[glider]

The last 2 I purchased new, a Combat Commander and a Competition are real rattlers! The Combat Commander is now gone and the Competition will follow probably. The competition has some nice features overall, I like it but damn it's loose. I have 2 Gold Cups, a series 80 and a series 70 that are both nice and tight, good guns. They may be the only Colts I own eventually!!!!!!!!!

 

[Greg Derr]

Colt can be measured in steps, two forward one back. Now that they have moved to CNC machining of the slides and frames the consistency of their measurements and tolerances has greatly improved. But, modernization has cost them some of their charm. Clearly the laser rollmarks and serialization is a step back from an esthetic sense but I'm sure it's cost based. MIM has also been a step back but they still retain some of their quality parts like the slide stop and thumb safety, this could change. But like hot rod builders and a 32 Ford it's about the bones for me. The new guns do make some of the work easier, but there are some things that still require welding and machining like the frame rails. Colt holds a special place in the hearts of 1911 lovers, I've yet to have someone ask me to build their birth year gun on a Springfield or Kimber not that they are bad guns, it's just that Colt has the history, kinda like Winchester. In closing, aside from some cosmetic details like the rollmarks and the lack of a ramped barrel model I think Colt has the best base gun on the market for the price point.

 

[markwell]

And Colts have class and a heritage! ,

 

[pistolwrench]

"I'm really curious to hear from those of you who are actual career pistolsmiths, not weekend tinkerers."

 

[James3612]

An interesting read. Thanks, all.

 

[45ofcourse]

I cant remember and to be honest I'm to lazy to look. Which one of you did the Tisas for yourself and posted pics here?
How did the Tisas measure/compare as a base gun?

Found it. Pistolwrench from july 17 24

 

[Pinecreekboy]

Thank you Jason and Chuck!

 

[Starship Enterpris]

For the master gunsmiths whom replied and shared their expertise, thank you very much. I was impressed with how little I know about the 1911 and what goes into building one of your fine creations.

 

[theraptur]

Well, I do agree the O1911C I got is pretty decent. Frame/slide/barrel fit was good. Sear sucked, easy fix. Hammer changed too, more comfort and aesthetics vs. actual need. Bushing. Better sights.

Thank you to the masters for the feedback. Great to hear and learn from.