Don't have a Colt semi in .45. Your suggestions please.
That's it. I don't have a Colt semi in .45acp. I need some guidance. Want for just,well just want one.
I just picked up a new Combat Elite and I like it a lot. It had everything I wanted in a 1911; NM barrel, single sided extended thimb safety, Novak sights, nice grip safety... The only things I'm changing are the grips and some skateboard tape on the front strap.
If I were looking for a used one, I'd be trying to find a pre-70 Government. I'd consider a used series 80 if I wanted to build one, and remove all the firing pin safety junk.
Originally Posted By JakeMetzger:
I just picked up a new Combat Elite and I like it a lot. It had everything I wanted in a 1911; NM barrel, single sided extended thimb safety, Novak sights, nice grip safety... The only things I'm changing are the grips and some skateboard tape on the front strap.
If I were looking for a used one, I'd be trying to find a pre-70 Government. I'd consider a used series 80 if I wanted to build one, and remove all the firing pin safety junk.
Series 80 and series 70 guns are slightly different. Series 80 added a firing pin block which means it has a few non-milspec parts. That's why I sold my dad a series 80 that I got for a song, I did not want. If you want a gun that uses standard parts, look at Springfields, Rock Islands and many more. (if I were to get one with the firing pin safety then I would get one that operates off the grip safety like the Kimber or the S&W).
Colt does offer the 1911 comemorative WWi (and wwii?) 1911's that are new and don't have the FPB.
His advice on removing the safey can be done but not a good idea if you ever were to have an accidental discharge or needed to defend yourself with it.
I don't know if you are stuck on Colt or just want a 1911 I'm quite impressed with the Tactical Rock Island I just picked up. It's about $300 cheaper than my dad's Springfield which also kicks ass.
I've got a HK, FNP and Rock Island in .45acp but no Colts. Was really looking to just add to the collection.
Take your pick, but don't buy it sight unseen and take for granted it's right.
Get one of the WWI reproductions. The Black Oxide is the slightly more robust bluing, more common, and less expensive.
It has tiny, old-school sights, but they are put together the right way.
If you are not happy with it, you can always tastefully modify it as they are not so rare that they would lose value. (i.e. modern sights and grip mods)
Just a good, solid, and timeless look. I like classy and basic. I think Kimbers look like something an 8 year old came up with.
The Model 70 repros are good too.
Also, a bit more money, and not a full-size 1911, but I really like the Clapp Commander just on looks and handling alone.

get one of the commemorative Colts with the '100 years in service' rollmark. That would be a nice addition to the collection as well. series 70 or 80, who cares? This year marks the anniversary of the most popular handgun ever made. Colt made it first. Get something to signify that.

Well I'm pretty sure I'll be picking up some Colts when money becomes available. Have that itch for a 10mm too but nothing till at least next year. Will probably get the Series 70 and 80. Also time to move back home and get the grandkids involved in the shooting sports.
Combat Elite trophy
Please disregard the "advice" about removing or avoiding the Series 80 firing pin safety. It is really a non issue. I have owned a series 80 COLT Government model and the safety is actually pretty clever in addition to being a real improvement to actual safety. It is not difficult to disassemble or reassemble nor does it significantly effect the trigger pull.
The current Series 70 offerings by COLT are Series 70 in name only. The original Series 70 Government Models had collet type barrel bushings and barrels tapered to function with the collet bushing. Some early Series 80 GMs also had the collet bushing and correspondent barrels. The Series 80 that I owned was one such model. It was a fine pistol and I frequently regret having sold it .
A series 70 barrel will work just fine with a standard type barrel bushing. So, if at some future time you acquire an actual Series 70 and want to replace the collet bushing with a standard, it will not present a problem at all. COLT stopped producing Series 70 collets in the mid/late 1980s.
I own a current production Series 70 and I cannot imagine being more pleased with a pistol. I can and do recommend these fine pistols with unmitigated enthusiasm.
ETA: The model number for my current COLT is
O1070A1CS. The Blued Version in model
O1970A1CS
My current COLT
My previous COLT (no reason. I just wanted to show it off a little)
My first Colt handgun was a Gold Cup 45 ACP in SS. Been perfect. Only wish I had a blue one because Colt Blue is the best there is.
Originally Posted By BradRice:
Combat Elite trophy
This or a straight Combat Elite.
Barring that, a normal series 70 OR series 80 1911A1 will suit you perfectly fine. Don't forget to up the recoil spring to an 18.5 lb Wolff.
I really like the new Colt rail guns. The two tone is a great looking pistol IMHO.