Which Colt 1911?

baddarryl · October 20, 2013, 08:09 PM

HI all. I know that this question may have a million answers here are my requirements:

- I am not one to tinker so out of the box ready to go
- To be used in IDPA on a casual level
- Occasionally carried (how much is unknown right now)
- .45 Caliber

What is a good example of new ones that would fit this bill without going crazy on a National Match series etc?

What to look for in used ones?

Thank you.

**Aguila Blanca** · October 20, 2013, 08:20 PM

For carry and "casual" IDPA you really need go no farther than the 1991 series. These are Colt's most affordable pistols, but they have all the basics including the forged frame and slide. And they have a firing pin block, which is a good idea in a carry weapon.

They have fixed sights, but that's not a detriment for the uses you have described.

mikejonestkd · October 20, 2013, 08:35 PM

Any of the colt's will do just fine, I'd suggest an XSE as you get novaks on it.

baddarryl · October 20, 2013, 08:36 PM

Of the new ones I think I like the XSE's as well.

RickB · October 21, 2013, 11:09 AM

I'd make my choice based on which is more occasional, IDPA or carry?
The greater the balance tips toward actually shooting the gun, the more I'd want a full-sized, probably a XSE Government Model. If you are going to carry a lot, maybe every other day, but actually shoot only a monthly club match, then I might go for a Lightweight Commander.

Fishbed77 · October 21, 2013, 11:20 AM

I highly recommend the XSE. They typically run only about $30-50 or so more than the base-model 1991, and include a wealth of extra features, such as Novak sights, a beavertail grip safety, combat cut, target trigger, Commander hammer, ambi safety, and nicer grips.

I got a stainless one (model# 01070XSE) a little over a year ago, and it has been 100% reliable. Here's a photo of mine:

October 20, 2013, 08:09 PM	#1
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	Which Colt 1911? HI all. I know that this question may have a million answers here are my requirements: - I am not one to tinker so out of the box ready to go - To be used in IDPA on a casual level - Occasionally carried (how much is unknown right now) - .45 Caliber What is a good example of new ones that would fit this bill without going crazy on a National Match series etc? What to look for in used ones? Thank you.

October 20, 2013, 08:35 PM	#3
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,716	Any of the colt's will do just fine, I'd suggest an XSE as you get novaks on it. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

October 20, 2013, 08:36 PM	#4
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	Of the new ones I think I like the XSE's as well. Last edited by baddarryl; October 20, 2013 at 09:22 PM.

October 20, 2013, 08:20 PM	#2
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,468	For carry and "casual" IDPA you really need go no farther than the 1991 series. These are Colt's most affordable pistols, but they have all the basics including the forged frame and slide. And they have a firing pin block, which is a good idea in a carry weapon. They have fixed sights, but that's not a detriment for the uses you have described.

October 21, 2013, 11:09 AM	#5
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I'd make my choice based on which is more occasional, IDPA or carry? The greater the balance tips toward actually shooting the gun, the more I'd want a full-sized, probably a XSE Government Model. If you are going to carry a lot, maybe every other day, but actually shoot only a monthly club match, then I might go for a Lightweight Commander.

October 21, 2013, 11:20 AM	#6
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	I highly recommend the XSE. They typically run only about $30-50 or so more than the base-model 1991, and include a wealth of extra features, such as Novak sights, a beavertail grip safety, combat cut, target trigger, Commander hammer, ambi safety, and nicer grips. I got a stainless one (model# 01070XSE) a little over a year ago, and it has been 100% reliable. Here's a photo of mine: