Colt XSE 4.25" or 5"

[Kreyzhorse]

I'm in the the market for a Colt 1911. Keep in mind that a 1911 has been my dream gun since I was old enough to know what a 1911 was. With that said, a Colt is my only option. If you are going 1911, go Colt (I say anyway). I've got my mind set on an XSE but am unsure if I go 4.25" or 5". I CCW so I'm sure that the 4.25" makes life a little easier but I haven't ruled out the 5" Government.

Suggestions or thoughts from any Colt owners? Experience with Colts or the XSE is appreciated and noted.

Thanks in advance.

[Wildalaska]

Well well well guess what finally showed up here this year after waiting since January...

Colt XSE Steel Commanders!

Go for it :)

WildcallmeandifihaveoneyouwillbescreaminhappyAlaska TM

[Kreyzhorse]

Now you are talking... You see one with my name on it? Anyway, what do you think about them? Looking for a good review.

[IMTHDUKE]

I have a stable full of Colts.....lets just say I am not getting shed of a one.

If you're in the market for a 1911: PLEASE READ THIS FIRST- COLT XSE GOVERNMENT

For the past few months, I had been on a quest to find a brand new 1911 style pistol. I had spent many days and hours researching different brand / style 1911's. I had had narrowed my search down to either a Para LDA full size, a Colt XSE government, a full size SW1911, or a Kimber Tactical.
Quality, reliability, and durability were of the utmost importance to me. I carry a S&W airweight 637 (.38+P) daily, and do so because of it's small stature and reliability, so I wanted this 1911 mostly for target shooting. I wanted a pistol with a few "bells and whistles". The first gun I looked at was the Smith and wesson SW1911. It looked pretty in the case, but when I picked it up I quickley realized it was garbage. I felt like the pistol was cheaply made. The controls were all very "amateurish" and the trigger pull was excessive and long. The Smith was no longer a consideration for me. A week later, I shot a friend's Para LDA and found it to shoot very well, with no malfunctions in 200 rounds, However, after shooting it, I decided that I wanted a a more traditional 1911. I then looked at the Kimber Tactical and... allthough I didn't shoot it, I found it to be a beauty. The Kimber was indeed a fine pistol. The Kimber had become an option for me, but I had decided to continue my search... The next day I went to my local gun store, they showed me a pistol that had just arrived. It was a government model 1911 XSE (blued) It was a pretty gun. Colts have been a bit scarce around my area for some time, so I don't often see many on display. It was just a really nice pistol. It didn't have the checkerd front strap like the Kimber had ( I liked that feature on the Kimber), but it had an ambi-saftey and came with an extra mag, all in a hard case. The fit and finish was awesome. The slide to frame fit was perfect. And.... my quest for a 1911 was over. I purchased the Colt, and did so for another reason. I felt like I was buying a tiny piece of history. So I boxed it up and took it home.
I ordered two extra 8 round power mags from Natchezzs, and... because I didn't care for the feel of the original Colt grips (the checkering wasn't sharp enough for me ), I installed Wilson combat diamondwood grips. I also installed a Wilson Comback checkered flat mainspring housing, and put a strip of grip tape on the front strap. If you can't tell, I like to have a 1911 stick to my hand.
I took the pistol to the range today.... And WOW !!!! It's a shooter. It shot extreemly tight groups. I fired 500 rounds of CCI Blazer ammo through it without cleaning it at any time. Not one problem at all. I love it !!!! I'm sorry to write such a long review, but I'm so happy that I chose this pistol over the others. It's a keeper and I wanted to share the good news.
Also, by the way.... If you ever need any advise on altering your 1911, The staff at Wilson Combat provides nothing short of perfection in customer service. They were awesome (and honest) to deal with.

[Billy Sparks]

My XSE is my standard CCW piece. I have shot IDPA matches with it. I REALLY like mine. I keep wanting to run across a Lightweight Commander one when I have the money.

[Wildalaska]

Maybe I'll just toss one in the back for you Billy for your Xmas present to yourself :)

WildoohbillylookiewhatifoundontheubersecretstashAlaska TM

PS..miss Alaska? :)

[Billy Sparks]

Oh don't say things like that....nahh go ahead after seeing Nirvana aka Wild West Guns in paradise Alaska I am so envious.

Do I miss Alaska? The high yesterday was 90+ and my wife works in a unairconitioned warehouse. You know the nice sweet woman you meet last week? Well she has already posted overtime, is making them work Saturday and given two people final warnings.

[absolute0]

I bought a stainless XSE Commander from Ken about a year and a half ago and really like mine, he gave me a great deal. My only gripe would be that the trigger is not quite as good as my other 1911's.

Anyways, I really like mine :)

[swman]

I have two XSE's 4 .25s, a lightweight and combat commander. Both in orginal configuration. I too have been looking at the XSE Goverment, but can't decide if I want SS or blued.

[schmeky]

I have the all steel XSE Commander .45. Got a really good deal on it, $705.00, NIB, plus shipping & FFL fee.

Mine is an outstanding shooter. No problems of any kind, nothing, nope, nada. Just shoots every time you pull the trigger. Didn't like the "duckbill" grip safety at first, but the gun is very comfortable to shoot.

Hey Wild,

Are they going to make an all Stainless XSE Commander in .38 Super?

[Wildalaska]

Are they going to make an all Stainless XSE Commander in .38 Super?

Not that I know of....

Wildgroupbuy?Alaska