Colt 1911A1 Compact

M

Munky

Joined
Jan 12, 2007
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446
Hey all I have been looking for something easier to cc than my XD.45 Tactical and I have been leaning toward a Glock 30. However, I have recently been given the oppurtunity to purchase a 1911A1 compact for a little over $400. I want to know a couple of things: 1.) Is it worth the money? I don't know when it was manufactured or the condition it is in as of yet, hopefully I will know more tomorrow. And 2.) Does it come in anything but the ss finish? Again hopefully I will know tomorrow what it looks like, but I was curious about what you guys thought.
--Whitney
 
Around $400 seems like a good price if it's in good condition. If you're talking about a Colt Defender or Colt Agent, they're about $900 new, so far as I can see.

It should shoot straight, probably with a fair amount of recoil if it's a 3" barrel. The shorter barrels aren't so easy to holster, because the weight is further back.

A little Googling only shows a stainless finish, but more details should let knowledgeable folk give more guidance.

Whether it's worth the money for you depends on whether it points the way you like (probably differently to a Glock), holds enough ammunition for you (Glock 30 is 10 or more, 1911 compact will probably be 6+1), and feels good in your hand. I'd probably buy it :D
 
holygoat said:
Around $400 seems like a good price if it's in good condition. If you're talking about a Colt Defender or Colt Agent, they're about $900 new, so far as I can see.

It should shoot straight, probably with a fair amount of recoil if it's a 3" barrel. The shorter barrels aren't so easy to holster, because the weight is further back.

A little Googling only shows a stainless finish, but more details should let knowledgeable folk give more guidance.

Whether it's worth the money for you depends on whether it points the way you like (probably differently to a Glock), holds enough ammunition for you (Glock 30 is 10 or more, 1911 compact will probably be 6+1), and feels good in your hand. I'd probably buy it :D
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could be a Colt OFFICER compact 45 and yes it comes in matte blue, very cool, I carry one as a backup in the small of my back, to my 1911 on my hip. If its a Colt and in reasonable condition 400 is a steel, Check gunsamerica for current pricing
 
As long as it is made by one of the "Name" manufacturers such as Colt or Kimber then it sounds like a good buy. The micro compacts however have been plagued with functioning problems however. If you could post the Maker and model it would be easier to give an opinion but the Colt compacts have always worked well for me.

I would also add that carrying a cocked and locked pistol does require training and practice, especially if you are accustomed to a DA handgun. Take the time to become proficient before trying to carry it.
 
Always shoot a 1911 first if you can.
Use hollow-points if you intend to use them for defencive use.
400.00 for a Colt that shoots well is good.
For a jamomatic it sucks.
 
If I were going to buy another Colt 1911-style pistol again, it would be an Enhanced Combat Commander .45. For me, that one has the perfect balance & feel.
 
does the enhanced commander have the alloy frame??

the 1st 1911 i ever owned was a combat commander with the alloy frame, it was ok i suppose but the frame on mine cracked and i didnt even shoot it very much, only shot std ball thru it as it wouldnt feed any hollow point ammo, IIRC at the time winchester silvertip & a couple others was it,

but that was back in the '80's maybe they are better now lol.
 
It is a Colt brand. I still haven't heard about its condition yet. I think I am just concerned that I would be on the losing end of the deal if I decided down the road that I didn't like it, however, from what you guys are saying I could sell it for more down the road if I didn't like it.
 
SIFU1A said:
does the enhanced commander have the alloy frame??

the 1st 1911 i ever owned was a combat commander with the alloy frame, it was ok i suppose but the frame on mine cracked and i didnt even shoot it very much, only shot std ball thru it as it wouldnt feed any hollow point ammo, IIRC at the time winchester silvertip & a couple others was it,

but that was back in the '80's maybe they are better now lol.
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The Combat Commander has a steel frame...The Commander has the lightweight alloy frame, and those were prone to cracking along the rails.
 
The only problems with the Colt Officers model were the recoil spring plug retention stud would fail on some and the recoil spring would pop out disabling the gun. Mine was never a problem and there are a few aftermarket mod kits from Kings and Ed Brown that will fix the problem if it's an issue. Another concern was a very thin barrel bushing. Mine (stainless) cracked and I replaced it with a blue steel one which has worked fine ever since. I used to live near a range and put a LOT of rounds through the gun. One great thing about the Officers is the heavy Wolf Springs available for them. If you want to play with accessories and mods, the Colt is perfect. If you don't want to be bothered with aftermarket toys, mods, etc; you might consider the Kimber models.

Edit: I forgot, you'll probably have to replace the front sight as they tend to disappear after awhile on those old Colts; and for awhile there it seemed Colt couldn't make a slide stop lever that didn't break at the tip. Not to worry, Ed Brown has a special tough slide stop lever for the Colts.
 
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