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I bought a new Colt Competition series 70 model earlier this year; let my dealer talk me into it instead of the Springfield TRP that I asked about. It is currently my main WB 1911 but the only factory parts that remain are the slide, frame, and mainspring housing. The pistol came from the factory with a barrel bore with no rifling present in 1/4 the length of the bore (looks like the rifling was cut off-center), a 7 lb trigger pull rougher than a gravel road, grip safety that had voids in the casting, and a thumb safety that was fitted incorrectly. The slide to frame fit was okay but a bit on the loose side. Rather than send it back and wait 8-10 months for them to do nothing but replace the barrel (maybe) I did the work myself. Not being a fan of MIM parts, those were all replaced with forged, a Cart barrel installed, new sights, and resprung. It now runs 100% with 230 gr. RN and 200 gr. SWC. Others have bought new Colts and been happy but I cannot recommend them. I did eventually buy a TRP which was much better but still used MIM parts. Those were replaced.

This is mine that I use for USPSA.

These are my 3 main 1911's. Full size DE. It was an early one, and has the billboard on the side, but it's probably my best .45. Full size Colt, and it's my back up WB 1911. Works great, but I don't want to beat it up too bad..... My commander DE, not WB legal, but was carried a lot, also an earlier model, but 'smith filled in the billboard, and then Cerakoted the slide. It has a set of Crimson Trace green laser grips, which is almost unfair, but I've never had a problem with it.

At the risk of making someone a little peeved, I can recommend Desert Eagle 1911's. When I could still do WB, I didn't want to tear up my Colt's or WC's, so I thought I would try one of them. All I did was change the grips and main spring to accommodate a lighter load, and with WC or McCormick magazines, I've never had a FTF or ejection problem. I liked it so well I bought a commander, and used it for years as an EDC. The only thing I didn't like about that was with Kydex, it wore some of the blueing off. I have since had that resolved with a custom Cerakote job, and she is sure pretty now. If I can dig through the safe, I will try to get some pictures, if anyone is curious. While I lack the knowledge of a lot you on here, I have enjoyed figuring out how to make them run. No one explained to me that a 1911 doesn't just dig a rabbit hole to go down, but it turns into a network of tunnels, with many twist and turns, and goes deeper than you could have guessed.

For what it is worth, anecdotal, I know, I have been using a Colt Competition 1911 that is actually a series 80. The only modification has been to change the front sight to a gold bead. I use good magazines and double check my ammo. No malfunctions ore issues.

A company that would let a 1911 out the door with a 7 pound trigger is no more likely to send you back a gun in serviceable condition than they were the first time. Like I said, ignore Colt at all costs and get yourself a Dan Wesson if that's what you have budget for. Colt is garbage.

Deleted. Responding on this thread is pointless. Keep genuflecting to your prejudices and biases. The forum should be disgraced at some of the vitriol spewed.

Ruger SR1911. Except for double diamond grips, a brass bearing glued into the front sight, and a Cylinder & Slide Shop sear spring, it's all stock.

Those are sweet! I've always wanted an early production Colt, but haven't found the "Right" one yet. My brother, and my best friend are both FFL's, and every so often they see Tisas under $200. We have been thinking about getting a couple, and seeing if we can drop in a Nighthawk ignition system, just to see if it would work. On paper, it should, but you never know...... If we do, I will report on how it goes. On a different note, how many have gone down the 2011 hole? I have a couple of Staccato's, one a double stack 45, and it shoots like a 9. Actually I think it's an STI. Then I had to get a couple of WC's, just for grins. Then I found a DWX, and it's a completely different animal. The good news is that it fits 1911 holsters just fine. and the factory magazines hold a couple of more rounds than the others do. You either love the grip, or you don't. Personally, it works for me. Which led to me rescuing an Italian police issued Browning Hi Power, and doing a complete rebuild and Cerakote as it had been rode hard and put up wet. Literally. It was rusted pretty bad, but looks brand new now. I would get pictures, but I will have to wait until tomorrow, if anyone is interested? I felt bad posting pictures, but if we can see some other cool guns, and hear their story, that would be awesome. We are kind of the keepers of history, and my brother is a striker kind of guy, but he will shoot anything I bring to the range. Especially if I bring the ammo. Let's keep this one going, and if you're just perusing the post, but have something cool, please chime in, and if you have pictures, let's see them.

My only 1911 currently. Colt 1918 reproduction. Factory stock, shoots WB and gets carried.

I have used 4.1 grains of WST for 225 gr. flat point in, Reds 45 power factor is 164.4, in mine it is 169.4 power factor. ST

Your assumption is incorrect. This is a guy who is a good friend of mine, sold it to me at his cost, never charges me a transfer fee, and even refused to let me pay for a rifle that I 'bought' for my son's Christmas present. He actually did offer to send it back but I figured the most that I could count on was the barrel replaced and an 8-month wait. Most 1911s in that price range are what I consider to be kits anyway. I don't mind doing the work and end up with something built the way that I want without spending big money with the high-dollar smiths.

Quite a few of the new Colt DA revolvers are now blued, and gorgeous they are. Pythons and Anacondas. I agree Dan Wesson makes a great 1911, just not sure I've found a DW legal for Traditional WB.

There is no non takedown Model 12. The Featherweight is a takedown. Just a different design than a standard Model 12.