super Carry Gun

Finally, well above my pay grade, Accuracy X offers their Signature Series
Custom made to a customer's most elaborate desires.
A work of art to compliment your most expensive wrist watch...

Tell Steve Huff of Accuracy X that I sent you. Oh, you are welcome!

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Get the Colt. They run about $1000 and probably are as good as any other $1000 1911 or better. I grabbed a new series 70 about five years ago, it’s my favorite auto.

 

[spike.t]

I currently own 24 Colt 1911 handguns, all Colt, all made before 1980. Series 70 guns, Commercial, and 1911s made in 1967-1968. I very much prefer the older Colts, where they paid attention to quality. I do not own any Colts made after 1980.

I am also a Kimber fan if you are going to look at a newer made 1911. I currently have 21 of these in various configurations, and have had no issues at all with Kimbers for many many years.

Looking for pre 1980 Colts it will be rare you pop into your local gun emporium and get lucky. I suggest going over to Gunbroker and cruise around there. Naturally if you do get lucky, then you would have to have it sent to your local FFL dealer. Of course Kimbers are easier, any local shop can get what you want........... Either way, you are in good form.


Oh I love the BBQ Guns..........and partial to two at a time..... LOL

Below are my matching pair of Kimber Ultras, both sporting Blue Stain Mammoth Ivory grips and matched with a custom Elephant leather rig I had made from my elephant leather, the black lace is buffalo leather.............

This is a similar pair of Kimber Pros, 4 inch guns, sporting Buckeye Burl wood grips....... and the same elephant leather rig.......

This is a pair of Colt 1911 WW1 Commemorative guns made in 1967, they are sporting Giraffe bone grips, made from one of the giraffes I took years ago.........

This is a pair of Series 70 Nickel guns both sporting Blue Stain Mammoth Ivory grips......

This is a pair of Commercial 1911 Colts, made 1966 and 1959. They are fitted with a custom set of Zebra Wood Grips, these were made from leftover wood by Accurate Innovations for me, the left over part is from a Zebra wood stock I had done for one of my Super Short rifles..........

Not a match by any stretch, but two more Commercial Colts, one nickel with elephant ivory grips made in 1964 and the other a blue Commercial with scrimshaw Mammoth Ivory grips made in 1969.

I have two sets, 4 guns total of these WWII Commemorative guns........

Satin Nickel Series 70 Colts with Spaulding Maple wood grips............

Another pair of WWI Commemorative guns....... 1967

So you don't really do anything by halves then.....

 

[spike.t]

I suppose I am going to have to bore you with more 1911 Porn, the above post was getting photo heavy.......... I hope I don't bore you guys too much..............

This is perhaps one of the finest handguns I have ever owned. It is a very early production Kimber stainless gun. It is an incredible shooter, extreme accuracy, and I took a Mt. Lion with it in Utah many years ago......... Scrimshaw Mammoth Ivory..........

This is another very early production Kimber that is extremely well done, with 22 lr Conversion top end......

An early Custom Shop Kimber given to me as a gift by a close friend.......

Below is the first 1911 45 ACP handgun I ever owned, I was young at the time, a fellow had this gun built by Armand Swenson in the 70's, I scraped and borrowed and begged $500 to buy it. Now that was a hell of a lot of money for me in those days, and it worried me for a long time, until I started shooting it! Most parts like hammers, extractors, and internals have been replaced many times, I documented myself shooting over 25,000 rounds in this gun, it has been reblued so many times some of the writing has faded. It sports in this photo a set of Walnut grips, handmade by a friend that had a walnut tree blow down in his yard in a hurricane. It has been retired for many years now.

This is one of the first Kimber Ultras off the line. I have carried it many a mile, it has even been to Africa a few times in the early days when that was not a big deal. It has been retired now, and given to my Son for safe keeping, in which he now carries it as well. Here it has a set of Scrimshaw Elephant Ivory grips shown with one of my Randall knives........

Years ago I was at a local gun show. I had my mind set on a Winchester Hi Grade 45/70 that day. I walked by a table that had a really fantastic Colt National Match for a mere $400. A National Match is the first version of the Gold Cup. By the time I made the rounds, with no Win 1886 to be found, someone had already snatched up the National Match gun and it was gone. I regretted that for years......... A couple of years ago I went in search of and found this one a 1968 gun with box and paperwork;

Speaking of Gold Cups............ A set of Blued Gold Cups with Mammoth Ivory Grips...........

And now, The Ultimate BBQ Guns.......... A set of Nickel Series 70 Gold Cups, Fire Blue Controls and screws, both sporting Blue Stain Mammoth Ivory.............

Jeez you Americans know how to piss me off....

 

[spike.t]

Sig used to make a large selection of 1911s....not sure now though..I have a carry scorpion and a C3....this is nice

1911 STX Full-Size

From the SIG SAUER Custom Shop, a two-tone 1911 loaded with features.

www.sigsauer.com

 

[AZDAVE]

@michael458 your first two are my favorite, with the mammoth ivory and buckeye burl grips.

 

[HookMeUpII]

When I finally went and committed to buying a 1911 I tried to find a true, pre-CZ 1911 and the prices were either absurd or they were no where to be found. I ended up with a Springfield 1911 Defend Your Legacy series.

If you can find one, don't really plan on carrying it, and don't mind spending the money, a true pre-CZ 1911.
If you can't find a pre-CZ or the price is too high, a Springfield 1911 is a nice gun.
If you plan on really carrying, using it, and don't mind spending the money, a Wilson Combat.

 

[franzfmdavis]

My only suggestion is to be careful, because once you get one you will want another...and another...

 

[cash_tx]

Long before the AR-15, 1911s were the original "Barbie Dollsl for Men".

(S&W 1911 E-series, and Kimber Stainless II)

 

[Zinz]

Colt, pre-series National Match. Understated, no bling, OG, the one that started it all. It will shoot Xs all day long with a variety of ammo. I first qualified my concealed carry with my grandfather’s 1958 National Match. 30 rounds at various ranges, all in the 10 ring.

Still relatively affordable, especially compared to the modern custom market. Many I’ve seen in auctions these days are in fine condition, many are LNIB. These pistols are comparable to the early Colt Pythons in build quality… not sure why they don’t have the cult following like the Python?

I have two, a 1966 and a 1969 (my brother got grandfather’s ‘58).

These old NM pistols are pure class.

Ed Z

 

[thriller]

Colt did a WW1 reissue about 15 years ago. I used on as a platform for a custom, no frills BBQ gun. It is my favorite handgun I have.

I still run across them from time to time, but they are not real common.

Bbq gun might be the most American thing I have heard in a while. And I live in the south.