[trip286]

I have made a deal with my wife. This coming tax season, if all goes well and there's no issues we have to take care of, she gets her disney world vacation, and I get a 1911.

I originally told her I wanted the Colt. I don't know Colt very well, I know they have their fans and their haters, but I know my M16A2 in boot camp was great. I do know S&W pretty well and am a fan for sure.

I've been thinking about a 1911 for a while, and was pretty much limiting myself based on price meaning I wanted a cheap one, entry level, whatever. But now I have made a deal to spend 1k or thereabouts and was wondering about the opinions.

In the end I'll end up getting what strikes me, but I want to hear about some of the differences/pros/cons of one over the other.

It would serve as a carry weapon and a range gun. Will not be modified for any competition, but MAY be modified for carry and reliability, most likely will be kept as it comes in the box.

I really cant decide between the 2 and I may be jumping the gun (no pun intended) because taxes are still months away. Between the 2 I like the looks of the S&W with their fishscale slides. But that is the only thing I can come up with.

[Dgunsmith]

S&W would be my recommended choice for fit, reliability and quality of parts.

Built to better tolerances COLT = correct our loose TOLERANCES !

[mesinge2]

GOLD CUP, nuff said

[trip286]

Originally Posted by mesinge2

GOLD CUP, nuff said

Not really LOL!!! I've seen pics of the gun! I know they're both fine pistols, and that's why I cant decide. At least I have until January at the absolute minimum.

[JonM]

colt. no question. both will shoot. but the colt will be higher quality of fit and finish. colts are built to the actual 1911 spec for the most part. yeah some models add internal safeties and extended this and that but the dimensions are all correct.

colts work right out of the box. if they dont colt says to send it back.

finally got my original colt series 70 back after my brother abused and neglected it for 20ish years. still functions great just needs the springs replaced.

ive got 3 colts a new agent and two series 70. one is old one is new. my new one feeds empty cases to hollow points to full wadcutters. the older one will feed hollow points and fmj but not the empties and wadcutters.

the new agent also feeds em all.

ive had a number of other 1911s but they just dont stack up to a colt.

i also own other handguns in 45acp sigp220 xdm and had a cz97bd which my father currently has (gave it to him for self defense)

i like 45s but colt is the best

[canebrake]

I think S&W makes a fine wheel gun. I think they come up short in the 1911 department.

Get the Colt Gold Cup. It has retained the JM Browning genes and not found a need to answer a question not asked. The external extractor.

If you want a great revolver, get a Smith, but if you want a true 1911, get the Colt.

[Mr_1911]

The gold cup, all the way. My first 1911 was a gold cup, my grandfather me his series 80 gold cup and it is by far the most sweet shooting reliable gun I have!

[neilage66]

Another vote for the GCT here.

[g17frantz]

+1 for the Gold Cup

[danf_fl]

Between the two choices, I would go with the Colt.