[Angry Beaver]

I have a Colt series 70 regular gov. model in satin nickle. I am thinking of trading it in for a 45 that I can carry, specifically a Kimber Compact CDP. Question, are these new Kimber's any good? I don't want to carry the other 45 cause it's too big, so what is it worth, it in very good shape.


Thanks, OH, Hi I'm new!!!!

 

[Silver Surfer]

AAAAAAA---Mad Girl?----what gun? WELCOME

 

[oldcolt]

Angry Beaver,
If it were me, I would hang on to that series 70. The compact 1911's are not that much smaller than a full-size. I wouldn't shell out another 700-900 bucks to save an inch. If you end up selling that series 70, it will be much harder to replace in the years to come and you will regret it in the long run. Well, at least that is my 2 cents worth. Welcome to the Forum!

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[Lupey]

First Welcome! My 2 cents worth is don't trade it in. Keep it and save up for another

Also you may want to look at the SA compacts. I own one and am very pleased with it.

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"You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty..we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it. I'd prefer you just said thank you and wen on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!" Col. Nathan R. Jessep

 

[col132]

Welcome to the forum Angry Beaver. If you are forced to trade (due to finances, etc), and you realize that you may be trading one of the larger group of appreciating Colts (70 series), then by all means do what makes you happy. Kimber and Springfield both make excellent lightweight carry guns, but don't overlook the Colt Defender or the Colt Commander.

 

[Angry Beaver]

Thanks all, FYI, it's not the money. I can buy the Kimber with no problem. It's just that I've got several handguns laying around that I don't really use. I don't think that I would ever use it as a carry gun and I don't really go to the range to shoot. It's kinda just sits there. Now the Kimber I could see as a gun that I would carry. the CDP seems to fit very nice in my hands and it's rounded edges and very tight slide are nice. So......What's the Colt worth and is the Kimber worth getting? Also, and this is off topic for this form, but what is a 6" Colt Python in new condition worth. Python is 15 years old and has maybe 200 rounds through it.

 

[fugedaboudit]

I would pick up a few different guns in your dealers case and spend some time with each one. I would check the fit and finish and be especially critical of trigger pull. A factory trigger can run the gamut from excellent to awful. It seems it is hard today to find a truly bad gun if you stick with the major players. Find one that seems to be well put together with a great trigger out of the box and you should be happy regardless of brand, if you stay away from the cheapo brands. You get what you pay for to a certain extent especially when looking at guns under $1000. There seems to be a much greater difference in quality between the $500-$1000 range than in the over $1000 range when you start paying for things that don't nescessarily make the gun shoot any better like titanium and cosmetic treatments.

 

[Roger Shambaugh]

One more vote for keeping the Government Model.

If money's not an issue, go ahead and get a small 45 that you like, and try that as your carry gun. Don't just pick one that looks good in a catalog, shop around, and if at all possible "try before you buy." Colt, Kimber, and Springfield all make good guns, but you need to look at all of them and get the one that suits YOU. If you decide later that the compact 45 isn't what you wanted after all, you still have your Gov't Model. (You can never have too many Government Models or Single Action Armies.)

Opinions have a right to differ, but I prefer the full-size Government Model 1911 over any other variations. They're easier to shoot well, and they also tend to be more reliable.
While most good quality 1911 pistols are reliable, the percentage of compacts that aren't reliable is larger than the percentage of Gov't Models that aren't reliable.

A Gov't Model isn't hard to conceal. I carry a full-size Springfield M1911-A1, every day, on and off duty, and when off duty my agency's policy requires me to carry it concealed. I know petite ladies who routinely carry a Gov't Model concealed. For IWB carry the Gov't is actually EASIER to conceal, because the longer slide pressing against your hip pushes the grip up tight against your side, whereas a pistol with a shorter barrel can allow the butt to sag outward. I can tell the difference in this regard between my old pre-Series 80 Colt Combat Commander and the Springfield I now carry on duty. As Clint Smith said, your pistol isn't supposed to be "comfortable," it's supposed to be "comforting." A good quality holster will conceal your full size 1911 very well. You will have to shop around to find the holster and belt that best fits your needs, whether using the Gov't or Compact 45, and with either pistol, you'll need pick your wardrobe around the gun, not the other way around.

As has been mentioned already, if you get rid of your Series 70 Gov't Model, you'll have a tough time finding another one later on. If the one you have doesn't suit you because it doesn't have high visibility sights, or any "bells and whistles" you find desirable, that's easily remedied.

Oh, one other thing. While it's desireable to have one gun as your every day carry piece, it's also advisable to have another as a spare. Gun parts sometimes break or wear excessively, and if you use it in a shooting, it will be taken as evidence, so it's not a bad idea to have something else to strap on while your primary gun is being repaired, or while it's being held as evidence.

Good luck,


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Roger Shambaugh
Ottawa, Kansas

[This message has been edited by KSLawman (edited 11-06-2001).]

 

[SamColtFan]

Hi AB....
Here's another vote for keeping your Series 70 Gov't. I'd trade in a new Kimber with much less hesitation than a Series 70 Colt in very good condition. And yes, the Kimbers are very good.
Regards,
Sam