Colt vs. Springfield - Which one do I buy?

BarkSlayer · July 14, 2009, 09:57 AM

Ready for a 1911 and have narrowed the choice down to two - the Colt Series 70 in stainless or a Springfield Armory Loaded A1. Both feel great in the hand the perceived quality appears to be even. Intended use is on the range and for home protection - no hunting. I'm primarily a revolver guy, so any thoughts contrasting these two semis would be greatly appreciated.

RickB · July 14, 2009, 11:11 AM

The Loaded is more feature-filled, and a lot of people place too much importance on that. Some people absolutely cannot abide a 1911 without a beavertail grip safety, and if it has a beavertail, then it just has to have a "Commander hammer", too. And while you're at it, better put some cheese-graters at the front of the slide. Why? Well, you put them out there, and I'll find a reason to use them. The Colt is U.S.-made made of better materials, will probably have a better finish, and will hold its value.

hdawson228 · July 14, 2009, 12:05 PM

Rick. Just curious, in what way is the Colt made of "better materials" than the Loaded? Don't they both have hammer forged frames, slides and barrels and no mim parts?

NGIB · July 14, 2009, 12:11 PM

I've got one of each and it's a toss-up. Really depends whether you want "bells & whistles" or a "prancing pony". My only NIB 1911 purchase is the Colt Commander I picked up about 6 weeks ago - just love real blued guns...

Kreyzhorse · July 14, 2009, 02:03 PM

I love Springfield and think they make a fine 1911. If you like the Springfield better, that would be the route to go. If you like the Colt better, same thing.

I think both are quality well made 1911s and both will serve you well for a lifetime.

Colt has the edge in resale value in my mind any way. If this is a gun that you plan on keeping, that point becomes moot however.

GeauxTide · July 14, 2009, 02:04 PM

I see no quality difference and a loaded Springfield is the best value out there.

RickB · July 14, 2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Rick. Just curious, in what way is the Colt made of "better materials" than the Loaded? Don't they both have hammer forged frames, slides and barrels and no mim parts?

They both have cast and MIM parts, but Colt has fewer.

Wildalaska · July 14, 2009, 02:28 PM

The Colt series 70 is a better value in terms of fit and finish, retained value over time, and parts quality.

WildplusitsmadeintheusaAlaska ™

AZAK · July 14, 2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

They both have cast and MIM parts, but Colt has fewer.

(Emphasis by AZAK)

And which are these in a new 1911 Colt?

Magyar · July 14, 2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

The Colt series 70 is a better value in terms of fit and finish, retained value over time, and parts quality.

By a whisker....

Quentin2 · July 14, 2009, 02:45 PM

Well I'm partial to Colt. Back in the mid-1970s a few friends and I bought 45ACPs and got into competition and reloading. I got a '76 Series 70 Government Model but none of my friends bought Colt, they got Llama, Star, Ballester Molina, Remington Rand, you name it. All worked well but everyone loved my Colt.

And now it's thirty some years later and that old Colt is going strong. Lost touch with most of my friends but with care I assume their choices did all right too.

My real point though, after time passes you won't care much about the initial cost but you'll be real glad you got a Colt!

Top_Notch · July 14, 2009, 02:59 PM

The Springfield is the best value for the money IMHO. Albeit, the one feature I don't care for is the ILS, which is easily and inexpensively changed with a new MSH.

I do own a Springfield Loaded in stainless and the only one I would trade it for (on par value) would be a Colt (Series 70 only) assuming the fit and finish were as nice as my Loaded.

AZAK · July 14, 2009, 03:22 PM

After talking with Colt's customer service today:
The disconnector is the only MIM part in their current offerings in 1911s.

AirForceShooter · July 14, 2009, 03:32 PM

I don't know about Colt but Springer is lifetime warranty for anybody that owns the gun.
I have a Springer "special build" same as loaded and it's wonderful.

AFS

lomaxanderson · July 14, 2009, 03:32 PM

I traded my Loaded ultra compact in on a Colt after less than 50 rounds ...couldn't be happier... but I think I got a bad example of a springfield but the colt is flawless and the springer had all kinds of imperfections in the machining...colt or kimber for me please

flight954 · July 14, 2009, 03:33 PM

Can't speak for the Springer, but the Colt is a good choice

Wildalaska · July 14, 2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

The Springfield is the best value for the money IMHO.

Please justify that.

WildbetyacantAlaska ™

Magi · July 14, 2009, 03:57 PM

Thats an easy choice...COLT!

