You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
1911 vs. 1991
- Thread starter Kristofer
- Start date
1991 is also cast, not forged, and more closely resembles a 1911A1 from the good old days (no angled serrations, relief cut under trigger guard, beavertail, flat top slide).
All Colt 1911 types (including the 1991), save special models and Gold Cup, have a nylon trigger.
The three dot sights are a good feature to look for and weren't standard on the 1991.
Colt's machining sucks quite often and the slide will seem lopsided due to uneven grinding of the flats of the slide. Doesn't mtter what model either, cheap or expensive. Is it any wonder they're hurting?
All Colt 1911 types (including the 1991), save special models and Gold Cup, have a nylon trigger.
The three dot sights are a good feature to look for and weren't standard on the 1991.
Colt's machining sucks quite often and the slide will seem lopsided due to uneven grinding of the flats of the slide. Doesn't mtter what model either, cheap or expensive. Is it any wonder they're hurting?
I believe the 1991 has a firing pin safety like the 80 series.
I have fired a well used 1991A1 on many occasions and inspite of the criticism it receives, find it to be a fine gun. Colt cuts their frames more ergonomically than any of the copies and still makes the most comfortable 1911 on the market (frontstrap wise at least). The slide fit does suck however.
Springfield makes the closest to what I would call a well made 70 series Colt from the good ol' days. Check out their milspec model.
I have fired a well used 1991A1 on many occasions and inspite of the criticism it receives, find it to be a fine gun. Colt cuts their frames more ergonomically than any of the copies and still makes the most comfortable 1911 on the market (frontstrap wise at least). The slide fit does suck however.
Springfield makes the closest to what I would call a well made 70 series Colt from the good ol' days. Check out their milspec model.
The closest thing that you can probbably get now to an original 1911 is a Springfield Arms Mil-Spec. Unless you can find a used Colt 1911. Or if you want to stick with a new Colt then get the M1991A1. It is pretty plane. All 1911 style guns manufactured now are just variants of the original Colt. There are no more new 1911's per say. The new Colt is the 1991A1 and the rest are as I said before 1911 variants.
------------------
www.1911forum.com
------------------
www.1911forum.com
I have a 1991A1 I purchased new several years ago. It has been reliable and accurate from the beginning, after the 'smith at the shop where I bought it re-staked the front sight. I had the factory sights replaced with Wilson products, and had a long trigger and extended thumb safety installed, as well as a steel checkered mainspring housing. I also have a similarly modified Springfield Armory, which is also good, but which needed a bit more work to get to that point.
You can't get an exact copy anymore. The Springfield and all the rest have angled serrations. The 1991 is as close as you can get, save the lower quality machining and the crappy 80 series trigger with the built in creep.
I STRONGLY suggest buying a Sistema model 1927 (1911A1) Colt made Argentine military contract gun for $400-$500. This is the real deal, if you can live with Spanish words and Argentine Crest on the slide. These were commercial grade, for the most part, and nicely finished. Some aren't even marked.
Barring this, US milsurp next.
Kimber third (order it w/o front serrations).
Springfield also has uneven cosmetics and shouldn't be bought sight unseen (some are very nice, and some look like they were made during "Carnivale" down in Brazil; these were known as "Monday" and "Friday" guns at Colt).
I STRONGLY suggest buying a Sistema model 1927 (1911A1) Colt made Argentine military contract gun for $400-$500. This is the real deal, if you can live with Spanish words and Argentine Crest on the slide. These were commercial grade, for the most part, and nicely finished. Some aren't even marked.
Barring this, US milsurp next.
Kimber third (order it w/o front serrations).
Springfield also has uneven cosmetics and shouldn't be bought sight unseen (some are very nice, and some look like they were made during "Carnivale" down in Brazil; these were known as "Monday" and "Friday" guns at Colt).
