Why colt 1911A1 over Springfield 1911A1??

[JLStorm]

When I look at the Colt 1911A1 and the springfield 1911A1 (both full-size), the sprinfield as more off the bat that I want, such as ambi safety (lefty)and a 3 hole trigger. So besides price what does the colt have over the springfield? This would be for carry, not for match shooting...

[Dwolf00]

If you're comparing a Colt 1991 to a SA Loaded (beavertail, novak sights, etc.) then you comparing to completely and totally different models. The SA Mil-Spec is comparable to the Colt 1991. The Colt XSE is the comparable model to the Loaded. While the Mil-Spec is a nice gun, I prefer the Colt the main point of preferring the rollmarks and I love the pony on old slabsides. I will agree that the SA Loaded gives you more bang for your buck than the XSE, but I have been very happy with my XSE, so much so that I bought a second one.

[dsk]

With the Colt, you pay more for a made-in-the-USA product and more barstock parts. Springfields are either partly or completely made in Brazil depending on model, and usually have cast or MIM small parts.

This argument is similar to the ones I used to hear in a hardware store. A customer argues why he should pay $40 for a US-made Crescent wrench when the Chinese-made copy next to it costs only $19. Well, for most people the $19 one may well be enough to do the job. But for some the extra quality in the US-made unit makes a difference.

[JLStorm]

Originally Posted by dsk

With the Colt, you pay more for a made-in-the-USA product and more barstock parts. Springfields are either partly or completely made in Brazil depending on model, and usually have cast or MIM small parts.

This argument is similar to the ones I used to hear in a hardware store. A customer argues why he should pay $40 for a US-made Crescent wrench when the Chinese-made copy next to it costs only $19. Well, for most people the $19 one may well be enough to do the job. But for some the extra quality in the US-made unit makes a difference.

The fact that Colt is made in the USA and the Springfield is not is good enough a reason for me. The Springfield says Springfield, IL USA on their guns...thats pretty deceptive..

[Dwolf00]

Springers are forged in Brazil and assembled here. The higher end guns I believe may be made here completely, however, I'd check in the SA section to be sure.

[dsk]

All forging operations are done in Brazil. I believe the Mil-Specs are also assembled in Brazil, while the Loaded models are assembled here.

[XavierBreath]

I have both Springfields and Colts.

I bought the Springers because they were darned good values for the money and my kids will know I appreciated the value of a dollar once I'm dead.

I bought the Colts because they were darned good values for the money, and my kids will know I appreciated the value of fine ordnance once I'm dead.

Both are good guns. The Colt will hold resale value better though, but to see that you have to sell the pistol.

It's kind of strange...... both my Springers kept the Mil-Spec style grip safety, while both my Colts ended up with an Ed Brown beavertails. Both Springers are parkerized, One Colt is hard chromed while the other is stainless.

I love them all and shoot them all though. I really cannot choose one over the other, as far as a preferred brand. Each one is able to outshoot me. I have had no reliability issues or fitment issues with any of them. For me, it's a dollar and cents or inheirtance issue, not one of quality.

[PigPen]

I own one Springfield. It's a "Custom Carry" model made in about 1990 in the Springfield Custom Shop. It has been MORE than I bargained for. To my knowledge, in thousands of rounds, it has never even blinked. It is beautiful! It has exceeded my expections at every turn.

I own three Colts. Two Commanders (Implies Lwt.). and one series 70 Gold cup. They are all three reliable, reasonably accurate, fun pistols to own and shoot. The series 70, with the Ivory grips, is the prettiest of the lot.

It would be extremely hard for me to choose one and let the others lay..............buy one now and the other next year. When limiting funds, limit the calibers that you buy to two or three calibers (I like .45 ACP, .44 mag. and .38 special) .........not the firearms that you shoot. Oops, I forgot about .22cal. I own a couple of firearms of different calibers than those shown but they are singular samples of the caliber.

Whatever you do, buy quality and hold on to them. Either Colt or Springfield can serve you well

Good Luck

PigPen

[unitman]

DSK: I hear you about the made in USA vs foreign thing. I bought Klein wire cutters which are made in Illinois for $18.00 instead of ones made in China for $11.00. That sounds like I did not make an economical choice based on price alone. However, consider that Klein uses top-of-the-line metallurgy and that my son will inherit my cutters. Thus, the made in USA cutters are actually less expensive when overall costs are considered, providing I do not lose them. Same with Colts. They use a lot more parts made from barstock than do other manufacterers of 1911's in the sub-$1000 price range. The small premium that one must pay for a Colt is worth the difference to me.

