Colt 1911 Government or Sig 220

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MoreIsLess

MoreIsLess

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I currently have a S&W M&P45c. I am in serious need of upgrading to a larger 45acp semi auto as the 45c is just to small for my large hands. I have decided on either a Colt 1911 Government model (either 1991 or XSE) or a Sig 220. I would prefer to get a Colt however, but it may take a while to find one, at least the Government model while the Sig, I could find tomorrow. I would consider an M&P45 FS but it's not that much larger than the 45c.

Before someone suggests by the Sig tomorrow and then a Colt later, that is not an option. After I purchase my next gun, I won't be buying any more for a while. I hate to settle for something that is not my first choice (Sig 220) but I need to put myself into a larger gun soon. I already have a Sig 226, so I am familiar with shooting a Sig.
 
Not trying to start a 1911 manufacturer war here, but have you considered another besides Colt? There are plenty of good (mostly better, IMO), around your price range. Springfield is the first that comes to mind.
 
Correct me if I am wrong but you are talking Sig 220 with a modern battery of arms versus the old 1911?

1911's are fun but they are like driving an old car. You carry cocked and locked and you will need to take the safety off before you fire. Or you will need to cock it. Series 80's have firing pin blocks, Series 70's don't.

The Sig 220 weighs about 30 ounces. Don't know what the 1911 you are looking at weighs but I am guessing more for a full size version. The Sig also has a de cocker or hammer drop so you can safely let the hammer down if you have it cocked. No such thing on a 1911. With the Sig you pull the weapon and fire it and its safe to carry one in the chamber. SA or DA, up to you.

Given what you describe the 1911 would be my last choice simply because it is an ancient battery of arms compared to the most modern pistols out there. And Sig is one of the best you can get.
 
I've never bought from gun broker, are there any risks
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I've never had any problems. Just make sure the seller allows an inspection before you do the transfer with your FFL.


The Sig 220 weighs about 30 ounces. Don't know what the 1911 you are looking at weighs but I am guessing more for a full size version.
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It depends on what 220 he is looking at. Aluminum or stainless?
A stainless 220 weighs more than a Colt 1911........

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p220-stainless-nitron.aspx

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/ColtPistols/ColtXSESeries.aspx
 
That's more personal choice than anything, isn't it?

DA/SA you get rid of the safety, but give up the SA pull on the first shot, and have to get accustomed to the change in trigger pull.

Which is fine, it that's what you prefer. But neither manual of arms is "better".
 
Coltdriver said:
Correct me if I am wrong but you are talking Sig 220 with a modern battery of arms versus the old 1911?

1911's are fun but they are like driving an old car. You carry cocked and locked and you will need to take the safety off before you fire. Or you will need to cock it. Series 80's have firing pin blocks, Series 70's don't.

The Sig 220 weighs about 30 ounces. Don't know what the 1911 you are looking at weighs but I am guessing more for a full size version. The Sig also has a de cocker or hammer drop so you can safely let the hammer down if you have it cocked. No such thing on a 1911. With the Sig you pull the weapon and fire it and its safe to carry one in the chamber. SA or DA, up to you.

Given what you describe the 1911 would be my last choice simply because it is an ancient battery of arms compared to the most modern pistols out there. And Sig is one of the best you can get.
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I wouldn't be carrying the 1911 if I get one, it would be a range toy.

I am familiar with the DA/SA concept and how the decocker works as I have a Sig 226 9mm.
 
Coltdriver said:
1911's are fun but they are like driving an old car.
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The car analogy is a good one.

Buying a SIG 220 is like buy a Lexus or Acura...it is going to work without much though or a lot of TLC.

Buying a 1911 is like buying a Rover or pre-FMC Jaguar...you'd better be ready to work on it to keep it running
 
9mmepiphany said:
The car analogy is a good one.

Buying a SIG 220 is like buy a Lexus or Acura...it is going to work without much though or a lot of TLC.

Buying a 1911 is like buying a Rover or pre-FMC Jaguar...you'd better be ready to work on it to keep it running
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Well, that is definitely something to think about. I'll have to think long and hard as to whether I am up to spending that kind of money on a 1911 and then having to fiddle with it to keep it running. I know Sigs are good guns, I already have one (226 9mm) and its a gem. I actually like the M&P 45 but I think the Sig 220 might be a little bigger gun
 
Did not realize you were into range work!

In that case a 1911 would be my choice. All kinds of parts you can mod it with.

And you have to keep it tuned to make it work. Lots of fun.

I used to shoot three of em every week. I'm looking for one now, just for range work.

I have had great luck with gunbroker by the way.
 
Not here to burst bubbles or start a war but the OP wants what he wants. Not every person chooses only firearms based on Govt. approved lists, shooting only FBI recommended ammo.

Old is a relative term. Revolvers. The CZ 75. Glock. What works, works. The Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. A modern Cadillac can run 100 miles without fluids (still needs gas) and with 4 flat tires. That does not discount every car that came before it because, quite simply, it will fail miserably if the driver continues on his present course.

Maintenance is the price of ownership for any firearm (or automobile) and anyone who does not adhere to that fact will someday pay dearly.

