1991A1 Worth It?

sundance43.5 · August 29, 2001, 05:10 PM

Just curious as to everyone's opinions on the Colt 1991A1, I'm really interested in buying one.

Also, what's the difference between the Commander and the Government?

Thanks

Tamara · August 29, 2001, 05:17 PM

I don't mind the 1991A1's myself, although I've always viewed them more as a starting point for building a gun to my specs.

The Commander has the same length grip as the Government and takes the same magazines but has a shorter barrel and slide.

RikWriter · August 29, 2001, 05:59 PM

Depends on how much you have to pay for it. If you can get one for under $500, it's probably worth it. If you have to pay anywhere close to $600, no.

Blue Duck357 · August 29, 2001, 07:31 PM

Bought one new about 6 years ago for $375, never had a jam or bobble out of it, but it just was not very accurate and I got interested in other things so I sold it

Last year I bought another one when the rumor was going around that Colt was going to stop making them, and I knew I had tohave a "real" Colt .45 Paid $550, way too much. This gun actually seemed a little tighter. I've had about 6-800 rounds through it, no problems at all and it shoots into 3-3 1/2" at 25 yards when I do my part. In all I'm very happy with it, but freely admit I overpaid.

Kermit · August 29, 2001, 08:18 PM

Got a stainless 1991a1 a few months back. Tried to keep it bone stock, but after about 350 rounds and some serious hammer bite, it got sent to the 'smith. I had always wanted to have a real Colt in the collection and now I do.

Lightsped · August 29, 2001, 08:25 PM

I have a basic 1991A1 in blued steel. I have yet to shoot it, but it seems to be well made, although the slide action is kind of rough compared to my Sig and Beretta. Maybe it will smoothen itself out after it is fired some?

Big Ken · August 29, 2001, 10:38 PM

I got one a few months back & I love it, it shoots straight when I'm shootin straight, & never a ftf or any malfunction of any sort...........good gun.

Noban · August 30, 2001, 11:54 AM

I have a 1991A1 that I bought 3 years ago for $450, new. I changed the rubber grips for rosewood and replaced the recoil spring with a stronger one. The pistol has been 100% reliable and accurate.

Noban

Las Vegan Cajun · August 30, 2001, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Also, what's the difference between the Commander and the Government?

Colt introduced a new gun, based on the M-1911 A1 "Government" design, which was a shortened version of the M-1911 A1 pistol. This new gun featured a 4.25" barrel, (compared to the 5" of its prodecessor) and had an aluminum frame (for the first time this material was used in a handgun frame). The gun was called "Commander" (and not "Lightweight Commander" which was adopted later by Colt for this pistol) and was very well received by the public. In the years to come, Colt also produced the same pistol but with a steel frame, named "Combat Commander", and the term "Commander" has been used ever since to denote guns with 4.25" barrels. Still later on, Colt introduced a pistol with an even shorter barrel (3.75"), targeting the concealed carry users, called "Officer's", which also had a shorter frame, thus using 6 round magazines. Again, this model name, is used today to denote the smallest model versions, with shorter barrel and frames.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the 1911 can be found at The M-1911 Pistols Home Page

Richard · August 30, 2001, 01:13 PM

I want to echo the positive responses. I do not own one of these pistols but friends do. I have shot them a lot and found them to be accurate and dependable. Why don't I own one? I already have a Colt Officer, Colt Commander, Springfield 1911A1 (loaded), and two nice Norinco 1911A1 pistols. In addition I have 5 D/A action 45acps and two revolvers. Enough is enough but if one came my way at the right price... Regards, Richard

Lightsped · August 30, 2001, 01:19 PM

Are the "new" Colt 1911's already in production? Has anyone seen or bought one of these? How much are they going for?

Jamie Young · August 30, 2001, 09:37 PM

My first Handgun was a Colt 1991A1 and I got it for $375. I haven't sold it

Make sure you get good mags for it and you shouldn't have any problems. Its not the top of the line but its a Colt 45

Coronach · August 30, 2001, 10:03 PM

Sistema. Its a colt, its just a colt that speaks spanish. $312, shipped.

Mike

slickpuppy · August 30, 2001, 11:09 PM

But, the 1991s can have a tendency to be a hit or miss proposition. Colt reached pretty deep into the parts bins for some of these pistol builds so you really don't know what you will get or what you are buying.

If you must have a Colt(of course you must!!!!) try to find something else first in 1911esque pistol models. If that isn't possible, then buy it as a last resort.