SPUSCG · July 14, 2009, 04:07 PM

SA TRP

orionengnr · July 14, 2009, 04:53 PM

Well, I walked on by after reading this thread, then I went to the Kimber thread where some of the same posters went and crapped, so now I'm back. Here's what I posted on that thread:

Quote:

Lots of opinions here. Some based upon experience, some based on emotion. My experience:

Three Colts, trouble with two.
Four Paras, trouble with one.
One RIA, steaming pile.
Three Springfields, trouble with two.
Seven Kimbers, trouble with...none.

I've had Kimbers in pre-Series II, Series II, alloy frame, steel frame, internal extractor, external extractor, 3", 4", and 5".

And I meant it.

Boats · July 14, 2009, 05:52 PM

These are the only two factory makes I even consider unless I spot a Dan Wesson.

Points in favor of the Colt:

It's not a clone and has enduring value just for the name and logo alone.
The current production is pretty nicely done.
If you get a Series 80 safety equipped one, that FP safety is better than the system used on Kimbers and S&W.
Gunsmiths will usually work with Colt's because they are usually built close to spec and make better than average custom gun platforms.
Barrels are one piece and not ramped.
Less MIM
The slide is cut for a standard dovetail, not Novaks or rip-off ski slope sights, thus the entire aftermarket of sights is open to a Colt owner but not a Springer owner.

Points in favor of the Springers:

At least initially, you get more "features" out of the box with these pistols.
The lifetime warranty is pretty sweet.
More variants in their line-up.
Firing pin system is closer to the original design except for the widespread use of titanium 9mm firing pins.
Most models come with a pre-installed ambi-safety, which is important to southpaws.

Kermit · July 14, 2009, 06:38 PM

The Colt would be my first choice

KyJim · July 14, 2009, 08:43 PM

I own/have owned Colts and Springfields. Both are excellent guns that any gunsmith would work on. All things being equal about the guns, I would prefer the Colt. However, the Springer does come with a few more features like better sights and a lowered ejection port (not a big deal to me). See if you can handle one of each to see if one of them calls your name louder than the other.

presidingglock · July 14, 2009, 10:57 PM

I have no experience with a Springer, but I am happy with my Colt ---

BarkSlayer · July 14, 2009, 11:03 PM

Thanks, guys...that was more than I bargained for. After mulling this over today, I've decided a new Colt 1911 will take its place in my safe here shortly. I like things simple, and the lack of features is actually appealing to me. The lifetime warranty on the Springfield makes that one hard to pass up though. What an awful problem!

July 14, 2009, 09:57 AM	#1
BarkSlayer Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 265	Colt vs. Springfield - Which one do I buy? Ready for a 1911 and have narrowed the choice down to two - the Colt Series 70 in stainless or a Springfield Armory Loaded A1. Both feel great in the hand the perceived quality appears to be even. Intended use is on the range and for home protection - no hunting. I'm primarily a revolver guy, so any thoughts contrasting these two semis would be greatly appreciated. __________________ Northwest Ohio USA

July 14, 2009, 12:11 PM	#4
NGIB Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2007 Location: Ft Stewart, GA Posts: 932	I've got one of each and it's a toss-up. Really depends whether you want "bells & whistles" or a "prancing pony". My only NIB 1911 purchase is the Colt Commander I picked up about 6 weeks ago - just love real blued guns... __________________ Proud to be a veteran. (USAF Retired, Army Civilian) I'm old, grumpy, and jaded - still vertical though...

July 14, 2009, 02:03 PM	#5
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I love Springfield and think they make a fine 1911. If you like the Springfield better, that would be the route to go. If you like the Colt better, same thing. I think both are quality well made 1911s and both will serve you well for a lifetime. Colt has the edge in resale value in my mind any way. If this is a gun that you plan on keeping, that point becomes moot however. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

July 14, 2009, 03:22 PM	#13
AZAK Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2008 Location: the object towards which the action of the sea is directed Posts: 2,123	After talking with Colt's customer service today: The disconnector is the only MIM part in their current offerings in 1911s. __________________ The lowest paid college major/degree in this country after graduation... Elementary Education. Now, go figure...

July 14, 2009, 03:32 PM	#15
lomaxanderson Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2006 Location: La. Posts: 349	I traded my Loaded ultra compact in on a Colt after less than 50 rounds ...couldn't be happier... but I think I got a bad example of a springfield but the colt is flawless and the springer had all kinds of imperfections in the machining...colt or kimber for me please __________________ All I want to do is live in peace...for that I'm willing to die STOLEN COLT NIGHT DEFENDER sn NDF0311 Mason Rhea Gsd

July 14, 2009, 11:11 AM	#2
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	The Loaded is more feature-filled, and a lot of people place too much importance on that. Some people absolutely cannot abide a 1911 without a beavertail grip safety, and if it has a beavertail, then it just has to have a "Commander hammer", too. And while you're at it, better put some cheese-graters at the front of the slide. Why? Well, you put them out there, and I'll find a reason to use them. The Colt is U.S.-made made of better materials, will probably have a better finish, and will hold its value.