Some problematic modern pistols: Sig P250, Kimber Solo, Ruger LCP, Beretta Neos, Sig P238, Gen. 4 Glocks, S&W M&P. Recalls, faulty parts, rusting finishes, inadvertent magazine releases, feed problems, reliability issues.

Both are excellent pistols and I believe the OP would be happy with either. At $950 I would pass, there are dealers with stock on hand that sell for less.
 
MoreIsLess said:
I currently have a S&W M&P45c. I am in serious need of upgrading to a larger 45acp semi auto as the 45c is just to small for my large hands. I have decided on either a Colt 1911 Government model (either 1991 or XSE) or a Sig 220. I would prefer to get a Colt however, but it may take a while to find one, at least the Government model while the Sig, I could find tomorrow. I would consider an M&P45 FS but it's not that much larger than the 45c.

Before someone suggests by the Sig tomorrow and then a Colt later, that is not an option. After I purchase my next gun, I won't be buying any more for a while. I hate to settle for something that is not my first choice (Sig 220) but I need to put myself into a larger gun soon. I already have a Sig 226, so I am familiar with shooting a Sig.
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Have you seen the monstrosity from FNP that holds 15 or so .45Auto cartridges in magazine. That "plastic toad" was made for large hands. I would examine one before you make your final decision.
 
Sounds like the OP already knows what he wants. Colt's aren't the easiest guns to find but they are out there if you look hard enough. It may take some time for certain models to come into stock, as Colt doesn't keep every single model in production year round. My Colt's ran just fine straight from the box, no tinkering or large amounts of maintenance needed, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.
 
9mmepiphany said:
The car analogy is a good one.

Buying a SIG 220 is like buy a Lexus or Acura...it is going to work without much though or a lot of TLC.

Buying a 1911 is like buying a Rover or pre-FMC Jaguar...you'd better be ready to work on it to keep it running
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I own 3 colts that are over 20 years old. I bought all 3 new. None of them have required service other than cleaning. The 1911 is easy to clean. He can clean it him self. My diamondback 22 has fired 10s of thousands of rounds. It also has about 99% of the original finish intact. My Diamondbacks were purchased as a set with sequential serial numbers. I have no idea what they are worth but it's a hell of a lot more than a pair 20 year old sigs manufactured under the same circumstance. Comparing a sig to a colt is like trying to compare an accura to a Bentley.
 
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Auto426 said:
Sounds like the OP already knows what he wants. Colt's aren't the easiest guns to find but they are out there if you look hard enough. It may take some time for certain models to come into stock, as Colt doesn't keep every single model in production year round. My Colt's ran just fine straight from the box, no tinkering or large amounts of maintenance needed, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.
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Just curious, have you had any work done to yours or is it still straight out of the box?
 
Just curious, have you had any work done to yours or is it still straight out of the box?
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Both of my Colt's were taken from the box, cleaned, oiled, and shot. One of the supplied Colt mags that came with my 1991 needed a little breaking in, but the guns themselves preformed flawlessly. Both of them are accurate, reliable, and have nice triggers for production guns.
 
9mmepiphany said:
The car analogy is a good one.

Buying a SIG 220 is like buy a Lexus...
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Right, a Lexus that takes off on its own. After one took off on my wife, i would not touch a Lexus with a 10 foot pole or even a 15 foot Romanian. Not a good analogy.

For the OP, I am partial to the 1911 because I can work on it. Kind of like having a classic, normally aspirated car with a carburetor.

Sig has a good reputation though.
 
Buying a 1911 is like buying a Rover or pre-FMC Jaguar...you'd better be ready to work on it to keep it running
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I've read this posted here on THR before, and I honestly, truly, do not understand the sentiment. I have owned six different 1911 pistols (including a "dreaded" Kimber and an inexpensive RIA GI model) and have never needed to do anything other than clean and oil the guns. So again, is it pure luck that I have never needed "to work on" any one of them "to keep it running"?

Based on my limited experience with the platform, I personally would highly recommend that the OP purchase a 1911. I would also say that I am 100% confident in staking my life on any of the 1911s I currently own and carry, including my Ultra CDP II.

Understand that I am not a 1911 fanatic, and my feelings don't get hurt when someone post something negative about the guns, but this I really don't get - so apparently I'm missing the point.
 
To the OP:

I own a Sig traditional reverse two tone 1911 and it is one of my favorite pistols to shoot. Very accurate and a looker too. One major difference between it and my full-size blue steel XSE is the external extractor, so some would argue it's not a true 1911. Not sure of availability, but since you are comfortable with Sig Sauer, it may be worthy of your consideration.
 
1911 only because a range toy doesnt need a rail and it seems Sig only wants to sell to em that way...
 
I would suggest the 220 because it has the decocker and fits MY hand better than the 1911.
BOTH of them are pistols you can bet your life on..ask a cop.
You do not have to have a rail on a 220 and the bucks are about the same for comparable QUALITY pistols.
If you are a tinkerer, the 1911 has a lot of after market goodies to try..IMO, Sigs are more accurate out of the box but you can spend a few bucks to get super accuracy of the the 1911.
Spend some time on gun auction websites and you can get police trade-ins on either pistol.
Decisions:banghead:Decisions:banghead:

P.R.
 
Which one do you shoot the best? For me it's almost any 1911 better than the P220. The SIGs a great pistol, my CCW is a SIG... RCS1911.
 
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