Richard · August 31, 2001, 12:07 AM

slickpuppy, again, how many of the 1911A1 pistols have you shot? I have experience with 3 of them and they all work very well. Are they the equal of my Norinco 1911A1s? No, but these 1991s have all worked well for me out of the box. The last one I shot, about two weeks ago, wasn't that accurate for its owner but worked fine in my hand. Not a slam, just the way I see it. Regards, Richard

ahenry · August 31, 2001, 12:36 AM

I paid about 350.00 several years ago for a Commander. Many thousands of rounds later I have yet to have any problems with it that I didn't cause from poor reloads or a brief fling with a shok-buff. I know many that use buffs in their full size 1911's, but the shorter Commander can hiccough when you shorten the slide travel by using a buff.

spyder2 · September 4, 2001, 12:47 PM

Coronach,

What site has the Systema's (?) for $312 shipped? I'm starting to get the 1911 bug and am hearing good things about them. Haven't seen any on the auction sites this cheap.

spyder2

spyder2 · September 4, 2001, 01:45 PM

Coronach,

What site has the Systema's (?) for $312 shipped? I'm starting to get the 1911 bug and am hearing good things about them. Haven't seen any on the auction sites this cheap.

spyder2

Coltdriver · September 4, 2001, 01:50 PM

They are an absolute classic design and you can build one without having a single original part in it, just like a harley. The aftermarket is such that if you purchase a stock example, you will be very tempted to make it personally yours by adding somthing special to it.

They are simple enough that, with a little guidance, just about anyone can take one completely apart and successfully put it back together again.

They are very rugged if left in a "bone stock" condition.

I had a Norinco that was classic loose fitted, but you could drop it in the dirt and it was unfazed.

If you tighten one up, its just like hopping up your harley. It may be more fun for a certain purpose, but it may require extra attention from you too.

Get as good as you can for as cheap as you can because it is not difficult to get an extra 500 to 1000 dollars in one with aftermarket stuff and tweaking.

August 29, 2001, 05:10 PM	#1
sundance43.5 Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2001 Posts: 327	1991A1 Worth It? Just curious as to everyone's opinions on the Colt 1991A1, I'm really interested in buying one. Also, what's the difference between the Commander and the Government? Thanks __________________ "When in doubt, cut it out." - Roger Peterson, local doctor "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin, 1759

August 29, 2001, 05:17 PM	#2
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 16,002	I don't mind the 1991A1's myself, although I've always viewed them more as a starting point for building a gun to my specs. The Commander has the same length grip as the Government and takes the same magazines but has a shorter barrel and slide. __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

August 29, 2001, 05:59 PM	#3
RikWriter Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 1999 Posts: 2,104	Depends on how much you have to pay for it. If you can get one for under $500, it's probably worth it. If you have to pay anywhere close to $600, no. __________________ In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on.---Robert Frost

August 29, 2001, 10:38 PM	#7
Big Ken Member Join Date: February 1, 2001 Location: E.Texas Posts: 44	I got one a few months back & I love it, it shoots straight when I'm shootin straight, & never a ftf or any malfunction of any sort...........good gun. __________________ Big Ken

August 30, 2001, 09:37 PM	#12
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	My first Handgun was a Colt 1991A1 and I got it for $375. I haven't sold it Make sure you get good mags for it and you shouldn't have any problems. Its not the top of the line but its a Colt 45 __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

August 29, 2001, 07:31 PM	#4
Blue Duck357 Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 2000 Posts: 1,460	Bought one new about 6 years ago for $375, never had a jam or bobble out of it, but it just was not very accurate and I got interested in other things so I sold it Last year I bought another one when the rumor was going around that Colt was going to stop making them, and I knew I had tohave a "real" Colt .45 Paid $550, way too much. This gun actually seemed a little tighter. I've had about 6-800 rounds through it, no problems at all and it shoots into 3-3 1/2" at 25 yards when I do my part. In all I'm very happy with it, but freely admit I overpaid.

August 29, 2001, 08:18 PM	#5
Kermit Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: California Posts: 3,020	Got a stainless 1991a1 a few months back. Tried to keep it bone stock, but after about 350 rounds and some serious hammer bite, it got sent to the 'smith. I had always wanted to have a real Colt in the collection and now I do.

August 29, 2001, 08:25 PM	#6
Lightsped Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2000 Location: Kennesaw/Marietta, Georgia Posts: 810	I have a basic 1991A1 in blued steel. I have yet to shoot it, but it seems to be well made, although the slide action is kind of rough compared to my Sig and Beretta. Maybe it will smoothen itself out after it is fired some?