I have a 1927 Sistema and second that choice if you want a true copy. Produced on Colt machinery under Colt supervision. Excellent steel. Good slide to frame fit. I have tricked mine out with a new barrel (Kart e-z fit), hammer and sear, slide release, thumb safety, grip safety, and sights. Now it shot 3-4 inch groups at 25 yds before the changes (plenty good for combat pistols), but now it shoots 1.5 inch groups at the same distance. I paid about $350 I believe, but that was almost a year ago now. I love this gun. To me the Springfield would be the next choice in a production pistol. Of course a custom pistol can be tricked out any way you want. The Baer Thunder Ranch Special is a no frills combat 1911.
It is not true that the Colt 1991-A1 is cast. I have it on good authority from the people at Cylinder and Slide in Fremont, NE that the 1991-A1 slide and receiver are forged and good for about 100,000 rounds of use. C&S worked over my 1991-A1 with their TAC-II level package, which includes improved trigger and springs. I also sent it to Robar for a Roguard finish. All in all, I am happy with the pistol. The Colt 1991-A1 makes an excellent base for a few sensible modifications.
------------------
We have never been modern.
[This message has been edited by Trevor (edited June 27, 2000).]
------------------
We have never been modern.
[This message has been edited by Trevor (edited June 27, 2000).]
I assume that the 1992 Colt model 1911-A1 is the same story. Im buying one from a friend at work this weekend. Nylon trigger? Yuk, now I know what I will definetly be replacing. Plastic is fine on a Glock, but not on a 1911.
------------------
First there was the Heaven and Earth then there was the Glock 20
www.neondream.com
------------------
First there was the Heaven and Earth then there was the Glock 20
www.neondream.com
They may well be good for 100K rounds, but the consensus is that they are cast, but I'm sending my Python to Bill at C&S, so I may as well ask him.
And cast or forged, Colt had crappy machining at this point. The blind could've done better on my Gold Cup; it only cost a mere $300 dollars to get it machined to look right.
And cast or forged, Colt had crappy machining at this point. The blind could've done better on my Gold Cup; it only cost a mere $300 dollars to get it machined to look right.
B Shipley: Best wishes with the Python and its trip to C&S. Let us know what Bill says.
Kristofer: BTW, Colt has called its commercial version of the 1911 pistol the Government model since it was introduced. Currently, Colt is producing a Government model in the XS series.
The 1991-A1 is/was a loss leader to compete with the Springfields and other basic versions that became popular in the late 80s.
A blued series 80 (which means the pistol has the firing pin safety) Government model with the round top slide, if you can find one used, would be a good buy and a good platform for some modest improvments.
The so-called "Enhanced series" that Colt made through the mid-90s (these pistols have a flat top slide with raked serrations) are good too, but I never liked their looks. The classic round top is profile we old f@rts know and love.
There are several good books around about what to do and not do with improving a 1911 pistol. I recommend them.
Have fun, be safe, and good luck.
------------------
We have never been modern.
Kristofer: BTW, Colt has called its commercial version of the 1911 pistol the Government model since it was introduced. Currently, Colt is producing a Government model in the XS series.
The 1991-A1 is/was a loss leader to compete with the Springfields and other basic versions that became popular in the late 80s.
A blued series 80 (which means the pistol has the firing pin safety) Government model with the round top slide, if you can find one used, would be a good buy and a good platform for some modest improvments.
The so-called "Enhanced series" that Colt made through the mid-90s (these pistols have a flat top slide with raked serrations) are good too, but I never liked their looks. The classic round top is profile we old f@rts know and love.
There are several good books around about what to do and not do with improving a 1911 pistol. I recommend them.
Have fun, be safe, and good luck.
------------------
We have never been modern.
Post-script: I was just looking at the Colt website. The XS series pistols are listed but no information comes up on the link. I suspect this absence indicates they are history. Best buy it now if you see one in your favorite retail establishment.
------------------
We have never been modern.
------------------
We have never been modern.
Brian Bilby
New member
Colt 1991's are not cast, they are forged. Colt uses the same forging blanks for all of the 1911's, just machines the different cosmetic features into them and then polishes and finishes them. Colt 1991's produced in the last few years have been excellent. Machining is good, barrel fit on most are outstanding for a factory gun. I have built myself several guns with them as the base and have done countless numbers of conversions for customers.
Brian
Brian