Colt's 1911 WWI vs 1991A1

Army GI · September 18, 2007, 11:56 AM

After I get my friend paid off, I'm going to be back in the market for a pistol.

I've always thought I wanted a Colt Series 80 pistol. But once that WWI reproduction caught my I've been losing sleep as to which one I should get.

What would you go for any why? I understand that the Series 80 has the later improvements that make shooting more practical such as knurled surfaces and larger ejection ports etc. But I like to collect historical military firearms and I want something that underscores the M1903 Springfield that I have.

WWI Colt:

Colt Government:

RickB · September 18, 2007, 12:15 PM

If you like military history, then the M1911 is the way to go. The '91A1 is going to be a better shooter, with its better sights, and it's a couple of hundred dollars cheaper, but the M1911 is closer to the real deal.

Wildalaska · September 18, 2007, 12:26 PM

M1911 for the potential collector value down the road

Wild$$$Alaska TM

rellascout · September 18, 2007, 12:30 PM

I went with both.

WildtookallmymoneyandallI gotwasacoupleofcoltsAlaska

Billy Sparks · September 18, 2007, 12:45 PM

rellascout I feel your pain, I visit the man for a couple of hours on a sunny day and the next thing I know I am making payments on a Steyr Scout. But I did get some killer pizza and a heck of a tour of Anchorage out of it.

Army GI · September 18, 2007, 02:37 PM

ok so far the 1911 is winning but I see some votes for the series 80. I'll leave this over night before I make a decision

Wildalaska · September 18, 2007, 03:24 PM

Billy post some pics

!

WildwehavethebillysparkscorneroftheshippingbenchAlaska TM

Billy Sparks · September 19, 2007, 06:46 AM

Wild I will but I am still going through all the photos, all 600+ of them of the trip. My wife took the photos, WA can attest to how many shots she took in the short time we were at Wild West Guns.

But to answer the questions I have several Series 80's and a few Series 70's and a 1911 (I think that is what I got from you Ken, wasn't it?) I love to 1911 for it's history but for carrying and general shooting a Series 80 is for that.

johnbt · September 19, 2007, 07:26 AM

My WWI Repro has been reliable and accurate since day one. It's a joy to shoot and I like the sights better than the ones on my old Kimber Gold Match. Of course, I have bad eyes and progressive lenses in my glasses so YMMV on the sights. Come to think of it, I've only shot the Kimber once since I bought the Colt.

John

rellascout · September 19, 2007, 08:56 AM

Mine shoot like a dream.

I really love the feel and the look of the 1911 WWI.

Army GI · September 19, 2007, 03:27 PM

Aw guys, you're making this real easy for me to feel good about getting the WWI 1911. Right now it's winning by one vote!

rellascout · September 19, 2007, 05:44 PM

I will give you another reason to buy the 1911. They are a limited production gun. The 80 series will be around at relatively the same price for years to come. The WWI 1911 will not. Prices have already moved up on them.

Get the WWI now and the Colt 80 later.

HappyGunner · September 19, 2007, 06:17 PM

http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u...rent=1911b.jpg

It's the one on the bottom of photo.

Paid all of $40 for it back in 1965

Army GI · September 19, 2007, 09:01 PM

Wow $65, what a bargain compared to $1400 today!

Man, my brain is going to explode from all this back and fourth between models. But it looks like the 1911 is going to win out in the end.

mjolnir · September 20, 2007, 07:29 AM

I'd get the WWI, but remember the barrel's feed ramp is the ORIGINAL, designed-for-hardball, feed ramp.

The '80 will have the new Colt design feed ramp, and be more suitable for shooting all bullet types.

Army GI · September 20, 2007, 11:56 PM

I'd only be firing hardball through it anyway, I'm not intending it as a CCW or anything like that. I'm just highly attracted to the militarism of the piece. It would go better with my M1903 and M1 Garand than a civilian-looking Series 80, for SURE.

even11 · September 21, 2007, 12:31 AM

Go with the 1911, especially if it is to go with your 1903!! More collector appeal, limited availability, probably just as good of a range shooter too!!

-Dane

Wildalaska · September 21, 2007, 02:23 AM

Note that Colt is down to the last run of them too

WildcarbonaAlaska TM

Army GI · September 21, 2007, 02:17 PM

The people have spoken

johnbt · September 22, 2007, 02:30 PM

"I'd get the WWI, but remember the barrel's feed ramp is the ORIGINAL, designed-for-hardball, feed ramp."

