need help choosing my first colt 1911

R

REVOLVERfan

New member
So I’m Going to be buying my first 1911 and decided to go with a full size colt. Had a few questions with the differences between models though to help which one to choose. I definitely want a stainless one with the only exception being the two tone on the combat elite that I really like as well. Anyways the models I am between are the

colt 1991 stainless model number O1091

colt xse stainless 1911 model number O1070XSE

Colt gold cup trophy stainless

Colt combat elite

I’m leaning towards the 1991 or xse as my first one but would like to know the overall differences, any help would be much appreciated, thanks !
 
The differences between those first two are all visible. Different safeties, hammers, etc. The build quality will be very similar between them.

The Gold Cup will have their National Match barrel and target sights. They are arguably better for target shooting.

The Combat Elite seems to basically be a XSE with a National Match barrel.


They're all great guns. Just need to decide which one fits you best.
 
Depends on what you want to use it for but myself I would go for the Gold Cup. Very accurate and just as easy to carry as any other 5" Government model.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, so I called one of my local gun shops today and they had 3 of the 4 in stock and here are the prices, let me know if you think if they are fair prices or not

1991 stainless- 995
Trophy gold cup stainless-1180
Combat elite-1099

Buds has the 1991 for 813 cash and the combat elite for 877 cash, but I've never bought from buds, also am not sure if the lgs price matches or at least can come near the prices considering its around 200 plus difference, or do you think these prices are fair for buying at lgs?
 
XSE has been discontinued, but there are probably plenty of them in the pipeline, still. I think the "Competition" takes the place of the XSE in the lineup.
Most people find that they want a beavertail grip safety after buying a gun without, so, unless there's some historical or nostalgic connection to the early style of the 1991, get one of the models with a beavertail.
Dovetailed sights, front and rear, are easier to swap, too.

If you shoot a lot of different bullet weights, the adjustable sights of the Gold Cup are a nice feature.
 
Your budget will decide for you. A Gold Cup starts at $1299 MSRP. The Elite runs $200 less. Your local shop isn't giving you any bargain at full list. Might be negotiable though. CASH talks loud and clear.
Have a look at the SS Series 70(A Gold Cup is basically one of 'em with adjustable sights) too though. Isn't much less in price but it is a bit less.
 
T o heir thanks I'll check it out. Do you guys think it would be insulting or against etiquette to ask if they'd do 1000 cash on the gold cup? Also I'm sure these are all display models considering they have one of each, so I think I would get some kind of discount for that as well, what do you guys think ?
 
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I wouldn't worry about insulting the guy behind the gunshop counter. He will either counter offer or laugh and say no.
 
Should I just buy from buds? I'm kind of hesitant because I've never bought online but I've heard good things and also bad reviews. I normally wouldn't but the price is pretty substantial, 200 difference
 
I have bought four firearms from buds to include a 1991 Colt, no complaints. Free shipping but you will pay a transfer fee to your LGS. Just look over the firearm and if its not to your satisfaction don't except the transfer.
 
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I own an O1070XSE. It's an awesome pistol.

The only similar Colt I might prefer over it would be one of the Series 70 Wiley Clapp pistols, but those tend to be few and far between.
 
Just called my lgs and asked if they could match or come close to buds prices because all three are pretty much 200 difference and he said no, I than asked him what kind of price he could do if I paid cash for the 1991 and he said no discount so looks like I'm going to buds, it sucks because id rather buy locally but I can't justify 200 dollar difference.
 
I gave a local dealer a shot, before ordering from Bud's and when I told the dealer Bud's retail price, the guy said, "That must be a used gun, because I can't get it for that."
 
No need to feel bad. You tried to play, they didn't want to, Capitalism the way it should be. A hundred or more bucks in savings is considerable. Also not all shops mark up their products, I know a couple of shops that are not local to me that make a good living and have an excellent customer base because they are not marking up their inventory.
 
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Just called another local gun shop I haven't been to in awhile and they have the 1991 for 850 and the gold cup for 1070 so definitely will be going there!
 
Well looks like my search continues, pretty disappointing day, headed to the gun shop today to finally get my 1911. Found the one I wanted in the case, worker finally wandered over there to help me and he let me handle it, first thing I noticed was a large deep scratch on the slide, I asked him if they had any others besides the display one and he replied back almost offended "why what's wrong with this one"? I than showed him the large scratch, I than asked him if they would take any off for paying cash and considering the scratch and he said no and walked away without even letting me checkout the other colts in the showcase. I've read reviews about how awful the customer service was at this place but now I believe it. I have two gun shops that I love going to because the people there are absolutely awesome , unfortunately they couldn't find the guns I wanted so looks like I'll just go with buds.
 
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