July 14, 2009, 12:05 PM	#3
hdawson228 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2006 Posts: 1,301	Rick. Just curious, in what way is the Colt made of "better materials" than the Loaded? Don't they both have hammer forged frames, slides and barrels and no mim parts?

July 14, 2009, 02:04 PM	#6
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	I see no quality difference and a loaded Springfield is the best value out there.

July 14, 2009, 02:28 PM	#8
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	The Colt series 70 is a better value in terms of fit and finish, retained value over time, and parts quality. WildplusitsmadeintheusaAlaska ™

July 14, 2009, 02:45 PM	#11
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	Well I'm partial to Colt. Back in the mid-1970s a few friends and I bought 45ACPs and got into competition and reloading. I got a '76 Series 70 Government Model but none of my friends bought Colt, they got Llama, Star, Ballester Molina, Remington Rand, you name it. All worked well but everyone loved my Colt. And now it's thirty some years later and that old Colt is going strong. Lost touch with most of my friends but with care I assume their choices did all right too. My real point though, after time passes you won't care much about the initial cost but you'll be real glad you got a Colt!

July 14, 2009, 02:59 PM	#12
Top_Notch Member Join Date: October 22, 2004 Posts: 59	The Springfield is the best value for the money IMHO. Albeit, the one feature I don't care for is the ILS, which is easily and inexpensively changed with a new MSH. I do own a Springfield Loaded in stainless and the only one I would trade it for (on par value) would be a Colt (Series 70 only) assuming the fit and finish were as nice as my Loaded.

July 14, 2009, 03:32 PM	#14
AirForceShooter Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Location: Sarasota (sort of) Florida Posts: 1,296	I don't know about Colt but Springer is lifetime warranty for anybody that owns the gun. I have a Springer "special build" same as loaded and it's wonderful. AFS

July 14, 2009, 03:33 PM	#16
flight954 Senior Member Join Date: November 1, 2006 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 933	Can't speak for the Springer, but the Colt is a good choice

July 14, 2009, 03:57 PM	#18
Magi Junior member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Location: Earth Posts: 127	Thats an easy choice...COLT!

July 14, 2009, 04:07 PM	#19
SPUSCG Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2008 Posts: 3,004	SA TRP __________________ Check us out: www.imfdb.org. Fun site for people who love gun movies.

July 14, 2009, 05:52 PM	#21
Boats Junior member Join Date: September 15, 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 964	These are the only two factory makes I even consider unless I spot a Dan Wesson. Points in favor of the Colt: It's not a clone and has enduring value just for the name and logo alone. The current production is pretty nicely done. If you get a Series 80 safety equipped one, that FP safety is better than the system used on Kimbers and S&W. Gunsmiths will usually work with Colt's because they are usually built close to spec and make better than average custom gun platforms. Barrels are one piece and not ramped. Less MIM The slide is cut for a standard dovetail, not Novaks or rip-off ski slope sights, thus the entire aftermarket of sights is open to a Colt owner but not a Springer owner. Points in favor of the Springers: At least initially, you get more "features" out of the box with these pistols. The lifetime warranty is pretty sweet. More variants in their line-up. Firing pin system is closer to the original design except for the widespread use of titanium 9mm firing pins. Most models come with a pre-installed ambi-safety, which is important to southpaws.

July 14, 2009, 06:38 PM	#22
Kermit Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2001 Location: California Posts: 3,020	The Colt would be my first choice

July 14, 2009, 08:43 PM	#23
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I own/have owned Colts and Springfields. Both are excellent guns that any gunsmith would work on. All things being equal about the guns, I would prefer the Colt. However, the Springer does come with a few more features like better sights and a lowered ejection port (not a big deal to me). See if you can handle one of each to see if one of them calls your name louder than the other.

July 14, 2009, 10:57 PM	#24
presidingglock Junior Member Join Date: September 13, 2007 Posts: 7	I have no experience with a Springer, but I am happy with my Colt ---

July 14, 2009, 11:03 PM	#25
BarkSlayer Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2008 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 265	Thanks, guys...that was more than I bargained for. After mulling this over today, I've decided a new Colt 1911 will take its place in my safe here shortly. I like things simple, and the lack of features is actually appealing to me. The lifetime warranty on the Springfield makes that one hard to pass up though. What an awful problem! __________________ Northwest Ohio USA