Finally bought a 1911

[Ballistic40]

After owning nothing but Glocks I had some extra money so I went out and bought a Colt 1991A1 Government Standard Model .45, blued. I got it brand new with 2 7rd. mags, an aftermarket 8 rd. (Chip McCormick), cleaning kit, Uncle Mikes inside pants retention strap holster, 100 rounds winchester white box 230 gr. FMJ. All out the door for $765 (gun alone was $700).
Ive loved glocks for years but this 1911 has a lot of potential the glock just doesnt have.
Pros over glock- Styling, Looks, way it feels in my hand, weight distribution, rounder lines for conceal carry, customizability, resale value.
Cons- Heavier than glocks, needs de-horning, breakdown/cleaning is a pain, probably going to give it a "reliability job" somewhere since Ive heard mixed reviews about 1911's reliability.
This is the exact model I bought: http://www.colt.com/CMCI/1991.asp

Overall I think I got a good base 1911 for a good price and I look forward to the first range trip.

[BillK@tcmhmrs.o]

Congratulations on joining the 1911 fraternity. I started there and then came to a G36. You have made a nice choice, hope you enjoy your gun - it's always fun to get a new firearm and to learn all about it!

[g30another600r]

Man, I'd say that was a good deal. but it's about the same price as a Kimber Custom Target II with bo-mar sights.

[p01ic3m4n]

Originally posted by g30another600r
Man, I'd say that was a good deal. but it's about the same price as a Kimber Custom Target II with bo-mar sights.

yep. last month that same gun NIB was $550, which is why i've changed my mind about getting anymore colts. they're great guns, but you can get a lot more for the money.

[Ballistic40]

Originally posted by p01ic3m4n
yep. last month that same gun NIB was $550, which is why i've changed my mind about getting anymore colts. they're great guns, but you can get a lot more for the money.
Well, I already bought it and there are no refunds. I like it so as long as its considered a great gun then Im happy.

[mcmoyer]

Congratulations on your new Colt! I think you'll be real happy with it!

;f ;c

[nrmcolt]

Originally posted by g30another600r
Man, I'd say that was a good deal. but it's about the same price as a Kimber Custom Target II with bo-mar sights.

Yep, but it ain't a "COLT" ;f

[quantico]

You will get much better at taking it apart for cleaning it very quickly... You will learn to pull back the slide about a quarter inch and then use a plastic sharpie or pencil eraser to push in the spring plug and rotate the barrel bushing... that makes taking it apart a 30 second job.... You got a very good pistol... it should serve you well over your entire lifetime... there are zillions of options for thin grips... different mainspring housings... trigger pull weights... and sights... so you can make the pistol perfect for you.

[Ballistic40]

Originally posted by quantico
You will get much better at taking it apart for cleaning it very quickly... You will learn to pull back the slide about a quarter inch and then use a plastic sharpie or pencil eraser to push in the spring plug and rotate the barrel bushing... that makes taking it apart a 30 second job.... You got a very good pistol... it should serve you well over your entire lifetime... there are zillions of options for thin grips... different mainspring housings... trigger pull weights... and sights... so you can make the pistol perfect for you.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Im not on this site much but from what Ive seen you know your stuff. I want to add a few mods to the gun, but I DO NOT want to sacrifice reliability (glock spoiled me), so if you know the best way to go about that let me know.

[Ballistic40]

Just got back from the range and put 100 rounds of win white box through it with one failure to feed, and one instance when I could not remove the magazine from the gun after it was empty. I finally got the mag out after re-racking and locking back the slide.
It also shoots high I think.
Kind of dissapointing, but I do realize there is a "breakin period" so I will see how it is after 500 rounds.

[ProCarryNAustin]

Originally posted by nrmcolt
Yep, but it ain't a "COLT" ;f

That would be the second plus.

Just kiddin'... ;f

Daniel
Austin, Texas

[Ballistic40]

Originally posted by ProCarryNAustin
That would be the second plus.

Just kiddin'... ;f

Daniel
Austin, Texas
Coincidence, Im in Austin also.

[ATI_RAGE_]

Great 1911. BTW when I got my first I thought I had to do a bunch of work on it to get it functional, not in the least. Put 500 rounds before you start doing work on it.

[Metric]

Were the malfunctions by any chance associated with the McCormick mag?

I tried one once -- it was constantly causing failures to feed. If you want a good 8-round mag, I suggest the Wilson.

[Rob96]

You will see it is one , awsome gun. I have a blued and stainless model. The stainless I am keeping completely stock, as I boughtit brand new, and it has a lifetime warranty. Any work will be done by Colt. My blued model I bought used, but hardly ever fired. I will be getting a dehorn, Ed Brown extended thumb safety, steel mainspring housing, ad refinished. Before you do anything , shoot it a lot to see what you want to change.

[Mark IV]

Originally posted by Rob96
Before you do anything , shoot it a lot to see what you want to change.

Great advice. As far as cleaning and general maintenance, the 1911 is a professional’s handgun, it is meant to be carried and used by an advanced end user. If you have not already buy a book or two about your new pistol, personally I would recommend:

THE COLT .45 AUTOMATIC, VOL. I (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=13805)

THE U.S. M1911/M1911A1 PISTOLS A SHOP MANUAL (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=13815&title=JERRY+KUHNHAUSEN+THE+U.S.+M1911%2fM1911A1+PISTOLS+A+SHOP+MANUAL)

Both are by Jerry Kuhnhausen, you will find more than you ever wanted to know about the 1911 in these two books. Of course, after you have it modified exactly the way you want it, you know how to maintain it with your eyes closed, you will say to yourself, I would really like to shoot it a lot more, maybe I should get a Dillon.

Congratulations on the new purchase, although the road maybe bumpy at first you will not regret your decision in buying a 1911, especially a Colt!