1911 Original or New Colt Reproduction?

[Coyote3855]

I want a 1911. Choices are High Standard at about $400, Colt Reproduction at about $900, or a 1917 Commercial in about 75% condition for around $1400. This won't be a carry or competition gun. I already have a Springfield Armory full size for IPSC Limited and Limited 10 (with Bomar sights, beavertail, ambi safety, etc.) and a Loaded SS SA Champion.

So this firearm will just satisfy the urge for an original configuration .45. I see that Colt is also offering NIB Series 70 type .45's without the Series 80 "safety" features. Does anyone have first hand experience with either the 1911 reproduction or the "new" 70 series guns from Colt? The ads for the 1911 look neat, but pictures on GunsAmerica show light colored wood stocks and what looks like less than perfect polish and blue.

Thoughts? Recommendations?

Thanks,

Coyote3855

 

[sgtdevildog]

WWI Repro

I purchased a slightly used WWI Repro about a year ago and love it. I purchased mine as a shooter and not a collectible. The stocks are slightly off as the checkering isn't quite even on one of the grips. Other than that, it's tight, accurate and a joy to shoot. I've kept it stock, and the only complaint is that the brass ejection is fairly energetic with cartridges coming off the roof of the indoor range and dropping on my head. I'm sure some extractor beveling could assist, but it doesn't bother me enough for that. I would buy one again for the nostalgic purposes of having a close to original model, but none of my .45's are safe queens. Good luck in your selection process.

 

[JohnBT]

A year or two ago I bought a WWI Repro for a range gun and plinker and still love it. It's very accurate, I truly like the small sights and it's turned out to be my favorite. I put a set of Spegel cocobolos on it just for the heck of it one day because they were sitting around taking up space, but they looked so good I left them on.

Get what you like. I settled on a new gun. I couldn't see paying hundreds more to shoot an old worn gun that a collector would like to have.

John

 

[Retro]

I purchased a new Colt 1911 WWI reprod one month ago. And this gun is probably the best 1911 I have owned. I have owned a springfield WWII 1911, and it was not accurate period. Then I owned a Rock Island 1911, which was surprisingly good and extremely accurate. Then I owned a Kimber Stainless II, and it sucked a$$. The kimber shoots 5 - 7 inch higher on all ammos, and it zeros at 100 yards which was pretty ridiculous. So I traded it in for a Colt WWI reprod.

Colt WWI has a great trigger, greatest 1911 trigger I have ever experienced, like a smooth 3 lb match trigger. The slide and the frame are not as tightly mated as the Kimber due to military specs but god, it shoots extremely tight groups. I was getting a 2.5 inch at 25 yards consistently even with wolf ammo, and dead on centered too (unlike the high shooting Kimber). The finish was unbelievable, and I totally loved the WWI style (i.e. without the half-moon cut, and has straight spring housing).

The WWI Reprod was a great gun for both collection and sporting. The best and most accurate 1911 I have had yet.

 

[DogBonz]

if you have the cash to layout

I'd go for the real thing. They aren't making any more of thoes old colts, and the prices seem to be going up daily. If for nothing other than you know that you will allways be able to get your money back. Check ot gunbroker.com, there are POS WWI colts selling for over $2k.

 

[shaggycat]

I think if you are just buying to get a to the letter, original 1911, buying anything other than a for real US issue Colt will fail to satisfy that desire fully. If you want something that is original, buy the original! The WWI repo looks sweet but it is still a reproduction.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62720492

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62637528

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62453007

I would look at some Remington Rands as well:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=62141126

I am not wise enough to vouch for the authenticity of any of these guns, but you get the idea. If you chose to go that route, I am sure some seasoned 1911 enthusiasts could give you a hand.

 

[Andrew]

If your buying it as a shooter, then buy the Repro.
I bought my Colt 1911 Repro about 4-months back and even after carrying it out in the wood in an old M1916 Hip Holster, it still looks like I just got it out of the box.

 

[Coyote3855]

Thanks for the advice.

Coyote3855

 

[robertbank]

For a collector and not a shooter then go with the original. The steel in the early guns is not as good as todays and those old guns are better left in the safe. Also true of the WW11 guns that were spot heat treated. During the war years volume was more important. It is also true the originals should always hold their price or rise over time.

Take Care

Bob