I give in...

[VietVet USMC 1968]

..a Colt 1911 is in my future. I was talking with another gun nut yesterday about the value used guns retain, and he said that as far as revolvers are concerned, S&W sets the bar. Next, he said, "just like Colt 1911's hold their value". It was then that the big, rubber hammer fell on to my big mellon and I knew I had to have one.
I have Kimbers and a DW VBOB but at the end of the day they're just clones, right? Do I want to leave my son a clone? Hell no, what would he think about me? I've always preached that he should do things right the first time and I guess I didn't follow my own rule.
All this leads me to the question, (which you've probably already guessed) which Colt should I buy? And, before you ask, I'm not sure it has a real purpose other than to leave it or my son. It could sit on my nightstand if it had to but one of my Kimbers already does that.
Anyways, if you were in my position, what would you buy?

[DeltaShooter]

I'm not trying to talk you out of buying a very cool heirloom for your son, but I think your friend is mistaken. Check out the pricing on several discontinued Colt revolvers. Anacondas, Pythons, Detective Specials, Cobras, in good condition, all command a pretty high dollar. I've seen plenty of $700-$800 Smiths go for half that when they're only a few years old.

If you want to spend the money for an heirloom, go with a Python or a new Delta Elite. Neither will lose value and both are very cool.

[Shad Roe]

Series 70 Government,blued carbon steel.

[pyunker45]

Originally Posted by VietVet USMC 1968

and he said that as far as revolvers are concerned, S&W sets the bar.

Hey, I love the older Smiths, but apparently your friend never heard of Colt revolvers!

which Colt should I buy? And, before you ask, I'm not sure it has a real purpose other than to leave it or my son.

An older out of production Colt, with box.

[Griz44]

IMHO - anything with COLT on the side.

11 and counting.

If I had been thinking straight, I would have been buying one every year of my adult life. I would have at least 40 that way, instead of just 11.

[burkherm1]

Dear VietVet USMC 1968, This is just a thought...Marine vet 1968 Vietnam....Right? How cool would it be if you were able to find a "68" Colt government model 1911 and pass that to your son? I know that it would be hard to find a 68, but if you had the right S/N's for that year from Colt you could maybe look that way! Bet your boy would cherish that and pass on to his kid? Thanks for your SERVICE and highest regards

[CIB]

Originally Posted by burkherm1

Dear VietVet USMC 1968, This is just a thought...Marine vet 1968 Vietnam....Right? How cool would it be if you were able to find a "68" Colt government model 1911 and pass that to your son? I know that it would be hard to find a 68, but if you had the right S/N's for that year from Colt you could maybe look that way! Bet your boy would cherish that and pass on to his kid? Thanks for your SERVICE and highest regards

Not really too hard to find. I have seen them on GB lately. Heck, I have one even.

[runnoah28]

First things first. Thank you for your service!

I suggest you go with a blued government model. Either a Colt USGI, (very expensive if in good condition) a pre series 70 commercial, an original series 70 (1970-1983) or a series 70 reproduction. I own a 1978 S70 and a 2011 S70 and couldn't be happier with either one! Of course these are just my opinions. I wouldn't hesitate to get any 1911 that said COLT on it. Good luck and happy hunting!

Noah

[VietVet USMC 1968]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful replies.

[MotorSeven]

Or, one that was made the year your son was born...that makes it personal to him and the one that gave it to him.

Hang around a while, I am sure we can spend some more of your money for ya

[M4finny]

Originally Posted by VietVet USMC 1968

..a Colt 1911 is in my future. I was talking with another gun nut yesterday about the value used guns retain, and he said that as far as revolvers are concerned, S&W sets the bar. Next, he said, "just like Colt 1911's hold their value". It was then that the big, rubber hammer fell on to my big mellon and I knew I had to have one.
I have Kimbers and a DW VBOB but at the end of the day they're just clones, right? Do I want to leave my son a clone? Hell no, what would he think about me? I've always preached that he should do things right the first time and I guess I didn't follow my own rule.
All this leads me to the question, (which you've probably already guessed) which Colt should I buy? And, before you ask, I'm not sure it has a real purpose other than to leave it or my son. It could sit on my nightstand if it had to but one of my Kimbers already does that.
Anyways, if you were in my position, what would you buy?

