[armabill]

What's the difference between the colt xs and the xse series.

 

[SamColtFan]

Hey Wildbill....
Price (XSE higher), features (XSE less), appearance (XS cooler

), date of manufacture (XS earlier),collectable(XS more desirable), finding (XS hard to find).
Regards,
Sam

P.S. I think the XS guns are the most attractive Colts ever produced. Be very cautious of over zealous dealers calling "XSE" guns "XS" because of the high desirability of the XS.



[This message has been edited by SamColtFan (edited 10-15-2001).]

 

[dsk]

They are basically identical except that the older XS had a proper upswept beavertail safety and decent lo-mount sights. Problem was, Colt wasn't making anything on them and had to up the price. They also cheapified the product by changing the beavertail to a more pedestrian paddle-style grip safety and standard blade rear sight. This was the new XSE. Rumor has it that Colt changed those two parts because they were contracted out and the union got upset. I don't know if that is true or not, though.

------------------
D. Kamm
USGI M1911/M1911A1 Pistols Website
http://www.geocities.com/M1911_M1911A1

 

[Shootin' Shane]

Here is a XS http://www.gunsamerica.com/upload/976140630.jpg

Here is a XSE http://www.youngsguns.com/gunpics/COLTXSEGOV.jpg

Notice the sights, thumb safety and grip safety. The XS was introduced first. Apparently Colt became involved in a dispute with the manufacturer of these particular parts and was either no longer able to get them or didn't want to pay what they cost. So they then began to build the XSE (enhanced) version, which really isn't as enhanced as the original.

 

[col132]

Unrelated, but XS talk brought it to mind. Can anyone explain why Colt will dovetail the front sight on the Trophy and my 1991A1 w/bomars, and they still refuse to on the XSE. Much simpler and practical improvement for the shooter/customer. For an expensive gun like the XSE you would think they would add this touch.

 

[ACP]

I have never owned one of the "coveted" XS models, but I own an XSE. I like the standard rear military sight cut; it gives me more options than the oddly-cut XS model rear sight. Also, for carry, I prefer (on this model)the narrow thumb safety, and I ADORE the spade grip safety. To each their own, I guess.

 

[armabill]

Thanks all for the info. Now I see the difference and I just realized that a dealer at a gun show this past weekend had an xse and had it labled as an xs. I didn't get it because I wasn't sure but all of you have set me straight- thanks. BTW, the dealer wanted $865 for it.

 

[SamColtFan]

Originally posted by ACP:
I have never owned one of the "coveted" XS models, but I own an XSE. I like the standard rear military sight cut; it gives me more options than the oddly-cut XS model rear sight. Also, for carry, I prefer (on this model)the narrow thumb safety, and I ADORE the spade grip safety. To each their own, I guess.

Hi ACP....
Don't get me wrong. The XSE Colt's are great pieces. And you're right about the fact that some people really like the standard sights better than the Novak style rear sights. But, in my opinion the XS guns just plain look awesome with the included features. From a marketing standpoint, the Colt XS was a contender for "Kimber Buster." (No offense to Kimber owners intended.)

I know how "coveted" the XS Colts are because it took me one year to collect just three of them NIB. Several shops told me that they had a waiting list for the XS CCO when it was discontinued. (I ended up buying my NIB XS CCO in Vermont.) I still have been unable to find the complete collection of the XS series. But, that's what makes collecting fun.

Most people make retail purchases based on appearance as well as function, name brand and price. As a long time Colt collector, I can only say that when I saw my first Colt XS Combat Commander, new in box at the local shop, my breath was taken away by it's beauty. Having been a long time Colt fan, and having knowledge about their quality and function, what moved me to make the buying decision was the emotion stirred by it's beauty. No Colts have ever hit me harder with the buying impulse than the XS series single tone pistols.

Now that Colt has gone forward with the new 1991A1 "Government Model" rollmark, I expect their sales of this model, based on this one "emotional tug", will increase.

Just my opinion. Enjoy your XSE.
Colt Commander XS:

Regards,
Sam




[This message has been edited by SamColtFan (edited 10-15-2001).]

 

[gunnuts]

HEY SAMCOLTFAN:GUNNUTS HERE,Witch one of the XS series are you short,I have the CCO gray frame not blue, and the combat commander,I know where there is a NIB GOV. MOD.It's high priced at $850.00

 

[UdontnoME]

SamColtFan, ya, wich one are you missing? I just picked up a NIB XS Officers LW a few weeks ago, worked a trade for it, actual cash in gun $400.00!! heheh, ya I know thats cheap, but I was in the Colt Match Hbar cheap too. I also have a NIB XS Commander LW, plus the three XS "Style" Defenders.

------------------
DEATH TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER!

IF IT'S NOT A COLT, IT'S JUST A COMPROMISE!

 

[SamColtFan]

Hi gunnuts...
When I first started looking for the XS Government the going price back in October of 2000 was in the $675-$695 neighborhood. $850 is steep but I'm sure it will sell. Let me know of the details At [email protected] Still looking for the stainless National Match with the Smith & Alexander upswept grip safety and extended ambies with rosewood grips, Model # O5070CS as pictured in Colt's last 1999 buyers Guide.

Thanks,
Sam

 

[ACP]

SamColtFan, Gee, if you're going to tempt me with pistol pornography like that, why not let me "borrow" it for a while?

Nice piece!