What's the going rate for a basic, brand new Colt 1911?

Gunslinger, the Lawman is very nice, but it's costs about 60% more than a 1991A1. I don't really “need” things like skeletonized hammer & trigger, beavertail safety and Novak-style sights, although they are nice to have. I’d like to stay in the $1000 range if I can get a quality piece for that money.

ATR, nice to hear that you had a positive experience with your Colts. Do you own any of the NRM guns Colt's been building over the last couple of years?
 
I own four colt 1911's and am happy with what I've got. Period.

It seems like very few people in this thread are listening to what capp325 is saying - he is not interested in some cheap knock-off, he wants to buy a colt. He is interested in the historical aspect. I understand that.

But what he is being offered is to buy some chinese crap, get an Izuzu and move into a stucco box in suburbia - lets help this guy out with some decent answers to a real question!

thats my 2.5 cents!
 
capp325 said:
Every gun enthusiast needs a 1911, right? Well, I'm looking for what will be my first (and most likely only) 1911. Since I don't compete, I figured that a basic model should suffice. I'm also attracted by the idea of getting a genuine Colt because of the history behind it.
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Are you going to shoot it or just hang on to it for collectability?


If you don't care what it shoots like, find a nice original WWII 1911A1 with (typically crappy) stock trigger and sights, but with ooddles of history.

If you want a shooter, you would not be poorly served by a base model Kimber.
I have an older series 80 that shoots o.k., so the series 70 / 80 debate is really one of splitting hairs (imho). I think the problem with the newer Colt's is the fact they offer less pistol than the competition for more money. That could be a good thing if you aren't going to shoot it and for resale, but if you are less concerned with those things, look at the competition.
 
Splatter said:
http://www.freedomventures.ca/tanfoglio1911.htm

From europe, sold by a sponsor with a great reputation for standing behind his products.
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An Italian-made 1911 for $589 sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Unfortunately, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I was also intrigued by the Tanfoglio 1911 until I found out that it was assembled by Tanfoglio from parts manufactured by Armscor in the Philippines. In the States, Armscor guns are known as "Philippine Beer Cans".
 
beltfed said:
Are you going to shoot it or just hang on to it for collectability?


If you don't care what it shoots like, find a nice original WWII 1911A1 with (typically crappy) stock trigger and sights, but with ooddles of history.

If you want a shooter, you would not be poorly served by a base model Kimber.
I have an older series 80 that shoots o.k., so the series 70 / 80 debate is really one of splitting hairs (imho). I think the problem with the newer Colt's is the fact they offer less pistol than the competition for more money. That could be a good thing if you aren't going to shoot it and for resale, but if you are less concerned with those things, look at the competition.
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The gun will be a shooter. After reading about all the problems people are having with series II Kimbers, I think I'd rather stay away. 1911forum.com has a three page long FAQ section dealing with common Kimber defects:

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=117851

This does not sound like a quality gun to me.

What do you mean by Colt offering less pistol for the money? Are you talking about reliability/functionality or "tactical" doodads like beavertail safeties, front serrations and no-snag sites? To me, the non-functional add-ons are not very important. I kind of like the conservative look of the traditional 1911.
 
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While I understand the external extractor issue is a problem with the Kimbers, I have no personal experience, as mine has the internal extractor. Regardless of cost, or options a pistol has, I expect them to function, period.

When I say 'less pistol for more money' I mean to say I see value in the 'do-dads'. I bought a Kimber for the same money as I would have paid for a Colt, that included all of the following: a match grade barrel, front or rear backstrap checkering, beavertail grip safety, low profile trijicon night sights, and a tuned trigger. If you think this stuff is all show and no go, then by all means buy a plain jane 1911. If you're set on Colt, by all means, buy Colt. I believe the reason you're getting such a mixed bag of responses is that the popularity of modifications for the 1911s is so hot.
I'm sure lots have bought the basic model, only to start thinking of 'tweeking' it a short time later. Without a doubt, it is far more cost effective to buy 'out of the box' modifications to the basic model, than it is to have a gunsmith go over one you've already bought ('rincos notwithstanding)

of the basic Colt model out there I'd look at:

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/1991.asp

If you are near Calgary, you are welcome to compare my series 80 Colt (which has been worked over) to my Kimber.:)

I poo poo'd 1911s for the longest time, thinking they are outdated. Once you start, they will definately grow on you. I seriously doubt you will stick to one ;)
 
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alberta tactical rifle said:
Capp Stick to your instincts! The Colt will appreciate far more than a Kimber, Para or STI ever will. The "johnny come latelys" of today are for the most part decent guns, but I have never had a real Colt 1911 fail me. I now own 7 of them earliest was made in 1918, and it saw me personally through 2 tours in Nam. My others are 70s and 80s all which I shoot LOTS!!!
I agree the Norinco stuff is crap, many guys buy them and they do shoot, make no mistake, but at the end of the day it is still chinese junk. The sheer volume of guys I get asking to have Norcs made to work, by respringing, tuneing, smoothing etc makes me wonder why they would buy this stuff in the first place.
Call me a snob, but Colt means quality, always has , always will.
I seldom see bidding wars over all the others, go to an auction where Colts are being sold and get educated about what "really" is worth the money
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O.K., admit it, how many do you have that you haven't touched?:p
 
beltfed said:
While I understand the external extractor issue is a problem with the Kimbers, I have no personal experience, as mine has the internal extractor. Regardless of cost, or options a pistol has, I expect them to function, period.

When I say 'less pistol for more money' I mean to say I see value in the 'do-dads'. I bought a Kimber for the same money as I would have paid for a Colt, that included all of the following: a match grade barrel, front or rear backstrap checkering, beavertail grip safety, low profile trijicon night sights, and a tuned trigger. If you think this stuff is all show and no go, then by all means buy a plain jane 1911. If you're set on Colt, by all means, buy Colt. I believe the reason you're getting such a mixed bag of responses is that the popularity of modifications for the 1911s is so hot.
I'm sure lots have bought the basic model, only to start thinking of 'tweeking' it a short time later. Without a doubt, it is far more cost effective to buy 'out of the box' modifications to the basic model, than it is to have a gunsmith go over one you've already bought ('rincos notwithstanding)

of the basic Colt model out there I'd look at:

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/1991.asp

If you are near Calgary, you are welcome to compare my series 80 Colt (which has been worked over) to my Kimber.:)

I poo poo'd 1911s for the longest time, thinking they are outdated. Once you start, they will definately grow on you. I seriously doubt you will stick to one ;)
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Thanks, for the offer. Unfortunately I'm stuck behind enemy lines in the liberal hinterland and am nowhere close to free province of Alberta :(

Also, I wasn't implying that popular features like beavertail safety are useless...it's just that to each their own. I'm more of a form follows function kind of guy. To me, reliable functioning with all types of ammunition and quality of fit and finish are by far the most important qualities in a gun.
 
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