August 30, 2001, 11:54 AM	#8
Noban Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 1999 Posts: 662	I have a 1991A1 that I bought 3 years ago for $450, new. I changed the rubber grips for rosewood and replaced the recoil spring with a stronger one. The pistol has been 100% reliable and accurate. Noban

August 30, 2001, 01:13 PM	#10
Richard Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 1998 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 1,305	I want to echo the positive responses. I do not own one of these pistols but friends do. I have shot them a lot and found them to be accurate and dependable. Why don't I own one? I already have a Colt Officer, Colt Commander, Springfield 1911A1 (loaded), and two nice Norinco 1911A1 pistols. In addition I have 5 D/A action 45acps and two revolvers. Enough is enough but if one came my way at the right price... Regards, Richard

August 30, 2001, 01:19 PM	#11
Lightsped Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2000 Location: Kennesaw/Marietta, Georgia Posts: 810	Are the "new" Colt 1911's already in production? Has anyone seen or bought one of these? How much are they going for?

August 30, 2001, 10:03 PM	#13
Coronach Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 1999 Posts: 3,147	Habla Espanol? Sistema. Its a colt, its just a colt that speaks spanish. $312, shipped. Mike __________________ The axe bites into the door, ripping a hole in one panel. The maniac puts his face into the hole, cackling gleefully, "Here's Johnny...erk." "And here's Smith and Wesson," murmurs Coronach, Mozambiquing six rounds of .357 into the critter at a range of three feet. -Lawdog "True pacifism is the finest form of manliness. But if a man comes up to you and cuts your hand off, you don't just offer him the other one. Not if you want to go on playing the piano, you don't." -Sam Peckinpah "A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein

August 30, 2001, 11:09 PM	#14
slickpuppy Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 1999 Posts: 928	I love Colt firearms... But, the 1991s can have a tendency to be a hit or miss proposition. Colt reached pretty deep into the parts bins for some of these pistol builds so you really don't know what you will get or what you are buying. If you must have a Colt(of course you must!!!!) try to find something else first in 1911esque pistol models. If that isn't possible, then buy it as a last resort.

August 31, 2001, 12:07 AM	#15
Richard Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 1998 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 1,305	slickpuppy, again, how many of the 1911A1 pistols have you shot? I have experience with 3 of them and they all work very well. Are they the equal of my Norinco 1911A1s? No, but these 1991s have all worked well for me out of the box. The last one I shot, about two weeks ago, wasn't that accurate for its owner but worked fine in my hand. Not a slam, just the way I see it. Regards, Richard

August 31, 2001, 12:36 AM	#16
ahenry Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 1,764	I love mine I paid about 350.00 several years ago for a Commander. Many thousands of rounds later I have yet to have any problems with it that I didn't cause from poor reloads or a brief fling with a shok-buff. I know many that use buffs in their full size 1911's, but the shorter Commander can hiccough when you shorten the slide travel by using a buff. __________________ Doing what you've done, gets you what you've got.

September 4, 2001, 12:47 PM	#17
spyder2 Member Join Date: August 26, 2001 Location: Indianapolis IN Posts: 28	Coronach, What site has the Systema's (?) for $312 shipped? I'm starting to get the 1911 bug and am hearing good things about them. Haven't seen any on the auction sites this cheap. spyder2

September 4, 2001, 01:45 PM	#18
spyder2 Member Join Date: August 26, 2001 Location: Indianapolis IN Posts: 28	Coronach, What site has the Systema's (?) for $312 shipped? I'm starting to get the 1911 bug and am hearing good things about them. Haven't seen any on the auction sites this cheap. spyder2

September 4, 2001, 01:50 PM	#19
Coltdriver Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2001 Posts: 683	1911's are Like Harley's They are an absolute classic design and you can build one without having a single original part in it, just like a harley. The aftermarket is such that if you purchase a stock example, you will be very tempted to make it personally yours by adding somthing special to it. They are simple enough that, with a little guidance, just about anyone can take one completely apart and successfully put it back together again. They are very rugged if left in a "bone stock" condition. I had a Norinco that was classic loose fitted, but you could drop it in the dirt and it was unfazed. If you tighten one up, its just like hopping up your harley. It may be more fun for a certain purpose, but it may require extra attention from you too. Get as good as you can for as cheap as you can because it is not difficult to get an extra 500 to 1000 dollars in one with aftermarket stuff and tweaking.