Really? Mine shoots everything reliably.

I've seen a number of posts recently that say Colt is going to continue making the WWI Repro. Some of the folks posting were more than a bit upset that their guns weren't quite so rare anymore.

I'd like to have one with a Royal Blue finish.

John

BlueDragon · September 22, 2007, 05:07 PM

I voted for the m1911, just cuz i think it's better then series 80.

Wildalaska · September 22, 2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

I've seen a number of posts recently that say Colt is going to continue making the WWI Repro. Some of the folks posting were more than a bit upset that their guns weren't quite so rare anymore.

I think they have one more run and thats it.

WildbutifyoureallywanttoknowicanfindoutAlaska TM

Army GI · September 22, 2007, 07:36 PM

Well I'm glad it's so popular. Apparently, it's more popular than the WWII model seeing as how it's still being made by Colt. I believe that not only is the WWI model more pleasing to the eye, but it's simplicity compared to modern "stock guns" is what makes it so desireable. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I believe in. And the WWI model is just as good as any other 1911 out there.

Army GI · October 9, 2007, 12:46 AM

Well, I just realized that the WWI model is not legal in California. So I am completely bummed out right now.

But I shouldn't be because I just bought the Series 80 to make myself feel better.

Has anyone had any experience with reselling Colts? I'm thinking I'll keep this Series 80 as a shooter and sell it when I move out of California two or three years from now to buy the WWI model. Does the Series 80 hold it's value being a Colt? I probably won't shoot more than two or three hundred rounds per year through it.

Although, I might like it so much that I'll forget about buying another one. I might just have to buy both in the end.

Also, I'm interested in getting a lanyard loop for it (I'll turn it into a GI 1911, YET). Any recommendations?

Billy Sparks · October 9, 2007, 06:43 AM

Hey keep it you can never have too many Colts. As far as a lanyard loop check out Brownells. I am pretty sure they carry mainsprint housings with the loop.

View Poll Results: what say you
M1911	28	65.12%
Series 80	15	34.88%
Voters: 43. You may not vote on this poll

September 18, 2007, 11:56 AM	#1
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	Colt's 1911 WWI vs 1991A1 After I get my friend paid off, I'm going to be back in the market for a pistol. I've always thought I wanted a Colt Series 80 pistol. But once that WWI reproduction caught my I've been losing sleep as to which one I should get. What would you go for any why? I understand that the Series 80 has the later improvements that make shooting more practical such as knurled surfaces and larger ejection ports etc. But I like to collect historical military firearms and I want something that underscores the M1903 Springfield that I have. WWI Colt: Colt Government: Last edited by Army GI; September 19, 2007 at 04:21 PM.

September 19, 2007, 06:17 PM	#13
HappyGunner Senior Member Join Date: September 18, 2004 Posts: 1,302	The real WWI Colt http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u...rent=1911b.jpg It's the one on the bottom of photo. Paid all of $40 for it back in 1965

September 21, 2007, 12:31 AM	#17
even11 Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 187	Go with the 1911, especially if it is to go with your 1903!! More collector appeal, limited availability, probably just as good of a range shooter too!! -Dane __________________ Ref. Psalm 1911: " And yea, though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for I go cocked and locked. My Hydra-Shoks and my Black Talons they comfort me." -Revjen45

October 9, 2007, 12:46 AM	#24
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	Dang. Well, I just realized that the WWI model is not legal in California. So I am completely bummed out right now. But I shouldn't be because I just bought the Series 80 to make myself feel better. Has anyone had any experience with reselling Colts? I'm thinking I'll keep this Series 80 as a shooter and sell it when I move out of California two or three years from now to buy the WWI model. Does the Series 80 hold it's value being a Colt? I probably won't shoot more than two or three hundred rounds per year through it. Although, I might like it so much that I'll forget about buying another one. I might just have to buy both in the end. Also, I'm interested in getting a lanyard loop for it (I'll turn it into a GI 1911, YET). Any recommendations?

September 18, 2007, 12:15 PM	#2
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	If you like military history, then the M1911 is the way to go. The '91A1 is going to be a better shooter, with its better sights, and it's a couple of hundred dollars cheaper, but the M1911 is closer to the real deal.