Stainless Colt Commander, with some very nice Eagle Globe and Anchor custom grip panels on that baby.

Thanks for your service Marine.

Fin

[OhShot!]

Get a new Combat Elite. Excellent straight from the box.

[DARKEHORSE]

Good choice all...
Semper Fidelis
Elementis Regamus Proelium
...same blood... same mud...

[VietVet USMC 1968]

Originally Posted by M4finny

Stainless Colt Commander, with some very nice Eagle Globe and Anchor custom grip panels on that baby.

Thanks for your service Marine.

Fin

I have this set of grips & thought they would be a great reminder of me to him. I also like the idea of the serial number crossed referenced to 1968.

[elliotf]

Another big "thank you for your service"

Here is what you need:

http://www.americaremembers.com/prod...ne%20Right.jpg

[OhShot!]

I can see those grips on a Combat Elite. Thanks for your service soldier.

[javichin colt]

Originally Posted by DeltaShooter

I'm not trying to talk you out of buying a very cool heirloom for your son, but I think your friend is mistaken. Check out the pricing on several discontinued Colt revolvers. Anacondas, Pythons, Detective Specials, Cobras, in good condition, all command a pretty high dollar. I've seen plenty of $700-$800 Smiths go for half that when they're only a few years old.

If you want to spend the money for an heirloom, go with a Python or a new Delta Elite. Neither will lose value and both are very cool.

Well, I just wanted to add that the Colt Single Action Army is still the king of all revolvers. If you want to spend your money on guns, just buy SAAs.

Regards,

Javi

[VietVet USMC 1968]

Originally Posted by OhShot!

I can see those grips on a Combat Elite. Thanks for your service soldier.

soldier?? NO---"GRUNT" yes. USMC 0311

[VietVet USMC 1968]

FYI: In the June 2012 issue of "Guns & ammo" magazine that came yesterday there's an "Editorial" titled, "COLT'S COMEBACK" along with a big article titled "COLT's comeback trio". I found both articles to be very interesting, but bothersome for a guy like me who up to this point has no experience with the brand.

I don't know if you guys read this magazine & give it's writers any credibility at all but if you do & you love your Colt's you should read them. I tried to pull up the on line edition so I could post a link but it wasn't available yet.

[burkherm1]

I knew soldier wouldn't go un noticed. Marine to the core...no pund intended.

[M21guy]

Old S&W revolvers are quite nice, but I'm sorry, the bar was officially set with the Colt Python. THE best there is in double action revolvers. Get behind one and you'll see, or rather you'll feel. There is nothing like it.

Colt has really stepped up on building some outstanding production 1911s over the last few years. They're quite nice. Colt offers a pretty good variety of them to choose from. Want something really special, don't forget the custom shop. Colt has the expertise to make some of the finest handguns in the world. They are a one stop shop.

[VietVet USMC 1968]

Originally Posted by burkherm1

I knew soldier wouldn't go un noticed. Marine to the core...no pund intended.

Thanks for understanding!!

[nevada 1911]

A early 70 series Colt GCNM, you would have a fine pistol that would you could be proud of, the finest of the time.

I have a 1972 model and wouldn't take anything for it, they are very smooth and accurate as well as beautiful.

Thanks Marine.

[bam88]

Marine, 1969 to 2012 and counting, BUY COLT !

[burkherm1]

Guns International #: 10024169 1968 NM with S/N 26xxxNM...expensive but the reason I posted this is S/N id may help you in your search if going the route of the 68 idea I had some posts ago...Just a thought...Happy hunting