Range Officer or Colt Trophy?

baddarryl · October 24, 2013, 10:02 PM

Hi all. Still in the hunt for the right 1911. From descriptions it seems like the Colt National Match and Range Officer are fairly similar guns. I realize the Colt is US made and highly regarded, but being a Colt commands a premium price. The RO is also well regarded. If the price difference were negated how would you compare these two? I can get a new RO for almost $200 less then a used Trophy (there is one in town), which seems like a no brain er, but there is part of me that really just wants a Colt.

Tactical Jackalope · October 24, 2013, 10:14 PM

I have a SS. Colt Gold Cup Trophy Model. Love it and all...but may sell it. How much are you looking to spend?

With factory grips

With VZ grips.

baddarryl · October 25, 2013, 07:57 AM

Check your PM's.

Olympus · October 25, 2013, 10:28 AM

Both are excellent guns, but I think the Colt is the better of the 2. The RO has an internal locking system that I flat dislike. It also only comes in parkerized which will show a lot more wear than the stainless Colt.

3.Shot.Group. · October 25, 2013, 12:12 PM

The ILS is unnoticeable.

You can use it or leave it unlocked, or you can swap the MSH for one without the ILS in 2 minutes or less if you want the gun to look more traditional(despite the target sights

), the only noticeable difference is the small keyhole(5/32") on the ILS MSH.

BTW, you can add an ILS main spring housing to the Colt if you want one on it, and they come in both flat and arched styles.

Olympus · October 25, 2013, 04:26 PM

It's just something that I don't believe should be on a 1911. The RO has a grip safety, a thumb safety, and a firing pin safety already. A 4th safety, whether you use it or not, just is not something I see as necessary. By the time you replace the MSH on the RO, you'll be closer in price to the Colt anyway.

3.Shot.Group. · October 25, 2013, 06:00 PM

The RO doesn't have a firing pin safety, it has a titanium firing pin.

laytonj1 · October 25, 2013, 06:48 PM

First time at the range, 21 rounds at 20 yards.

Jim

mikejonestkd · October 25, 2013, 07:01 PM

Springfield makes a very nice 1911 for the money. Colt makes an outstanding 1911 for a bit more money.

I own two gold cups and they are among my favorite handguns.

SauerGrapes · October 25, 2013, 08:35 PM

I happen to own both. If someone offered me a choice between the 2, it would be very hard to choose. Both are terrific pistols.
If your budget is a little lean, believe me, the RO will shoot right along with anything offered by Colt.

ripnbst · October 25, 2013, 10:15 PM

I'd buy the Range Officer. Colts are over rated.

Fishbed77 · October 25, 2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

I'd buy the Range Officer. Colts are over rated.

...and yet Colt manages to sell every one they can produce.

ripnbst · October 25, 2013, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishbed77

...and yet Colt manages to sell every one they can produce.

Haha, you see how many Kimbers are sold?

Colt is THE original and some people want it for that. Others want the best gun for their intended use and their money. Colts aren't bad, i just see a better value in the RO over the Trophy Match so thats my recommendation. You get a better or as good firearm for a lot less money. It seems to me the OP is confused about which camp he is in is all.

DaleA · October 26, 2013, 01:00 AM

I'm partial to the Range Officer too but I'd feel sorry for an RO that was consistently being shot by somebody who really wanted a Colt.

Tucker 1371 · October 26, 2013, 07:41 AM

The only Springfield 1911 I ever owned had serious feeding issues, couldn't make it through more than 3 mags in a single session without failing to fully chamber a round. I could fix it by swiping the feed ramp clean with my finger but it would only go for another 3 mags or so and fail to chamber again, and this was a $1200 lightweight operator model. It shot very well and had a lot of nice features (full size yet weighed 32oz unloaded, night sights, rail) but the feeding issues irritated me so badly I sold it. Having the feed ramp polished probably would have solved this issue but for $1200 I shouldn't have to do anything to make it function properly.

Now I own a Colt Rail Gun, series 80, and it can go 300-400 rounds without any cleaning, function flawlessly, and shoot at least as good as the SA if not better, I picked it up barely used (probably just one box of ammo) for $900. I say go with Colt, their biggest drawback is finding them for sale.

With ERGO grips

With factory grips

pete2 · October 26, 2013, 09:15 AM

I'd rather have the Colt, but due to price I could live with the Springfield.

Tucker 1371 · October 26, 2013, 12:23 PM

Another thing I view as a plus for Colt is they don't use MIM to make high stress parts like the hammer. Springfield does. And AFAIK none of Colts parts are made overseas.

thedudeabides · October 26, 2013, 01:06 PM

If I had to choose between a Colt and a SA, I'd choose Colt.

