I want a Colt pistol! Revolver or 1911?

I've had a soft spot for most all things Colt since I was a kid...especially the old and much loved 1911 and 1911A1. I've owned most all the auto calibers in that big frame....22 lr, 9 mm, .38 Super, 40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Missed out on the 10 mm though.

If you want to keep it, pass it down to your kids etc...then I'd get the 1911. As to the revolvers, they're overpriced now, in my opinion, by the collectors. For shooters, I'd opine that you're better off with a S&W. I've got four of the Colt revolvers, none of which will stay with my S&W's for accuracy. I much prefer the S&W double action trigger pull...which doesn't stack up like a Colt does during the last half of the pull.

Get the Colt 1911 or the A1 version as currently produced, as I understand it, in the Series 70 format. They're accurate, as good as any of the '60's versions, and worth the money.

Rod
 
Buy a Python while you still can. Even if you find one that works good but looks ugly - you can get it factory refinished for about $350, including shipping. You know you want one - if you wait too long, you will be paying over $2,000 for one.
 
This is what you need- substitute the Remington Rand for a Colt.

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I wouldn't overlook some of the more vintage Colts either. You can still find some pretty nice Colt Army Specials or Official Police in 38 spl. I have a Army Special that was made in 1910 with a six inch barrel. I also have a Colt Python with a 4 inch barrel. Yes . . I love 'em both but I'm more of an "old fashion" kind of guy. If I had to choose between the two . . I'd take the Army Special. I had a pristine Colt 1911A1 that I sold last year as I felt it was more of a collector's piece and I didn't want to shoot it - it was mint. 1911s are nice too. It would be great if you could find one of those that had a "history" to it. Good luck in your search . . .

BTW - I found my Python and got it for $800. It didn't have the box but I've already had two offers to buy it for a nice profit. They're just going to go up in price. In dealing with the Colts . . . if you buy it at the right price . . it's not like a new car that instantly depreciates when you drive it off the lot . . . they are an investment that over time will grow.
 
+1 Colt SAA or 1911 Commander. Rumor (?) Has it that the Connecticut plant is closing and SAA production is heading south to Florida. If so, I'd get one with "Hartford, Conn." on the barrel per its entire 139 year history, versus "...Florida" :)
In any event, I've got a "4th" (late 3rd) Gen ca 2008 that's.a gem.

The Colt 1911 Commander has the "proper" (since it defined the genre) 4.25" Commander barrel versus some immitators' 4",...and is my favorite 1911.
 
I chose both

A hard choice. I know I was unable to choose one over the other, so I chose both. Honestly, to do it again, I don't think I could choose one. I would consider vintage colts as others have said. In the here and now, I did choose to have more revolvers but 1911s are iconic. I seek out revolvers more but a Colt 1911 is a nice gun to have.

My Colt 1911 variations, top MK III Match target 38 wadcutter, brushed nickel combat commander (both are series 70, in the box) and finally my carry piece, a colt mustang pocketlite

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So judging by this photo, I prefer their revolvers but its not simple. I just came across these one way or another and liked them. I don't come across many of their 1911s that are reasonably priced, or scarce or anything.

The Diamondback is the deluxe target version of Colt's small frame-Police Positive Special/Detective Special steel frame revolvers. Looks like a scaled down Python. 38 Special only.
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I guess my 4 in diamondback 22 pictured below towards the bottom didn't get the memo? :p(Diamondbacks were 38 OR 22)

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Here is a model 1896 38 colt top and a Police Positive 32 target below. Oldies but goodies, 1897 production top and 1911 production bottom.

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I agree a lot with this statement:

Don't forget about the Woodsman .22..................he'll be able to start shooting a handgun for pennies compared to the skill and $$$ needed to shoot centerfire.

Very nice 3rd generation Woodsman/Huntsman can be had for +/- $400.
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I really like my Woodsmans. Here is a pre woodsman from approx 1923 and a Woodsman 1st gen from 1928

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Here are 2 boxed 3rd gen match targets. With woodsmans, there are many types to choose from esp if you are considering any generation

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In short, for me to be happy, I could never choose one. I really like that my collection has examples of both. Other Colt models are worth considering as well as earlier ones as others have said. Good luck in your quest. A new Colt isn't as special to me although its a Colt. I would want a gun from their hey day if I were you.
 
Wow, nice pistols! Well my thought may have changed. Since Colt has current production 1911's, I may have to accept the fact that Colt revolvers are going up in price. Looking to get a revolver now and see what 1911's come my way in the coming year. Yes, you guys are right. Too hard to pick one. And what's better than passing on one Colt pistol? Two COLTS!
 
I would consider what is easily cloned and get something else. Something uniquely Colt.

That rules out 1911s and single action revolvers.

Since they are expensive try to hold one in your hand and see which fits well.
Try out the python, the diamondback, the detective special, the Lawman snub, the trooper, and the Anaconda. The trooper to me is replaceable by a good Smith, but not so the Lawman snub which is the same frame.

Once you've held each in your hand the object of your quest will be clear and you will not have made a $1000+ decision you'll regret.
 