The inards of my Colt Combat Commander were every bit as clean as those of my excellent SIG P225. My Colt even has a tigher slide to frame fit than the SIG. My SIG shoots great, but to my suprise, the Colt shoots better. My Colt was so well (not over) lubricated by the factory that I could have shot it straight out of the box. I imagine that Colt discovered that "if they build it, people will come." I would definitely buy another. Viva Colt!

[Emerson]

This is certainly not intended to be a flame, but I've had 3 Colt 1911's (Combat Commander, Combat Elite, & a Delta Elite) and they were quite frankly junk in my opinion. They were extremely unreliable and inaccurate.

I have a Springfield Loaded and a Kimber which have proven to be just the opposite. They have been totally reliable and are very accurate.

FWIW

Emerson

[XavierBreath]

Originally Posted by Emerson

This is certainly not intended to be a flame, but I've had 3 Colt 1911's (Combat Commander, Combat Elite, & a Delta Elite) and they were quite frankly junk in my opinion. They were extremely unreliable and inaccurate.
Emerson

Instead of an accidental discharge, should we call this an accidental flame?

[Wolfgang]

Originally Posted by Emerson

This is certainly not intended to be a flame, but I've had 3 Colt 1911's (Combat Commander, Combat Elite, & a Delta Elite) and they were quite frankly junk in my opinion. They were extremely unreliable and inaccurate.

I have a Springfield Loaded and a Kimber which have proven to be just the opposite. They have been totally reliable and are very accurate.

FWIW

Emerson

I can identify with that.

Once I had a cut on my hand. The Dr recommended a disinfectant salve. As I used it, my cut got worse and worse. It got so bad, I doubled the amount I was using. It continued to get worse, so I used 3 X's as much. That cut got worse still.....FWIW


I changed DR's and he told me I was using bad medicine. So I got something else and I was perfectly happy with the results.

[unitman]

Emerson: I read on this forum that Colt had quality control problems in the eighties through the late nineties. The reviews on them from the last couple of years or so, however, are generally excellent. For example, see DSK's review of recent Colts at: http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=37390. Today I pumped another 120 rounds of Remington 230 grn FMJ through mine without any malfunctions. It is also accurate for me. Sorry to hear about your bad experiences with yours. I bought a Beretta 85F that was very unreliable and a huge disappointment to me. I sent it to Beretta twice to be fixed, but it never ran right. I sold it within two months of buying it and never looked back. The reviews on the 85F were very good, but that certainly was not my experience. I suppose all manufacturers put out a dud once in a while.

[Dwolf00]

It's been said before, but worth saying, no manufacture is perfect. I've read a bad review or write up on just about every single 1911 and other handgun on the forums here. And yet I've seen others that rave and praise about the same gun.

[Emerson]

I agree with all of your responses. I know that everyone's own experiences largely determine that persons opinion toward that product, but his experience may not accurately reflect the true nature of the product.

I would like to have a Gold Cup, and I'm still looking for one. I know that Colt has made and I am sure they still make some fine guns, I guess I should try one of the newer ones and find out how good they are currently.

FWIW

Emerson

[SAWBONES]

Those who should know (not me) believe the metallurgy and steel quality of the slides and frames (not to mention smaller parts), of the Colts exceeds that of the SA products.

Whether it's a big enough difference to really matter in terms of longevity and useful service, is another question.

[BP248]

JLSTORM

My experiances with guns whether it is a long gun or handgun is that you need to find what fits you and what your preferences are. Any weapon in my opion has to be an extension of you. In some areas, like mine, there are places were you can try out different manufacturers. I have recently come into being a Colt lover, but I prefer the older series 70 or the USGI. I have a combat commander in super .38 that I had feeding problems with. But, I bought used. Found out that some minor "tweeking" had to be done. But i still love the gun. It fits me right. I have had a kimber but had to sell it about six years ago due to needing the funds. I have also heard the bad rap Colt got a few years ago. But I have learned that it's good to listen to people's opinons, but it's best to form your own. I guess all I am suggesting is go with your guts. Or buy one of each.