Tactical Jackalope · October 26, 2013, 01:24 PM

Everyone who's saying "Colt" is helping me with a potential sale. Keep them coming! LOL

Fishbed77 · October 26, 2013, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Haha, you see how many Kimbers are sold?

Lots of Chevy Cavaliers were sold too.

Walk into most any gun shop, and you'll see plenty of Kimbers lining the shelves. Colts, on the other hand, never stick around long.

Kimber may sell more, but they make a lot more too, and have been very successful at marketing them.

Quote:

Colt is THE original and some people want it for that. Others want the best gun for their intended use and their money. Colts aren't bad, i just see a better value in the RO over the Trophy Match so thats my recommendation. You get a better or as good firearm for a lot less money. It seems to me the OP is confused about which camp he is in is all.

Don't get me wrong - I like the RO - a lot. I'm considering one as my next 1911 purchase. But the Colt Gold Cup is a better gun. It should be - it costs about $350 more. The fit & finish is much better, and it's US-made.

745SW · October 27, 2013, 03:44 AM

Colt

Brutus · October 27, 2013, 06:25 AM

Recently bought a copy of Blue book of gun values. Wish I could buy some of the guns at the prices listed. Anyway browsing through the book one thing that jumps out at you is that Colt's retain the best resale value of all commercial manufactures, Les Baer, Ed Brown and Wilson combat not withstanding as these are custom built.

Pilot · October 27, 2013, 06:32 AM

I have Colts, and Springfields. Both run fine, but I do prefer the Colts, and don't find them more expensive than other comparable 1911's.

spacecoast · October 27, 2013, 07:08 AM

I'll put in a vote for the Range Officer. For under $1000 (I paid $680 for mine a couple of months ago) I don't think there's a finer 1911 available. Everything you need for precision shooting, nothing you don't.

I save my "Colt money" for something I know was hand-fitted by a true craftsman many years ago. I have two from 1922 and one from 1913.

thedudeabides · October 27, 2013, 08:28 AM

RO has weird sights, not that great of a finish, isn't fitted to the same level of quality as higher end Springers...

If you want to compare apples and Brazilian apples, the Loaded/Operator is closer to the Trophy. TRP is somewhere up there, too, but it comes in bull barrel variants that are different from a traditional 1911.

And I agree with everyone else, Kimbers are like Sigs. There's so many of them in stores because they offer a mid-range product for the money. Of the non custom 1911s I own, I just have Colts and Springers.

October 24, 2013, 10:02 PM	#1
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	Range Officer or Colt Trophy? Hi all. Still in the hunt for the right 1911. From descriptions it seems like the Colt National Match and Range Officer are fairly similar guns. I realize the Colt is US made and highly regarded, but being a Colt commands a premium price. The RO is also well regarded. If the price difference were negated how would you compare these two? I can get a new RO for almost $200 less then a used Trophy (there is one in town), which seems like a no brain er, but there is part of me that really just wants a Colt.

October 24, 2013, 10:14 PM	#2
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	Range Officer or Colt Trophy? I have a SS. Colt Gold Cup Trophy Model. Love it and all...but may sell it. How much are you looking to spend? With factory grips With VZ grips.

October 25, 2013, 10:28 AM	#4
Olympus Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Posts: 770	Re: Range Officer or Colt Trophy? Both are excellent guns, but I think the Colt is the better of the 2. The RO has an internal locking system that I flat dislike. It also only comes in parkerized which will show a lot more wear than the stainless Colt.

October 25, 2013, 04:26 PM	#6
Olympus Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Posts: 770	Re: Range Officer or Colt Trophy? It's just something that I don't believe should be on a 1911. The RO has a grip safety, a thumb safety, and a firing pin safety already. A 4th safety, whether you use it or not, just is not something I see as necessary. By the time you replace the MSH on the RO, you'll be closer in price to the Colt anyway.

October 25, 2013, 07:01 PM	#9
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,716	Springfield makes a very nice 1911 for the money. Colt makes an outstanding 1911 for a bit more money. I own two gold cups and they are among my favorite handguns. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

October 25, 2013, 07:57 AM	#3
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	Check your PM's.

October 25, 2013, 12:12 PM	#5
3.Shot.Group. Junior member Join Date: June 24, 2013 Posts: 208	The ILS is unnoticeable. You can use it or leave it unlocked, or you can swap the MSH for one without the ILS in 2 minutes or less if you want the gun to look more traditional(despite the target sights ), the only noticeable difference is the small keyhole(5/32") on the ILS MSH. BTW, you can add an ILS main spring housing to the Colt if you want one on it, and they come in both flat and arched styles.

October 25, 2013, 06:00 PM	#7
3.Shot.Group. Junior member Join Date: June 24, 2013 Posts: 208	The RO doesn't have a firing pin safety, it has a titanium firing pin.