So..... after a trip to the gunshow last night, I will be a Colt owner as soon as I wait the 48 hours and pick it up. And the winner is a Colt Commander. New model O4012XSE. Felt great in my hand and can double as my carry gun and have been incredibly hard to find. But there was no shortage of Colt wheelguns to choose from. Has a good number of Pythons and Diamondbacks and a few King Cobra's. What did surprise me is how good the Diamondback felt in my hands. I am a pretty big guy with big hands and liked the medium frame. Had a 4" DB in 22lr for 875 and a 2.5"DB in 38 for 900. i may end up with one in the future. Pythons went from 875-2200. Some gorgeous pistols. I think I have been bitten!
 
Moreammo, congrats on your purchase. Hopefully you are able to carry the commander despite the weight.

Some gorgeous pistols. I think I have been bitten!
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Welcome to "gun poor" - having a gun collection with no money. Some people would call that a problem, I call it a way of life ;)
 
As I mentioned I have been bitten! So I made a little purchase along with the Commander. Found a 4" nickel MKIII Trooper. Pick it up in next few days. Pics of the new acquisitions will follow. Now for the Woodsman, Diamondback, Detective, Python, Anaconda in 45 Colt, Delta Elite,, My wallet is in TROUBLE!
 
My dad bought a gorgeous 1911 Double Eagle maybe 7 years ago. Even though I was relatively young and kinda small I had no problem with the .45 seeing as I grew up on a S&W 627 and a beretta .40. I plan on taking the 1911 to the grave with me. My point is that if you plan on giving it to your son one day and he grows up shooting it, it could be a marlin .22 rifle and it would have more sentimental value than monetary value. just my 2 cents though I've always been a fan of larger caliber handguns
 
Understand that there is no end

First, congrats on the MKIII trooper. Its probably a 357, but if its a 22, then its a rare bird. They were 22lr and 22 magnum in addition to 357 mag. They made many different MKIII guns such as the trooper, but they are well thought of and the rare variations are sought after. They are somewhat the poor man's python so to speak, and I mean that with the utmost respect. Kind of like a Winchester 43, once dubbed the poor man's model 70.

Now for the Woodsman, Diamondback, Detective, Python, Anaconda in 45 Colt, Delta Elite,, My wallet is in TROUBLE!
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There's no use setting goals for yourself because you will never be able to stop anyways, esp if you are willing to own doubles of guns (in other words, 2 pythons, 2 1911s, 2 woodsmans, etc).

There is no end, believe me.

I gets worse when you branch out. I collect vintage 32 autos, S&Ws, Colts, High Standards, WWI / WWII bring backs, and after that, I have my rifles, Winchester, Remington, military guns, etc. If you branch out enough, you will always find something. There are worse habits I suppose but guns can get fairly expensive esp when you like many different ones.

I look constantly and anything I find for a fair price, it comes home. I just bought another woodsman the other day with everything. I can't wait to get it:

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I just picked up a really nice 6" Colt Official Police in .38 Special at a show a few weeks ago.

Apparently made in 1968, and the trigger is as smooth as glass.

It shoots REALLY well, too, and shows a fair amount of holster wear (probably a 90% gun), but shows almost NO signs of being shot. The bore was bright and shiny when I bought it.

Best thing about it?

$370 out the door. For a gunshow in Northern Virginia, that's a steal.
 
How about some pics Mike. I mean geez, you know the picture rules here.

Do you plan to get more colts? I remember you saying that you much preferred S&W revolvers before. Also IIRC we are both looking for a colt new service, although I'm not actively but I want one.

What I'd rather have is a shooting master....dream big.....
 
"You know the picture rules here."

You think they apply to me? :D

This is the only picture I have of it right now.

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I love the gun, but I'm not crazy about the grips. But, I'm probably not going to go out and get another set of grips any time soon.

This is only my second Colt revolver. I had a Detective Special back in the early 1990s, but I ended up stupidly trading it on a Smith & Wesson nickel 3" Model 36, which I later stupidly sold (but it went to a good home).

My original intent when I went to the show was to pick up a Police Positive or Police Positive Special, preferably in .32-20, to go along with my K frame in .32-20 (yes, I MUCH prefer Smith & Wesson revolvers for numerous reasons).

Didn't see any of those, but I did see an Army Special in .41 Long Colt in almost factory new condition, with a corresponding price.

Anyway yes, I think I'll be picking up some more Colt revolvers as they present themselves.
 
I want a Colt pistol! Revolver or 1911?

Colt 1911's really good?
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I can attest to Colt 1911s being really good. I like Colts and I have a revolver (Detective Special) that I like a lot. But I also have three Colt 1911s: a stainless Combat Commander, a blued Lightweight Commander and a blued Government model. I'd be hard pressed to choose a favorite. But as much as I like that little Dick Tracy revolver, the 1911s are all three on a higher plane.

That's just my 2 cents' worth. Buying a firearm is a very subjective decision that no one can make for you. If you have a soft spot for a Colt revolver, that's not a bad choice and if it's what you want, it's certainly the right choice.
 
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