September 18, 2007, 12:26 PM	#3
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	M1911 for the potential collector value down the road Wild$$$Alaska TM

September 18, 2007, 12:30 PM	#4
rellascout Junior member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 2,435	I went with both. WildtookallmymoneyandallI gotwasacoupleofcoltsAlaska

September 18, 2007, 12:45 PM	#5
Billy Sparks Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Posts: 745	rellascout I feel your pain, I visit the man for a couple of hours on a sunny day and the next thing I know I am making payments on a Steyr Scout. But I did get some killer pizza and a heck of a tour of Anchorage out of it.

September 18, 2007, 02:37 PM	#6
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	ok so far the 1911 is winning but I see some votes for the series 80. I'll leave this over night before I make a decision

September 18, 2007, 03:24 PM	#7
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Billy post some pics ! WildwehavethebillysparkscorneroftheshippingbenchAlaska TM

September 19, 2007, 06:46 AM	#8
Billy Sparks Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Posts: 745	Wild I will but I am still going through all the photos, all 600+ of them of the trip. My wife took the photos, WA can attest to how many shots she took in the short time we were at Wild West Guns. But to answer the questions I have several Series 80's and a few Series 70's and a 1911 (I think that is what I got from you Ken, wasn't it?) I love to 1911 for it's history but for carrying and general shooting a Series 80 is for that.

September 19, 2007, 07:26 AM	#9
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	My WWI Repro has been reliable and accurate since day one. It's a joy to shoot and I like the sights better than the ones on my old Kimber Gold Match. Of course, I have bad eyes and progressive lenses in my glasses so YMMV on the sights. Come to think of it, I've only shot the Kimber once since I bought the Colt. John

September 19, 2007, 08:56 AM	#10
rellascout Junior member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 2,435	Mine shoot like a dream. I really love the feel and the look of the 1911 WWI.

September 19, 2007, 03:27 PM	#11
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	Aw guys, you're making this real easy for me to feel good about getting the WWI 1911. Right now it's winning by one vote!

September 19, 2007, 05:44 PM	#12
rellascout Junior member Join Date: September 2, 2004 Posts: 2,435	I will give you another reason to buy the 1911. They are a limited production gun. The 80 series will be around at relatively the same price for years to come. The WWI 1911 will not. Prices have already moved up on them. Get the WWI now and the Colt 80 later.

September 19, 2007, 09:01 PM	#14
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	Wow $65, what a bargain compared to $1400 today! Man, my brain is going to explode from all this back and fourth between models. But it looks like the 1911 is going to win out in the end.

September 20, 2007, 07:29 AM	#15
mjolnir Member Join Date: February 13, 2005 Location: Valhalla Posts: 79	I'd get the WWI, but remember the barrel's feed ramp is the ORIGINAL, designed-for-hardball, feed ramp. The '80 will have the new Colt design feed ramp, and be more suitable for shooting all bullet types.

September 20, 2007, 11:56 PM	#16
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	I'd only be firing hardball through it anyway, I'm not intending it as a CCW or anything like that. I'm just highly attracted to the militarism of the piece. It would go better with my M1903 and M1 Garand than a civilian-looking Series 80, for SURE.

September 21, 2007, 02:23 AM	#18
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,172	Note that Colt is down to the last run of them too WildcarbonaAlaska TM

September 21, 2007, 02:17 PM	#19
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	The people have spoken

September 22, 2007, 02:30 PM	#20
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	"I'd get the WWI, but remember the barrel's feed ramp is the ORIGINAL, designed-for-hardball, feed ramp." Really? Mine shoots everything reliably. I've seen a number of posts recently that say Colt is going to continue making the WWI Repro. Some of the folks posting were more than a bit upset that their guns weren't quite so rare anymore. I'd like to have one with a Royal Blue finish. John

September 22, 2007, 05:07 PM	#21
BlueDragon Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2006 Location: Muncie Indiana Posts: 265	I voted for the m1911, just cuz i think it's better then series 80.

September 22, 2007, 07:36 PM	#23
Army GI Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2006 Posts: 284	Well I'm glad it's so popular. Apparently, it's more popular than the WWII model seeing as how it's still being made by Colt. I believe that not only is the WWI model more pleasing to the eye, but it's simplicity compared to modern "stock guns" is what makes it so desireable. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I believe in. And the WWI model is just as good as any other 1911 out there.

October 9, 2007, 06:43 AM	#25
Billy Sparks Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Posts: 745	Hey keep it you can never have too many Colts. As far as a lanyard loop check out Brownells. I am pretty sure they carry mainsprint housings with the loop.

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