October 25, 2013, 06:48 PM	#8
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	First time at the range, 21 rounds at 20 yards. Jim

October 25, 2013, 08:35 PM	#10
SauerGrapes Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: S.E.PA. Posts: 920	I happen to own both. If someone offered me a choice between the 2, it would be very hard to choose. Both are terrific pistols. If your budget is a little lean, believe me, the RO will shoot right along with anything offered by Colt. __________________ NRA member, DCF&S member, PAFOA member, USPSA member, NSCA member R.I.P.____Murphy

October 25, 2013, 10:15 PM	#11
ripnbst Senior Member Join Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Spring, TX Posts: 1,552	Range Officer or Colt Trophy? I'd buy the Range Officer. Colts are over rated.

October 26, 2013, 01:00 AM	#14
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,312	I'm partial to the Range Officer too but I'd feel sorry for an RO that was consistently being shot by somebody who really wanted a Colt.

October 26, 2013, 07:41 AM	#15
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	The only Springfield 1911 I ever owned had serious feeding issues, couldn't make it through more than 3 mags in a single session without failing to fully chamber a round. I could fix it by swiping the feed ramp clean with my finger but it would only go for another 3 mags or so and fail to chamber again, and this was a $1200 lightweight operator model. It shot very well and had a lot of nice features (full size yet weighed 32oz unloaded, night sights, rail) but the feeding issues irritated me so badly I sold it. Having the feed ramp polished probably would have solved this issue but for $1200 I shouldn't have to do anything to make it function properly. Now I own a Colt Rail Gun, series 80, and it can go 300-400 rounds without any cleaning, function flawlessly, and shoot at least as good as the SA if not better, I picked it up barely used (probably just one box of ammo) for $900. I say go with Colt, their biggest drawback is finding them for sale. With ERGO grips With factory grips __________________ Sgt. of Marines, 5th Award Expert Rifle, 237/250 Expert Pistol, 382/400. D Co, 4th CEB, Engineers UP!! If you start a thread, be active in it. Don't leave us hanging. OEF 2011 Sangin, Afg. Molon Labe

October 26, 2013, 09:15 AM	#16
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	I'd rather have the Colt, but due to price I could live with the Springfield.

October 26, 2013, 12:23 PM	#17
Tucker 1371 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: East TN Posts: 2,649	Another thing I view as a plus for Colt is they don't use MIM to make high stress parts like the hammer. Springfield does. And AFAIK none of Colts parts are made overseas. __________________ Sgt. of Marines, 5th Award Expert Rifle, 237/250 Expert Pistol, 382/400. D Co, 4th CEB, Engineers UP!! If you start a thread, be active in it. Don't leave us hanging. OEF 2011 Sangin, Afg. Molon Labe

October 26, 2013, 01:06 PM	#18
thedudeabides Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Posts: 1,031	If I had to choose between a Colt and a SA, I'd choose Colt. __________________ OK, so not all plastic guns are bad

October 26, 2013, 01:24 PM	#19
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	Everyone who's saying "Colt" is helping me with a potential sale. Keep them coming! LOL

October 27, 2013, 03:44 AM	#21
745SW Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2011 Location: California Posts: 776	Colt

October 27, 2013, 06:25 AM	#22
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Recently bought a copy of Blue book of gun values. Wish I could buy some of the guns at the prices listed. Anyway browsing through the book one thing that jumps out at you is that Colt's retain the best resale value of all commercial manufactures, Les Baer, Ed Brown and Wilson combat not withstanding as these are custom built. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

October 27, 2013, 06:32 AM	#23
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	I have Colts, and Springfields. Both run fine, but I do prefer the Colts, and don't find them more expensive than other comparable 1911's. __________________ Pilot

October 27, 2013, 07:08 AM	#24
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	I'll put in a vote for the Range Officer. For under $1000 (I paid $680 for mine a couple of months ago) I don't think there's a finer 1911 available. Everything you need for precision shooting, nothing you don't. I save my "Colt money" for something I know was hand-fitted by a true craftsman many years ago. I have two from 1922 and one from 1913.

October 27, 2013, 08:28 AM	#25
thedudeabides Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Posts: 1,031	RO has weird sights, not that great of a finish, isn't fitted to the same level of quality as higher end Springers... If you want to compare apples and Brazilian apples, the Loaded/Operator is closer to the Trophy. TRP is somewhere up there, too, but it comes in bull barrel variants that are different from a traditional 1911. And I agree with everyone else, Kimbers are like Sigs. There's so many of them in stores because they offer a mid-range product for the money. Of the non custom 1911s I own, I just have Colts and Springers. __________________ OK, so not all plastic guns are bad