If you are worried about problem guns, then skip Colt. I own a Python (about a grand, list), a Gold Cup (more than a grand, list), and a DS-II (400 bucks) and traded a SS Govt Model (800 bucks) to get the Gold Cup. Guess which one worked right out of the box. The Govt. model.
My point here is that quality is so spotty, that even "deluxe" guns from Colt can and do suck, and that there is no good indicator of what will work right from them, esp. price.
Skip the pony, mustang, whatever you planned on, and buy something else, preferably a J-frame Smith & Wesson, which are relatively cheap and certainly reliable (unless you buy a titanium model, which is questionable-- see "Gun Tests").
My point here is that quality is so spotty, that even "deluxe" guns from Colt can and do suck, and that there is no good indicator of what will work right from them, esp. price.
Skip the pony, mustang, whatever you planned on, and buy something else, preferably a J-frame Smith & Wesson, which are relatively cheap and certainly reliable (unless you buy a titanium model, which is questionable-- see "Gun Tests").