[fxntime]

Originally Posted by Emerson

This is certainly not intended to be a flame, but I've had 3 Colt 1911's (Combat Commander, Combat Elite, & a Delta Elite) and they were quite frankly junk in my opinion. They were extremely unreliable and inaccurate.

I have a Springfield Loaded and a Kimber which have proven to be just the opposite. They have been totally reliable and are very accurate.

FWIW

Emerson

I had the exact opposite of you, Bought 3 SAs, a champion, A SS milspec, and A GI model. While priced pretty well, and worth the money as far as I was concerned all but the GI had problems. [I replaced the recoil spring though, as it was not up to par and lost tension extremely quickly.] After tinkering with the other 2, replacing some shoddy parts, [FP retainer, extractor, ejector, springs [not impressed at all with their recoil springs] both seem to be working correctly. I have had to do nothing with my Colts to get them to run properly, and they run and run and run, all they ask for is a spring or 2 every couple of thousand rounds. NOTHING has ever broken, cracked, or needed replacing. And down the road, If I sell any, the Colts will always sell faster for more money.
There are some nice pistols out there being made by several companies, I just have had better luck with Colt, and frankly I DO like the horsie and like to see it on both my ARs and 1911s. Colts are not all that much more if you shop carefully. Bought a very slightly used 1991 today at Cabelas for $400.00. I doubt it had more then a few boxes thru it and it has the dimpled BBL in it. There is not a SA out there for $400.00 that is as good, tho the 1991 is the low end Colt.

[harrydog]

Originally Posted by SAWBONES

Those who should know (not me) believe the metallurgy and steel quality of the slides and frames (not to mention smaller parts), of the Colts exceeds that of the SA products.

Whether it's a big enough difference to really matter in terms of longevity and useful service, is another question.

This isn't the first time I've heard you mention this about the frames and slides. Exactly who is saying this and what are they basing it on? I don't believe it for one second. It's just something that is self-perpetuating because people like you are always repeating it and people then believe it to be true.
The fact is Imbel produces very high quality steel products. The Brazilian steel industry is one of the best and most modern in the world. Sadly, the same can not be said of the US steel industry.
By the way, I've had two very highly regarded pistolsmiths tell me that they have seen a tendency for Colt frames to sometimes crack after many, many rounds.

[SAWBONES]

"This isn't the first time I've heard you mention this about the frames and slides. Exactly who is saying this and what are they basing it on? I don't believe it for one second. It's just something that is self-perpetuating because people like you are always repeating it and people then believe it to be true".

Waddayawant harrydog, their names and addresses?
They're gunsmiths and certified Colt armorers, known to me personally. Maybe they're biased?!

I have never defamed SA's products, and currently own two SA 1911s, which I like just fine.
AFAIC, the SA guns are a better value than the current Colts, which cost quite a lot more, are often (again, in my personal experience) fitted rather poorly for the money. Are the Colts actually better in terms of metallurgy? That's just what I've been told. Yawannamakesumthinofit?

[richard30069]

I own only one Springfield Armory and it now has over 400 rounds without a single flaw. I would buy another Springfield in a second for a good bargain. But all I dream of is my next Colt. Only difference once you enter the game is what you have experienced, and what you have come to like. Enter any area of the arena and you will also come to like one brand the most. Right now it does'nt matter what you hear.

[Rob96]

"Trigger jobs have a Lifetime Warranty.For this reason, we must be particular about the components used.
On modern Colt's, all the original components can be utilized.
Springfields generally require a new sear and disconnector.
Kimbers require a new hammer.
All components are inspected and will be replaced only if necessary."

This is from Rogers precision. So this will attest to the small parts Colt uses. And if you question most of the smiths, they prefer to use Colt as the base for custom projects. must be because of the inferior materials.

[Irishlad]

My Colt frame cracked after 25,000 rounds, which is not a lot IMO.

I don't "read" about a lot of Springfield or Kimber frames cracking to be honest and they each sell a lot more "guns" than Colt.

So...I doubt, very much, that Colt has better "steel" than the others!

[narvous]

My CD has 3000 rounds not one flaw nuff said.

[Rob96]

Originally Posted by Irishlad

My Colt frame cracked after 25,000 rounds, which is not a lot IMO.

I don't "read" about a lot of Springfield or Kimber frames cracking to be honest and they each sell a lot more "guns" than Colt.

So...I doubt, very much, that Colt has better "steel" than the others!

Do a search, you will find pics of Springfield slide that broke off in front ofthe dust cover.